A garbage disposal is essential to any home. With it you can better dispose of all of the food waste that runs down the sink. A garbage disposal helps to prevent clogs from forming in your drains and the sewer line. Even so, a garbage disposal can suddenly begin leaking water and leave many homeowners wondering if they will need to replace their garbage disposal. Randall’s Plumbing will share what can cause a garbage disposal to leak and whether or not it can be repaired or will need to be replaced.
Need to Tighten Drain Flange
When there is a leak around the garbage disposal, often it is actually coming from the sink. The sink has a flange that connects the garbage disposal to the sink’s drain. The flange, and in some cases the plumber’s putty ring, may have weakened or decayed and is no longer working as a proper seal. When water enters the sink it can now leak past the flange, which results in a leak. The water will drip down from the garbage disposal making many homeowners fear their garbage disposal is actually leaking. If the flange is worn out, it will need to be replaced and the sink sealed to stop the water from leaking down. If it is not the seal, then check the garbage disposal connection bolts and make sure they are tight.
Drain Line Connection Repair Needed
When the leak appears to be coming from the side of the garbage disposal, there may be a problem with the drain line connection. In many cases the drain pipe line from the dishwasher will connect to the garbage disposal. Often the leak in the drain line isn’t properly connected. Start by checking the drain connection clamps. They are connected by screws as well as a rubber gasket and the clamp holds them in place. They are tightened down so the water cannot spill out. If the clamp is loose, make sure to tighten it back down. If the clamps are not loose, then the problem may be with the hose. It not uncommon for the hoses to develop cracks or holes. You may need to have the hose replaced.
Need to Replace Seal of Garbage Disposal
When you know for sure the leak is coming from the garbage disposal, and typically from the bottom, most likely the garbage disposal has broken an internal seal. There is an internal seal that holds the water inside the garbage disposal while it flows through the drainage system. When the seal breaks down, water can then leak out from the garbage disposal. To see if the garbage disposal seal is broken, inspect the body of the garbage disposal. Look for cracks and water stains. If there is a crack or signs water is leaking out, then your garbage disposal is broken. If this is the case the garbage disposal will need to be replaced.
Residential Plumbing Repair, Replacement & More in Marshfield, Conway & Greater Lebanon, Missouri
When a garbage disposal has a leak and you need help repairing the source of the leak or you need to replace the garbage disposal as well as any other plumbing needs, contact Randall’s Plumbing today.
