Do you suspect that your garbage disposal is leaking? Garbage disposals usually leak from three places: the top, the pipe connections, and the bottom. To find out if your garbage disposal is leaking, check these three common places first. Use a flashlight and check for condensation, puddling, and other signs of water accumulation on or beneath your disposal. Typically a leak is the result of a minor component that’s loose or worn out.
Where is My Garbage Disposal Leak Coming From?
In most cases, a garbage disposal leak will come from four of the following places:
- Sink Flange – located at the top of the garbage disposal. It connects the disposal to the top of the sink.
- Dishwasher Hose Connection – located on the side of the disposal. This is where the flexible plastic dishwasher hose connects to the disposal.
- Drain Line Connection – also located on the side of the disposal. This is where the main drain pipe connects to the disposal via curing metal or PVC plastic pipes.
- Reset Button – located on the bottom of the disposal. The button deactivates the disposal if it jams or the motor overloads.
How Can I Tell if My Garbage Disposal is Leaking?
The first step is looking for obvious signs. If you see puddling water, dampness, dripping, or a musty smell under your kitchen sink, you have a leak. If you do discover signs of a leak, first check to make sure it’s not the sink or the sink’s p-trap. The next step is to unplug the garbage disposal and examine it. Using food coloring mixed with water is a great way to identify where the leak is coming from.
You can locate the leak by examining the common areas as follows:
- Sink Flange – check for dripping or water accumulation around the top and bottom of the ring of the flange. Use a flashlight and feel for moisture by hand.
- Hose Connection – For this check, you’ll need to run your dishwasher. Watch the hose as water runs from the dishwasher drain through it into the disposal. Pay close attention to connection points.
- Drain Line Connection – Check the connection and pay close attention to the screws that fasten the line to the disposal and to the gap between the disposal drain line.
- Reset Button – Shine a light on the button and check for slow, constant dripping and water accumulation directly under the unit.
Need Help Repairing your Leaky Garbage Disposal?
Top of the Line Plumbing provides plumbing services to Duval County, St. Johns County, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and the surrounding areas. There isn’t a plumbing job too big or too small for our team to handle. From repairs and repiping to hydro jetting and water filtration, Top of the Line has the experts to get the job done.
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