The unnerving sound of a leaking garbage disposal can be the equivalent of Chinese water torture for a homeowner. All jokes aside, hearing your unit drip is never a good sign, especially if you haven’t had your disposer for a decade. Thankfully, there are several directions you can follow to fix the leak and get your disposer back in shape. Take a look at our step-by-step guide and learn how to fix a leaky garbage disposal like a pro.
How Do I Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal?
Finding out how to fix a leaky garbage disposal is easier than you may think. Simply follow the 4 steps we have provided below to get yours dry and working again.
Step 1.
Turn off your disposer’s wall switch and unplug the unit. In case you don’t have easy access to the plug, shut it off from your main circuit breaker. Never work on a disposal that is still connected to its power source. Even if you don’t have to work inside the drain, you should never be careless with electronics near water.
Step 2. – Top Leak
Grab a case of plumber’s putty and a putty knife to fix a unit leaking from the top. If there is water dripping from this area, there’s a good chance it’s caused by a loose sink flange. Remove the garbage disposal from under your sink. After, clean any existing putty off the flange. Finish off by re-sealing the unit using new putty and your knife. In fact, we generally recommend a putty knife as one of the tools every homeowner should have.
Step 3. – Side Leak
Get a screwdriver to repair a disposer that’s leaking from the side. It’s likely that the cause is the connection of your drain lines. If the dripping is coming from the dishwasher connection, tighten the metal clamp with the screwdriver. Alternatively, if the bigger pipe is leaking, use your tool to tighten to screws. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with the rubber gasket, replace it with a new one.
Step 4.
Mop up any of excess water or contents and restore the unit’s power. Plug it back into its outlet or re-enable the circuit breaker, depending on the first step you took. Turn your faucet on and allow a stream of water to flow while you turn your disposal back on from the wall switch.
* Regretfully, a disposal with a bottom leak most likely needs to be replaced. The reason it’s leaking directly out of the bottom is probably that the internal seal has worn out. It usually happens when a garbage disposer has been used for quite a few years and its product life has come to an end. However, you can buy one of the best quiet garbage disposal units on the market for a great price.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s easy to learn how to fix a leaky garbage disposal if you have the appropriate resources. You can save a considerable amount of money by repairing your unit on your own, particularly if it’s only leaking. How did you remedy your dripping unit? Let us know how your experience was in the comment section below.