Identify the Source of Garbage Disposal Leaks

Even if you are extremely careful and take great care of your garbage disposal, leaks are often a part of normal wear and tear. When you can’t determine the source of the leak, it can be frustrating. Here are some tips to help with this situation:

Garbage Disposal Anatomy

Leaking pipes

Typically, there are four different locations where a leak is most likely to occur:

  • Sink Flange – connects top of disposal to bottom of sink drain
  • Dishwasher Connection – usually a rubber hose connected to side of disposal
  • Drain Pipe – usually plastic or metal pipe which drains water and food to the sewer
  • The Garbage Disposal Itself

Testing for Leaks

To conduct a test, start by drying the outside of your garbage disposal and sink flange; this will ensure any new moisture will be more visible. Place a stopper in the sink drain and fill the sink with a couple of inches of water.

Wait and observe underneath the sink. If active dripping is spotted, this is a sign that the leak is from the sink flange.

If everything is still dry then go ahead and remove the plug from the sink. Watch closely. You should be able to spot the water coming from one of the three other points: The dishwasher hose, the drain pipe, or another spot within the disposal itself. How you go about repairing it will depend on the origin spot for the dripping.

Call the Professionals

If you don’t feel up to the task of repairing a leak, or even identifying the source of a leak, then your best bet is to call local plumbing experts for reliable service.

Abbey Plumbing and Mechanical is able to help when the job is too big for the average property owner. Located in Ontario, we are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. Call us with any of your plumbing needs at (905) 822-0521. Don’t stress about a leak, let us handle it for you!

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