How to Find the Source of a Garbage Disposal Leak
Leaks develop over time no matter how careful you are with the system. Finding a pool of water under your sink isn’t something you want to experience, but don’t worry if you do. You can either call a plumber and have them look for the problem area, or you can find the leak yourself. Before you get started, you need to know the system itself.
Garbage Disposal Anatomy
When dealing with a garbage disposal leak, there are usually four places that could be the culprit: the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, the drainage pipe or the disposal itself. The sink flange is the section that connects the top of the disposal unit to the bottom of the sink’s drain. The dishwasher connection is established using a rubber hose that’s attached to the side of the garbage disposal unit. Then there’s the drain pipe, which is either a metal or plastic pipe that allows water and food to drain into the sewer. Lastly, we have the disposal unit itself could be the cause of the leak.
The Source
To determine the source of the leak, dry out the sink flange and garbage disposal, so any new moisture introduced will be easy to see. Once they’re dry, plug your sink and fill it with several inches of water. Observe the disposal while the water sits in the sink for a few minutes. If any dripping is present, then there’s a problem with your sink flange.
However, if the area stays dry, then it’s time to test the rest of the system. Unplug the sink and watch the garbage disposal as the water drains out. If you see water dripping from the disposal, dishwasher connection or drainage pipe, then you’ll be able to determine the best solution for the area.
DIY or Get a Professional?
If you’ve had previous experience repairing plumbing issues in the past, then this may be an easy do-it-yourself task. Once you’ve determined the source of the leak, it’s time for the real work to begin. If the leak originated in the sink flange, it might be the case that you just need to tighten the bolts connected to the sink drain. If not, then a new layer of putty might need to be applied to keep the flange in place.
Did the leak begin in the dishwasher hose? Then determine whether or not it’s cracked or just loose. A loosened hose just needs to be tightened, but a cracked one needs to be replaced completely. The drainage pipe can be fixed in the same manner, by simply tightening the connection. However, if the seal within the line is old, it probably needs to be replaced. If there’s a crack in the garbage disposal unit, then you’ll need a professional to replace or repair it, depending on the extent of the damage.
Do you need a professional plumber to fix your garbage disposal leak? Then place a call to Edmonton’s Total Plumbing and Heating, the best plumbing experts in the city. Since 2003, we’ve been servicing Edmonton and Northern Alberta customers, both residential and commercial, with their plumbing and heating needs. Our services include construction assistance, plumbing installation and repair, water heater installation, furnace installation and more. For more information or to book an appointment, call us today or visit our website https://totalph.ca.
