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Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking? Call A Plumbing Service | Katy, TX
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A garbage disposal is a great way to expedite cleaning in the kitchen. However, garbage disposals are also responsible for many plumbing service phone calls. This is because if you don’t use your garbage disposal correctly it will clog. In addition, it is common for many garbage disposals to start leaking. Here are the most common reasons that garbage disposals leak, but keep in mind that knowing the source won’t fix your problem.
It is important to note if you are experiencing an issue with a leaking garbage disposal it is always best to call a plumbing professional before doing anything else. It is important to investigate the source and ensure the leak is coming from the garbage disposal. Sometimes the leak can be coming from a different fixture or the dishwasher if you have one. Therefore, it is important to have a professional look at it to ascertain the problem is not something bigger.
Garbage Disposal Appears to be Leaking from Top
If it looks like water is leaking out of your garbage disposal near the lip where it connects to the sink, there is a good chance that your sink flange is loose. The sink flange is the fixture that attaches your disposal to the sink. This area is usually further reinforced by the plumber’s putty, but the putty is not foolproof and corrosion can lead to the connection failing.
Sometimes the solution is simple, such as when the mounting bolts have started to loosen. You can easily tighten them on your own, but if this doesn’t work then it is time to call a plumbing service. If you tighten the bolts and the garbage disposal is still leaking then check the plumber’s putty to make sure that it is fully secured. Once again, this may solve the issue, but if it doesn’t it’s time to get a professional plumber to assess the problem as it may be bigger than a few minor adjustments.
Garbage Disposal Leaks Out of the Side
If the leak is coming from the side of your garbage disposal there is a good chance that the drain line has something to do with it. The drain line is the hole that allows the dishwasher to empty into your garbage disposal. The first thing you should do is take a look at the clamp that connects the drain line to the disposal. There should be a rubber gasket and a few screws. If the clamp is loose this could be responsible for the leak. Simply grab a screwdriver and see if that will help solve your problems. While you are under there take a look at the hose between the garbage disposal and the dishwasher. Any cracks could be the source of the leak. Wet areas around the hose may also indicate the issue is with the hosing. Either way, a quick call to a plumbing service can have your system back up and running without any leaks again.
Garbage Disposal Leaks from the Bottom
While you never want to open the doors under the kitchen sink and discover a leak, you really don’t want to discover a leak that appears to be coming from the bottom of your garbage disposal. In general, if a leak pops up here it signals that the internal seal is probably wearing out which can cause a great deal of damage. More often than not it probably means you will need to call a plumbing service and have a new disposal installed. However, don’t give up hope on the old one until the plumber takes a look. Sometimes a leak that appears to be coming from the bottom of the unit actually is coming from another location and dripping downwards, and other times there are small fixes that can extend the life of your unit a bit longer.
The first thing a plumber will look at is the body of the garbage disposal. He or she will be looking for wet spots or cracks that indicate where the leak is coming from. If there is a crack, then it is definitely time for a plumbing service from Katy, TX to come and install a new unit. While inspecting the unit, the plumber will also be looking for shifts in the position of the disposal. This is usually the best-case scenario.
Most homeowners keep cleaning supplies bags, and other miscellaneous items under their garbage disposal. While getting things out it is possible for the garbage disposal to get bumped which could knock it slightly out of place causing the leak. Once again, this is a pretty easy fix. Simply shift the garbage disposal back into place. If it still leaks after this a plumbing service should be called to come to investigate. They can attempt to shift it back into place, replace seals or reseal the disposal with plumber’s putty.
Can I Install a New Unit Myself?
If the leak indicates that it is time for a new garbage disposal, it is always a good idea to call a plumbing service to install the new unit. While you probably can install the new unit, it’s not always the best idea. A plumbing service can properly inspect the old unit, dispose of it for you, and choose a new unit that is properly fitted for your needs. The lifespan of a garbage disposal is usually linked to how well it is installed, so if you are going to invest in a new unit it only makes sense to have it installed properly so you aren’t replacing it again in a few years.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston has been serving the Katy, TX region for years, and we would be happy to come out and inspect your garbage disposal. All of the plumbers at our plumbing service are trained and highly experienced, and we will make repairing or fixing your garbage disposal a hassle-free experience.
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