Understanding Your Garbage Disposal: What Causes It to Leak?

According to a post by Study Finds, a recent survey found that the average American spends over a thousand hours in the kitchen every year. From preparing and cooking meals to spending time with family and friends, these are just some of the things folks in the U.S. do in their kitchens.

But as crucial as kitchens are, they contain many things that, when damaged, can turn them from a warm and cozy room into a health risk. A perfect example is a garbage disposal leaking water and food debris.

Sounds familiar?

If so, this guide, created by our team of experts at Eco 1 Plumbing in Miami, FL, is for you. Read on to discover common reasons and culprits behind leaks, how to address them, and garbage disposal maintenance tips.

Deteriorated Seals

One of the most common reasons for garbage disposal leaks is a faulty seal, which could be:

• The rubber gasket on the top rim of the unit where it mounts to the flange
• The plumber’s putty that seals the flange to the sink

If the rubber gasket is the culprit, you may notice that the leak comes from the disposal system’s top area. If the putty is defective, water, even small bits of food debris, may come from where the unit mounts to the sink.

Either way, don’t delay fixing a leaking garbage disposal; it can increase your Miami home’s indoor humidity. The more humid your home is, the better it is for molds. You don’t want this because molds can cause property damage and, as the U.S. CDC points out, result in possible health effects.

Also, keep in mind that garbage disposal leaks include food debris. If left unattended, they can attract pests into your home, such as roaches, ants, flies, and rodents. Florida Health says that rodents alone can spread around 35 diseases to humans.

Addressing Deteriorated Garbage Disposal Seals

If your garbage disposal’s rubber gasket is the culprit, you’ll be happy to know it’s replaceable. Consult your system’s manual to confirm the type of replacement you need for your old and worn one. It should also provide steps to perform the replacement.

If the leak is due to old or problematic putty, you can reseal the flange with new, higher-quality plumber’s putty. Your manual should also have instructions for this task.

Pro Tip for Quicker Resealing Jobs

If the steps seem too complex or you’re not confident in your DIY skills, your best bet is to contact a reliable, licensed Miami plumber. They’re experts in fixing leaks and other common garbage disposal problems, so they can get your system back up and running soon. They can also tell you if repairing your unit will give it a few more good years or if it’s time for a replacement.

Loose Connections

Loose drain lines and connections are other common causes of disposal leaks. The good news is that these are often the most straightforward issues to resolve, as they usually just require tightening of the screws, bolts, or nuts. You should find the fasteners on the main drain line and the metal clamp connecting the disposal unit’s drain lines to the dishwasher.

Drain and Disposal Clogs

Clogs in drain lines and garbage disposal systems obstruct the water flow out of your home. With nowhere else to go, dirty, used water can:

• Back up
• Overtax your disposal
• Rupture the disposal system’s seals
• Flow back out of your sink or dishwasher

A sink drain that takes forever indicates you have a clogged drain line or garbage disposal. Standing water in your dishwasher is another sign.

Addressing Drain and Disposal Clogs

Try the following tactics to clear clogs in your sink or disposal unit. However, please ensure you turn off the power to your garbage disposal first.

• Grab a pair of pliers or tongs
• Remove as much debris from the drain or on disposal blades
• Use a sink plunger
• Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar into the drain
• Wait for a few minutes
• Flush with hot tap water

If the problem persists and the disposal still leaks, it’s time to call a plumbing and drain cleaning professional. They can inspect and clean your drains and garbage disposal and perform necessary repairs.

Preventing Clogs and Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Remember: Your garbage disposal is not a garbage can, so please don’t treat it as one. The best way to prevent clogs is to know what you can and should not dump in your garbage disposal system.

Things like soft food (e.g., leftover mashed fruits and veggies, soups, and other liquids that aren’t oily or greasy) are okay. FOG (fats, oil, grease), bones, fruit seeds, pits, and fibrous food scraps aren’t. Following these garbage disposal dos and don’ts can also help prevent problems like clogged sinks, drains, and sewer lines.

Cracked or Damaged Garbage Disposal Body

In this case, the leak can occur anywhere from the point of the damage. Hopefully, this isn’t the case for your system because you’ll likely need a complete replacement if it is.

The good news is that, in most cases, this leak-causing problem often only occurs due to old age. Garbage disposals, after all, develop wear and tear over the years due to all the grinding and whizzing they do.

Remember, though, that disposal systems can wear, tear, and break down faster if you often subject them to objects or food particles they shouldn’t be grinding in the first place.

Fix Your Garbage Disposal Leaking Water and Food Debris ASAP

A garbage disposal leaking water, food debris, or both can turn your once warm and cozy kitchen into a disaster. So, as soon as you notice foul smells or water pooling below your sink, inspect the disposal for leaks right away. Then, try the tips we shared in this guide and call our team at Eco 1 Plumbing if the problem persists.

Eco 1 Plumbing is a highly trusted residential and commercial plumbing service provider in Miami, FL. We’re proud to have served the community for over 25 years.

Contact us today if you need help with your Miami home’s garbage disposal, drains, or plumbing pipes. We’ll be more than happy to give you a free quote!