A leaky garbage disposal is often overlooked until it causes a soggy cabinet, foul-smelling puddle or an audible drip from the unit. It can also be difficult to fix the problem because there may be many components within the system that are at fault.
With a bit of research, it is possible to pinpoint the source of the problem and, depending on its exact location, stop the water from leaking and fix the part that is responsible. Even worse, it could be that your garbage disposal needs to be replaced. If this happens, you can install a new garbage disposal yourself.
So, let us now explain how to fix garbage disposal leaking from bottom.
Locate the leak
To prevent electric shock, disconnect the power supply from the breaker box and unplug the garbage disposal. Next, insert a watertight stopper in your sink drain. Finally wipe the disposal dry using a cloth. Mix a couple drops of food coloring in a cup of water. Pour the water into the container and then locate the leak.
Examine the source
Use a flashlight to inspect the device for any escaping colored water. It is most likely that it has come from one or more of the following places:
- the top where the disposal connects to the sink drain
- the side where the main drain pipe or dishwasher hose connects to disposal
- or the bottom of your unit
You can inspect each location by placing a light-colored towel over it. The dyed water on the rag will easily show the area of the leakage. If the leak doesn’t appear immediately, take out the sink stopper, pour some dyed water down to the sink drain and then inspect again for any leaks. While leaks closer to the top are most likely, they are less noticeable if the sink has been unplugged. Side and bottom leaks will be more obvious if the sink is not plugged.
Re-seal the trash disposal flange if it is leaking
It is usually sealed with plumber’s putty (a clay-like sealant), and secured under the sink using bolts. The flange may not be able to seal the drain from the disposal if the glue becomes brittle or the bolts become loose. This could lead to a leaky top.
First, remove the garbage disposal from the sink to repair the leaky flange. Begin by loosening the bolts that connect the main drain pipe to your disposal. Next, loosen the clamps holding the disposal’s dishwasher hose. Finally, remove the drainpipe and dishwasher hose from the disposal. Next, loosen the bolts that attach the disposal to the mount assembly under the sink. Then, pull the disposal down and place it carefully on a dry, clean surface. Next, use a wrench to loosen the bolts on the mounting assembly. Then remove the mounting assembly from the disposal.
The sink flange should be lifted from the top. You can use a putty knife or a cloth to remove the plumber’s glue from the top of your sink. Grab a handful of plumber’s putty (available online, at hardware shops, and home centers) and roll it out into a “rope” measuring approximately eight- to quarter inches in width.
The putty rope should be wrapped around the flange to form a collar. Once the rope is tightened, insert the flange in the drain opening. Install the mounting assembly again, using care to tighten all bolts. Then, attach the drain pipe and garbage disposal in the opposite order.
If you can see the leakage from the trash disposal side
There are two drain lines that run from the side of garbage disposals: one is a dishwasher drain pipe connecting to the disposal’s dishwasher outlet, the other drain pipe connects to the sewer via an outlet at the wall.
The problem may be in the connection between the metal clamp and the dishwasher hose. If this happens, use a screwdriver to tighten the bolts in the clamp.
The leak may be located on the end where the disposal connects to the waste pipe. Unscrew the drain pipes screws and check the rubber gasket. It could well have worn. Re-tighten drainpipe screws and replace the gasket.
The most common sign that there is a leak from the disposal’s bottom (usually from the reset button), is that either one of the seals on the inside shell that protects it has failed or the shell has cracked. Water from the sink can seep into the disposal’s shell and cause it to leak out of its base. An old garbage disposal can have one defective internal seal. If this happens, you should install another one.
You can hire a professional plumber to replace your unit for $400, plus labor. A new garbage disposal should last between 8 and 15 years.
Run water down the drain to check your work
No matter if you have repaired or replaced your leaking garbage disposal, make sure to check for missed problems. Use a dry cloth to wipe the unit clean. Next, unplug any plugged sink drains and add a couple of cups dyed water. You can inspect the whole unit with a flashlight. You can check the unit with a flashlight if there is no leak.
Avoid future leaks
A garbage disposal is essential to prevent future leaks. Remember to only grind soft food; bones, cores of apples, and raw potatoes could cause internal leakage or even damage. To prevent solid fats from forming into gunk, run cold water down the drain after and before food disposal. This can cause sink flange damage and leaks. To catch small leakages before they cause damage to kitchen floors or sink cabinets, make sure you inspect the disposal at least twice per year.
When to call a plumber
If you don’t want to get your hands dirty or don’t have the time to troubleshoot the problem, a local qualified plumber should be able come over quickly and for a reasonable price.
