There are few things in a home that will drive its occupants to distraction, quite like the garbage disposal. This whirring, grinding appliance beneath your sink is supposed to handle all your non-recyclable waste with silent efficiency, and — for the most part — it does. However, there's nothing more annoying than having your garbage disposal start leaking from underneath your sink. Read on for our five tips for fixing the leaking garbage disposal.

Find The Source Of the Leak

For starters, before searching for a solution to your leaking garbage disposal, you should try to identify the source of the leak. A small puddle of water mostly accompanies the leaky garbage disposal underneath the unit. The size of this puddle, coupled with the leak's location, will help you determine if the problem lies with the disposal itself or the drain line that feeds it. For example, if you have a small leak from the garbage disposal, you will most likely have a faulty gasket or a cracked or broken impeller housing. 

Get the Gasket Checked

If the source of your leak is a faulty gasket, you'll want to replace it as soon as possible. A worn or damaged gasket can leak food particles and other debris into your wastewater, leading to clogs and odors. Sometimes, it can even cause your garbage disposal to break down. For most garbage disposals, you should remove the gasket and clean it when replacing the disposer. When shopping for a replacement gasket, be sure to buy one compatible with your disposal.

Re-Seal The Flange

If your leak comes from underneath the sink, you may have a loose or improperly sealed flange. The flange is the part of the garbage disposal that seals the drain pipe and connects the disposal to the drain line. If it is not sealed correctly, any water that passes through the pipe will leak out from underneath the disposal. First, shut off the water supply to the disposal and the sink. Next, remove the disposal from the sink and lay it on its side. Once it's out from under the sink, examine the flange for any cracks or breaks. 

Fix the Drainage Connection

If your disposal is adequately connected to the drain line but leaks, you'll have to dig a little deeper. In this case, you'll want to check your drain line to ensure it's not clogged or obstructed. If your drain line is clogged, then you can try using a plunger to unclog the pipe. If that doesn't work, you can try using a product that can help dissolve and break down clogs.

Replace the Disposal

If none of the above fixes seem to be working, then it might be time to replace your disposal. A leaking garbage disposal usually indicates that the unit is dying. It may be clogging more frequently or grinding less effectively, leading to leaks. If your disposal is more than ten years old, it's well past its prime, and you should consider replacing it. Newer disposals are more efficient, quieter, and easier to clean than ever.

Conclusion

Remember, maintenance is the key to maintaining your disposal system. Make sure to run some water and use the disposal regularly to keep it clean and in tip-top shape. You should also try to avoid overloading it at all times. If you do these things, you should have a working garbage disposal for many years. So what are you waiting for? Pick one of our fixes and get to work! If you need professional assistance, contact a local garbage disposal company.