If you notice water damage under the sink, you may wonder, “Why is my disposal leaking from the bottom?” As the most trusted plumber in Columbus, IN, Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair can diagnose the problem and promptly fix it.
From Flat Rock Park to the Columbus Woods-N-Waters Campground, we always produce superior results. Keep reading to understand what may be causing your leaky garbage disposal and how to approach the problem.
What Causes Garbage Disposal Leaks in Columbus?
Several issues can cause your garbage disposal to leak at the bottom. Certified technicians will asses the following potential repair issues:
Loose Seals
Your garbage disposal has several seals and gaskets that prevent water from leaking. Over time, it may develop cracked or worn gaskets, loosening their air-tight seal.
Gaskets can last several years, but once they break, replacing them is the only viable solution.
Cracked Housing
Are you typing in, “Why is my disposal leaking from the bottom?” Your unit may have a cracked motor housing (the interior shell that protects the inner components of your Columbus garbage disposal). Over time, the housing can experience wear and tear or become damaged from intense impacts, at which point water can seep through.
You’ll notice the leak at the bottom of your device.
Poor Installation
Whether you installed the garbage disposal yourself or hired the most affordable company you could find, your unit’s leak may derive from poor installation. Your garbage disposal connects to your sink and plumbing at several points. After subpar installation, one of the first things you’ll notice is loose connections.
The leak may occur soon after the installation, or you may notice it a couple of years after the fact once wear and tear takes its toll.
Excessive Corrosion
While manufacturers craft your garbage disposal from durable materials, it can still develop corrosion and rust damage over time. The rust can eat away at the housing and seals of your Columbus device.
Rust is the primary reason garbage disposals only last between eight and 15 years.
Flange Issues
The flange is the point where your garbage disposal connects with your sink. It requires a special kind of seal to prevent water from leaking out.
If your unit has a loose flange, you’ll likely notice the leak coming from the top, but when flange problems increase food buildup, they damage your unit’s housing or expedite the corrosion. Even if you find a leak at the bottom, check the flange.
Damaged Impeller
Are you still searching for answers to the question, “Why is my disposal leaking from the bottom?” You may have a damaged impeller. Rather than sharp blades that slice up food, most garbage disposals use dull blades that rotate rapidly to force waste into a shredder ring using centrifugal force (this is one reason they don’t handle fruit pits and bones).
Damaged impellers can crack your unit’s housing or vibrate to the point that they loosen your disposal’s seals. Repairing impellers is dangerous and requires a qualified technician.
Additional Signs You Have Garbage Disposal Issues
Even if you don’t notice your Columbus disposal leaking from the bottom, stay vigilant for the following signs you need a garbage disposal tune-up or repair service:
- Unusual noises you haven’t heard before, like grinding, humming, or rattling
- Frequent clogs, even after disposing of benign foods
- Foul odors like rotting food
- Trouble disposing of food
- Frequent resets or power failures
- Tripping circuit breakers when you activate the device
- A device that feels hot to the touch
If you notice any of the above problems, you may not have a leak yet, but the unit will soon start leaking from the bottom. Get professional assistance. Otherwise, you’ll be repairing water damage in addition to your garbage disposal.
Tips for Caring for Your Garbage Disposal
When you invest in maintaining your garbage disposal in Columbus, you can avoid or delay problems like leaks from the bottom of the unit.
Leaks can cause widespread water damage that costs you more money, so use the following tips to care for your garbage disposal:
Regular Maintenance
Why is my disposal leaking from the bottom? If you want to avoid asking this, prioritize annual maintenance. Many plumbers include an inspection for your garbage disposal when they inspect the rest of your plumbing, and garbage disposal maintenance involves:
- Unclogging the disposal system
- Replacing worn-out parts
- Diagnosing issues
- Ensuring the device operates safely
You should also run the disposal every few days, even if you’re not using it. Use cold water to avoid overheating it.
Drain Vigilance
To help your garbage disposal last longer, you should avoid putting hard or fibrous foods into it. Don’t use your disposal for the following types of waste:
- Even small, brittle bones can damage your garbage disposal.
- Seafood shells can damage your unit’s impeller.
- Fibrous vegetables like kale and celery can tangle your disposal’s blades.
Plus, while fat, grease, and oil won’t threaten your garbage disposal, these things will quickly clog your property’s pipes.
Consistent Cleaning
You should clean your garbage disposal every two weeks to avoid buildup that could corrode or destroy it. Choose from among the following options:
- If you clean your disposal regularly, you can usually obtain great results by grinding ice cubes.
- Adding rock salt to the ice can help break down more stubborn substances.
- Baking soda and vinegar are a classic cleaning combination, and you can also use them at your disposal.
- Adding citrus peels can help you remove any foul smells.
- Consider sprinkling borax into your disposal and running cold water after about 30 seconds.
If these cleaning options don’t produce the results you require, call a plumber for a more thorough job.
Schedule Columbus Garbage Disposal Repairs Today
Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair can help you answer, “Why is my disposal leaking from the bottom?” Whether you live near Tipton Lakes or Columbus Municipal Airport, we find a solution to every plumbing problem. From clearing shower clogs to repairing your pipes, our personalized solutions guarantee you’ll feel satisfied.
To schedule an appointment, contact us today!