How to Find the Source of a Garbage Disposal Leak

No matter how well you take care of your garbage disposal, leaks can occur over time. A leaky garbage disposal can be a substantial safety hazard for your home—and it is certainly not something you want to delay in repairing. However, in order to fix a garbage disposal, you will need to identify the source of the leak, which is not always an easy task.

Calling a professional for the repair is always ideal, but having an idea of why and where the leak is occurring can be helpful for you and your plumber! If you want to investigate the situation before calling a plumber, it’s important to know how to check for the source of the leak.

We’ve laid out a game plan for you here.

Where Do Garbage Disposal Leaks Typically Occur?

Garbage disposals can have a few different trouble spots where a leak could originate. Before you begin checking for the source, make sure your garbage disposal is completely turned off, so no injuries occur.

Then, check the following sources for a leak:

• Drain pipe: This is the pipe that is connected to the sewer. To find a leak, simply look for any cracks, loose screws, or damage to the pipe.
• Sink flange: If your garbage disposal is leaking from the top, it might be an issue with your sink flange (which connects the sink and the garbage disposal) or the putty that seals it. Resealing the flange will often solve this problem.
• Dishwasher connection: This is usually a rubber hose connected to the side of the disposal. To determine if this is the source of the leak, again look for any cracks, loose screws, or damage to the hose.
• Garage disposal: There is a gasket that sits between the garbage disposal blades and the sink, and if this becomes cracked or worn it can cause a leak. You will have to take the garbage disposal apart to check the gasket.

The worst-case scenario is if the leak is coming from a crack or seal in the disposal itself. If you find a leak in any of these areas, it’s best to have it assessed and repaired by a professional to ensure your safety, and make sure it is properly replaced.

Call the Professionals at Heil Plumbing & HVAC

Not sure if you are correctly identifying the source of your leaking garbage disposal? Need help with repair? Call the professional plumbers at Heil Plumbing & HVAC in Howard County. Our plumbers are experienced and knowledgeable, and are available to respond to your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why Choose Heil

• Years In Business
• Customers Helped
• Service

The Heil Difference

We’re dedicated to offering the highest quality residential and commercial plumbing services for every customer. Our plumbers are available to respond to your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our residential and commercial plumbers in Columbia and Ellicott City cover every need, from simple fixture repairs to complex drain and sewer problems.

While we are based in Jessup, Maryland, our plumbing contractors also service Catonsville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Odenton, Clarksville, Elkridge, Fulton, Laurel, and Severn.