A garbage disposal is one of the most useful kitchen appliances. Dishwashing becomes much easier with the support of disposal. Cleaning plates into the garbage before washing can sometimes be skipped altogether, allowing you to clean all your dish in a single area.
Furthermore, any food debris left in the sink after cleaning the dishes can be swept down the pipe with the nozzle without your hands being dirty. However, if your trash disposal begins to leak, its benefits and convenience will swiftly disappear. What is the source of a garbage disposal leakage?
Here are six reasons your garbage disposal is leaking.
6 Reasons for a Garbage Disposal Leakage
- If the garbage disposal leaks from the top, the sink flange is most likely to blame. A flange and plumbing putty connect garbage disposals to your sink. This seal could weaken and become loose over the years. It may break down if the trash disposal gets pushed hard enough to rupture the seal (this is most likely while conducting basic plumbing maintenance under the sink).
- If the garbage disposal drips from the side, the drain lines are most likely to blame. Another typical location for garbage disposal leaks is where the drain lines meet. You’ll see two connectors on the opposite side of your garbage disposal. The smaller hose dumps your dishwasher into the disposal. The bigger pipe from the disposal lower down is the drain to your sewer.
- If the trash disposal leaks from the bottom, the most likely cause is a broken seal inside the garbage disposal. If any seals are worn out, cracked, or damaged, water can escape and cause leakages. Internal seals deteriorate with time and need replacement over the years.
- The body of the garbage disposal unit itself is likely to develop cracks over time. It occurs due to different objects being disposed of or dropped on it over time, excessive wear, years of use, etc. In this case, replacing the garbage disposal unit is best.
- Improper installation is one of the main reasons why your garbage disposal might be leaking. If the unit is not installed properly, the plumbing connections are not secure, which leads to water escaping through them. If you’ve done a DIY installation, it is best to call in a professional.
- Discharge pipes carrying ground-up food waste from the garbage disposal to the drainpipe might become clogged or damaged over time. If you spot any cracks, leaks or see that the pipe is corroded, it will cause the water to leak. Moreover, if the pipes are constantly clogged with food particles or other dirt particles, water will overflow and cause leakage while washing or using the sink.
- Using excessive force or overloading the garbage disposal can lead to leaks. When grinding food waste, don’t push it down on the disposal unit with a lot of force to feed it huge amounts of food at once. It will surely cause the unit to either leak or break down. Instead, you must ensure that small amounts of food go in and be careful of what you dispose of.
- Corrosion or rust: If the trash disposal or its components, such as the grinding chamber or drain pipe, are composed of materials prone to corrosion or rust, weak areas or holes can form. Water might leak as a result of corrosion.
- Faulty or worn-out components: Various trash disposal components, such as the motor, impellers, or seals, might malfunction or wear out over time. These malfunctioning or worn-out parts might lead to water leaks.
- Putting too much food waste or huge bits of food into the garbage disposal immediately will overload the device and cause leaking. Excessive food waste might strain the disposal’s motor, causing water to flow out.
Your 1 Plumber Is Your Number One Drain Cleaning Service Provider
You should use garbage disposal leakage correctly for a hassle-free cleaning routine. However, cleaning by an expert is equally important. So, if you need professional drain cleaning or plumbing services in the Germantown, Fredrick, Columbia, etc. areas, Your 1 Plumber is here to answer your call.
We provide the high-quality help you need to keep your pipes unclogged and running smoothly. So, don’t let clogged drains ruin your day. Contact us today!