How to Repair a Leaky Garbage Disposal

So you’ve just finished cleaning up from dinner and you put some scraps into the garbage disposal in your sink. That’s when you notice that it’s leaking. It’s a common thing that happens to older garbage disposals. Instead of calling a plumber, you can fix it yourself with these easy tips and advice found in this article.

Many leaks start at the drain of the garbage disposal. It is caused by a buildup of waste caught in the drain trap. To clean out the trap, shut off the power to the unit at the breaker. Remove the drain from its gasket with a Philips screwdriver. Clean the pipe in warm water and vinegar. Let soak overnight if the buildup is bad. Use a wire brush with a long handle to reach into the recess of the pipe. Clean any debris from the disposal itself. Buy a new gasket and reinstall the drain. You can also create a new gasket with gasket paper and a hammer. Gently tap the gasket paper along the edge of the pipe where the gasket fits. This creates an even break in the gasket paper and can be cut free. You can buy gasket paper from an auto parts store.

Many times the leak comes from the drain itself. Tighten the mounting screws under the sink with a wrench or hex head screwdriver. You may need to use an offset wrench to reach the screws behind the disposal. If the leak is still there, you will need to replace the gasket. Remove the mounting screws and twist the disposal one quarter turn to free the disposal from the sink. Replace the gasket and reattach the disposal.

Tighten all the screws and nuts before replacing any gaskets. Many times the disposal has been vibrating the screws loose and causes a leak. Replacement parts can be ordered from the old manual or by calling the service department. If you don’t have your old manual then call the store where you bought the disposal, they should have a record of who to call. Many large home improvement stores have replacement parts available, so it’s a good idea to check with them first.

Never use any chemicals to clean a clogged disposal. These harsh chemicals can cause gaskets to prematurely rot and cause leaks to occur. Use cold water when using the disposal. This turns grease hard and makes it easier for the blades to chop up grease. Hot water only melts the grease and allows it to become jammed into the small parts of the disposal and drain causing future leaks. You can use ice cubes made of lemon juice and vinegar to help clean a clogged disposal and help maintain a disposal. Freeze lemon juice and vinegar with a little water in ice cube trays. Then add to the disposal and turn it on. The lemon juice also helps to make the disposal smell fresh and clean.