How to Fix a Leaky Garbage Disposal

A leaky garbage disposal is not only unpleasant, but can be a nuisance that will cause rot and mildew. Most homeowners can fix leaks in their garbage disposal with a few basic tools and a couple of hours. Of course you should know a bit about plumbing before trying to fix your garbage disposal leak, but if you feel that you meet these qualifications follow these steps for an easy leak repair.

Begin by disconnecting the electricity by unplugging the garbage disposal. You should then turn off the water using the kitchen sink shutoff valve. You should also place a container underneath the garbage disposal area underneath the kitchen sink to catch any water or food particles that might be lodged in the pipe.

With these preparations complete you should then detach the pipe that is attached to the garbage disposal’s drainpipe. You should be able to detach it with a wrench by removing the slip nut that connects the pipe to the drainpipe. Carefully remove the pipe so you can easily remove the garbage disposal without it knocking any of the pipes underneath the kitchen sink.

Removing the garbage disposal often requires two people. One person should hold the appliance in place while the other person twists the support ring that is located between the kitchen sink and the garbage disposal to remove it. You can do this with one person, but keep in mind that a garbage disposal weighs several pounds, and you don’t want to drop it. Sometimes the support ring of the garbage disposal sticks; if this is the case then you should use a screwdriver to help turn it.

Placing the garbage disposal aside for the moment, focus on the rings that attached the fixture to the kitchen sink. You must remove these and replace the seal to stop the leaks. To do this you should first remove any screws that attach the mounting rings to the kitchen sink. Then you should push the rings up towards the kitchen sink. This should push the ring that sits inside of the sink up enough so you can remove it. Remove the upper and lower rings, until only the hole in the kitchen sink remains. Note the way that these pieces are assembled so you can replace them later.

The cause of your garbage disposal leaks will most likely be contained within these rings that connect to the kitchen sink. Plan on replacing the rubber gaskets that are between these rings. A hardware store should have the appropriate replacement parts.

Sometimes there is not a gasket between the kitchen sink ring and the actual sink. Instead, the person who installed it used plumber’s putty. If this is the case you should remove any old plumbers putty with a putty knife and steel wool from both the kitchen sink and the garbage disposal ring. Then you can reapply new plumber’s putty and press the ring into place. Any putty that oozes out of the connection can be carefully removed with a putty knife.

With the ring in place, you should attach the mounting rings underneath the sink. Be sure to reinstall them in the same manner that you removed them; if the order is wrong a leak will occur. Tighten the screws that keep the rings in place. When the mounting rings are secure, you can then reinstall the garbage disposal by twisting it into place.

You should then plug in the garbage disposal and turn on the water to the sink. You can then test the disposal and check for any leaks. Make any necessary adjustments to the mounting rings and then your repair is complete.

Fixing a leaky garbage disposal can be a dirty job, but it is also an easy one. Of course, if you have little plumbing knowledge, consider calling a professional who can do the job for you.