The cabinets and cubbies under your sink have been wet for several days now. You don’t know where it comes from, but there is a puddle of water and everything under there is soggy. Could it be that your garbage disposal is leaking?
Our Nautilus Plumbing experts know how irritating it is to find unexplained leaks that occur at the cause of a faulty appliance. And it may not be the case that your garbage disposal is faulty, but there is something causing it to leak.
If you have soggy cabinets or a foul-smelling puddle under your sink, it’s more than likely that you need to get your garbage disposal fixed. Here are some steps you can take to identify the source of your leaking garbage disposal and some possible causes for why it may be leaking.
Step 1. Identify the Location of the Leak
The first step in figuring out what exactly is causing your garbage disposal to leak is to find out where the leak is coming from. There can be different causes depending on whether the leak is coming from the sides or the bottom, for example. Here is a closer look at the different leak locations:
On The Side
Is the water coming from the side? This likely means that the drain lines are the culprit. There are two connections where the drain lines connect to the disposal. If the leak is coming from one of these hoses, you should reach out to your local professionals to have the hoses tightened or re-sealed.
On The Top
A leak sprouting from the very top of the garbage disposal may indicate a problem with the sink flange. There is a type of adhesive or putty that connects the disposal to the sink, and if this material comes loose, it can cause some major linking. It is an easy fix, though, and a highly affordable one as well.
On The Bottom
An H2OUSE news piece mentioned that garbage disposals leaking from the bottom can be the result of a broken seal, or the water could be leaking from the reset button which is located directly underneath. Broken seals are not uncommon, but they are usually the result of too much wear and tear. Unfortunately, in most cases of a bottom leak, the entire unit should be replaced.
Now you know that identifying the source of the leak can indicate what exactly is wrong with your garbage disposal. From there, you can decide whether or not it can be repaired or whether you need a new unit altogether. There are some things you can do with your current disposal to prevent it from leaking.
How to Keep Your Disposal from Leaking
Looking to protect your current garbage disposal from breaking or leaking? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t put any hard food particles or chunks of food down the disposal. Only soft foods should be going down the drain.
- Never pour bleach or other chemicals down the drain.
- Inspect and clean your garbage disposal regularly.
- Don’t ever put paper, coffee, or eggshells into your garbage disposal!
- Run cold water down the drain while the garbage disposal is in use.
Following these simple tips and habits can extend the longevity of your disposal, preventing you from a sudden repair or replacement costs. If you do find out that you are in need of a repair, make sure you find a local professional with prices and service quality that you can trust.
Get Fast, On-Time Plumbing Services ASAP!
Nautilus Plumbing is your local team of professionals available to help you with any of your plumbing needs. Whether you have a busted pipe, a leaky faucet, or a mysterious clog, our pros will get to the bottom of things right away. For more information, contact us online or give us a call at 323-629-4627 today!