Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking Through the Bottom?
Garbage disposals make cleaning possible with a flip of a button. They break down food waste effectively and minimize your usage of garbage bags, which can save you money and the environment.
No matter how effective these incredible machines are, they are not exempted from wear and tear, which can lead to leaks, especially at the bottom of the disposal. These leaks are caused by worn-out or damaged seals and even cracks within the disposal.
If you want to find out more about why your disposal is leaking through the bottom, then keep reading this post, you will learn the source of the leaks and when should you call for a professional.
Damaged or Worn Seals
Garbage disposal units usually have seals that keep leaks away. This seal is usually made using a plumber’s putty, and it secures the parts of a disposal together, like the flange. However, daily use can lead to wear and tear of the seals. When this happens, water in the sink can sneak into your garbage disposal and leak out through the bottom.
If your internal seals have worn in your garbage disposal, then you might not want to repair it at all. The reason for this, if one seal is deteriorated, then there is a chance that the other seals are deteriorating or have already been deteriorated. You should also take into consideration the age of your garbage disposal. A newer model may just need a little amount of extra plumber’s putty, but a model that is older than five years old could have more issues.
Cracked Housing
When a garbage disposal has been used for a long period, the interior shell of the garbage disposal becomes vulnerable to cracking, allowing water to leak out from the seams. If this happens, then you have to replace your garbage disposal.
In some instances, pipe connections and hoses get banged or pinched, leading to a crack, and eventually a leak. It is recommended to check the pipes and hoses with a flashlight while using the garbage disposal.
Improperly Installed or Loose Connections
On some occasions, you may be able to backtrack the leaks from the installation process. Upon installing a new garbage disposal, it’s crucial to check all the wires and cords are connected properly. If any mistake took place at any point during the installation process, it might have led to the leak that is occurring right now. You may call a professional to correct the installation to fix and prevent future leaks.
Corrosion
Leaks due to corrosion are a sign that your garbage disposal has been used for a longer period. Rust gradually wears down the unit, leading to leaks. If you want to get rid of this rusty situation, then follow the steps below.
You will need bags of ice cubes, 3 tablespoons of salt, and 1 cup of lemon juice To start, pour the salt into the cup of lemon juice and stir well. Then, pour the mixture overnight into your garbage disposal. Do not run the water or use the sink during this time. Allow the lemon juice to sit overnight. In the next day, run cold water to rinse the mixture. After that, pour some ice cubes to sharpen the blades.
If the steps above don’t work, then may need to contact a professional to repair your unit.
Blade or Impeller Damage
The garbage disposal’s main job is to crush and pulverize food waste down the drain using its blades or impellers. A broken blade or impeller becomes can cause problems like leaks through the bottom of the disposal. It is recommended to call for professional help for repairs.
