Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?

Are you having problems with your garbage disposal? Let Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. troubleshoot and fix the issue when you call (440) 943-0033.

Garbage disposals are critical appliances that grind food and waste in your kitchen sink drain. The garbage disposal makes dishwashing a breeze, but what do you do when it stops working?



Garbage disposals can last five to ten years and provide the ultimate convenience in the kitchen. However, if you have noticed a puddle directly below your garbage disposal, you may be wondering, “why is my garbage disposal leaking?” A leaking garbage disposal is inconvenient and can damage the floors in your kitchen.

If you’re dealing with a leaky garbage disposal, rest assured that this is a basic repair and isn’t difficult to fix with the help of a trusted plumber in University Heights. Below are some of the main reasons that your garbage disposal may be leaking.

1. Improper Internal Seal

One of the reasons your garbage disposal may be leaking is an improper internal seal. The point where your disposal connects to the sink drain may not be fully sealed, which causes the garbage disposal to drip water.

To fix it, a plumber can replace the seal so that it creates a water-tight connection from the sink to the garbage disposal.

2. Cracked Plumber’s Putty

In older garbage disposals, cracked plumber’s putty can create a leak and impact the performance of your garbage disposal. In this situation, the plumber may need to remove the existing putty and place new putty. If some parts have rusted underneath, the plumber will replace these as well to ensure your garbage disposal lasts as long as possible.

3. Loose Drain Lines

If you have had a plumber check the previous troubleshooting tips and you’re still wondering, "why is my garbage disposal leaking?" it could be loose drain lines. Loose drain lines typically cause leaks at the side of the garbage disposal.

Drain lines are components of the garbage disposal that attach to the dishwasher and the sewer. These let water flow into the disposal and drain waste out of the disposal. The plumber can fix loose drain lines by replacing the rubber gasket or tightening the screws that hold the metal clamp in place.

4. Loose Sink Flange

Garbage disposal leaks can happen when the sink flange becomes loose. Sink flanges connect the sink drain to the garbage disposal. If the garbage disposal is leaking from the top, this is an indicator that the sink flange may have come loose. The plumber can secure the sink flange by tightening the mounting bolts and resealing the plumber’s putty.

5. A Defective Gasket

Garbage disposals are a convenience when they are working well, but when they malfunction, this can pose a major issue. Water leaking from the garbage disposal can lead to damaged floors that are very costly to repair.

One of the main culprits of a leaking garbage disposal could be a defective gasket. Worn-out gaskets can cause the garbage disposal to leak because the seal that keeps the water in is no longer secure. Gaskets can also wear out when they have been inactive for a long time.

If you rarely use your garbage disposal, this can cause the gasket to become dry and crack. An experienced plumber can easily replace the gasket in one visit.

6. Poor Dishwasher Connection

Another reason your garbage disposal may be leaking is that you have a poor dishwasher connection. The garbage disposal attaches to the dishwasher using drain pipes. If there are cracks in the pipes, this can cause a leak.

You might have trouble determining if the leak is coming from the drain pipes if everything is damp under the sink. Make sure to dry everything with a towel so the plumber can slowly run the water to determine where the leak is coming from.

Leaks in this location can also occur if there are loose or broken hoses. By replacing the hose, the plumber can resolve the problem and restore a working sink and garbage disposal.

7. A Cracked Body

In some instances, the entire body of the garbage disposal can crack. This can occur if the garbage disposal has reached the ten-year mark and has worn out.

If you see large or pronounced cracks on the body of the garbage disposal, this is probably the source of the leak. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for cracks in the actual body of the garbage disposal. The best remedy in this situation is to replace the entire unit. 

8. Damaged Discharge Pipe

If your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, you could have a damaged discharge pipe. The discharge pipe connects to the sink drain, and any damage here could be the source of your leak.

To fix the issue, the plumber may try replacing the discharge pipe or sealing and securing it. An experienced and professional plumber can assess the cause of the repair concern and remedy it quickly and effectively. In most cases, the plumber will simply switch out the seal between the discharge pipe and the holding nut.

9. A Leaky Reset Button

Old garbage disposals can sustain damage to components such as the reset button. If your garbage disposal shuts off, resets, or leaks, this could be the culprit. Your plumber can guide you as to whether or not to repair the reset button or replace the unit entirely.

Give Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. a Call Today

Since 1960, Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. has been providing trusted plumbing and sewer services in Ohio. If you have been dealing with a leaky garbage disposal, you can trust us to deliver professional garbage disposal services to fix the issue quickly and effectively. 

If you have been asking, "why is my garbage disposal leaking?" get in touch with us today. To learn more about our garbage disposal services and fix your garbage disposal leak, call Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. today at (440) 943-0033!