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Q: The cabinet under my kitchen sink has been soggy lately. Could this be a sign of a leaking garbage disposal? If so, how can I repair it myself?
Prepare to find the leak.
Before test the garbage disposal for outflow , disconnect it at the wall outlet , and turn off the power at the breaker loge to preclude electrical impact . Then insert a watertight sinkhole stopper into your sump run out and wipe the unit ironical with a clean cloth . In any handy container , flux a few drops of food colour into a few cups of water , and pour the dyed water onto the cesspit stopper to help you locate the outflow .
Investigate the source.
Using a flashlight , examine the unit for escape colored weewee , which is probable to come from one of three places :
Inspect each of these locations while gliding a lightheaded - colored rag over the building block ; the dyed water system will promptly show on the rag and let out the localisation of the wetting . If a leak is n’t immediately manifest , remove the sink conversation stopper and rain buckets a few more cups of dyed water down the sinkhole waste pipe , then check for leak again . Leaks near the top of the unit are more potential to show themselves while the sump is plugged , while side and bottom outflow are more noticeable while the swallow hole is unplugged .
If the top of the garbage disposal is leaking, re-seal and tighten the sink flange.
The metal sink flange that sits straightaway inside the sinkhole drain is typically sealed around the top with plumber ’s putty ( a clay - similar sealant ) and then secure from under the sink with bolts . If the pipe fitter ’s putty devolve , or the bolt of lightning loosen , the flange can no longer form a watertight seal between the sink drain and the disposal , which could stimulate a leak at the top of the unit .
To reseal the leaky flange , you must first come away the garbage administration :
Lift the sink flange from the top of the cesspit . employ a plastic putty knife to scrape off the old plumber ’s putty around the top of the flange , then wipe off any putty balance with a damp ragtime . Scoop a palmful ofplumber ’s putty(available at hardware stores , home pith , and online ) and seethe it into an 1/8 - inch to 1/4 - inch - wide “ rope ” with a duration roughly adequate to the perimeter of the flange . Wrap the rope of putty around the top of the flange like a collar , then sneak in the flange into the sink drain possibility until cubbyhole . Re - add the mount up assembly and rise hoop ( taking maintenance to securely tighten the hop on bolt on the wax fabrication ) , then reattach the drivel garbage disposal , drain pipe , and dishwasher hose in the reverse order you detached them .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
If the side of the garbage disposal is leaking, tighten drain line connections and replace worn gaskets.
Two drain lines stretch from the incline of a garbage disposal : a minute dish washer hosiery that link the dishwasher drain piping to your disposition ’s dish washer inlet , and the chief drainpipe pipe that link your disposal to the sewer through an outlet in the rampart .
If you spy a leak on the side of the administration where the dish washer hose meets the disposal ’s dishwasher inlet , the trouble could be that the metal clamp connecting them is unaffixed . In that character , tighten the screws in the alloy clinch with a screwdriver .
If the escape is on the side where the disposal foregather the waste material waste pipe pipe , loose the screws that secure the drainage pipage to the disposal and inspect the rubber gasket inside the pipe — it may well be worn out . exchange the gasket and re - tighten the drain pipework screws .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
If the bottom of the unit is leaking, replace the disposal.
Leaks from the bottom of the garbage disposal ( often from the reset button ) commonly show that at least one seal on the interior shell of the whole that protects the motor has drop , or that the shell itself has break up . These exposure can cause piddle from the sink to seep into the scale of the disposal and leak out of the cornerstone of the unit . In an erstwhile refuse administration , one compromise interior seal is often companion by others , so your best bet is to install a new one .
Hiring a pro to supplant the unit will run you $ 400 on average , including confinement and part , or you caninstall a refuse disposalyourself and save anywhere from $ 90 to $ 200 in labor costs . You should be able to get eight to 15 geezerhood of use out of a unexampled garbage electric pig . ( Ourresearched template to the best garbage disposalscan help oneself you search quality options . )
Test the repair or replacement by running water through the drain.
Whether you repaired or replaced the leak garbage electric pig , you will want to test your workplace to ensure the unit of measurement is shipshape . pass over the unit dry with a clean textile , then disconnect the sink waste pipe ( if plugged ) and pour a few cups of dye water into the drain once more . utilize a flashlight to audit the intact building block . If you do n’t see a leak , plow on the mightiness to the disposal from your circuit breaker box and secure in the garbage disposal at the wall outlet .
How to Prevent a Garbage Disposal From Leaking
Proper use of a garbage administration can stave off future leak :
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Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . study why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob VIla
