What Causes a Garbage Disposal to Leak?

When you have a garbage disposal, you want it to work the way it should and keep performing as one of the most hardworking appliances in your kitchen. But what happens if it starts leaking? Instead of a garbage disposal that offers convenience and peace of mind, you end up with water waste, potential cabinet damage, mold growth, and musty odors. 

Understanding why garbage disposal leaks in the first place can help stay on top of repairs or avoid them. Or give us a call! Our team at Kinsmen Service Pros offers the garbage disposal repair, maintenance, and new installations you need in a one-stop solution.

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1. Loose or Worn Sink Flange

Your sink’s flange is the metal ring that connects your garbage disposal to the bottom of your sink. Although it’s snug and fit, the joint can eventually loosen over time due to everyday use, vibrations, or plumber’s putty drying out and cracking. Once there are vulnerabilities, water can start leaking directly from the top of the unit around the flange. Sometimes all it needs is some tightening around the mounting bolts or reapplying the plumber’s putty to solve the problem. But if the flange itself is damaged, a replacement may be necessary.

2. Damaged or Loose Connections, Seals, and Gaskets

Garbage disposal hoses are tied into your sink drain and a dishwasher, if one is present. When homeowners give us a call about a garbage disposal leak, we often see loose or worn out hose connections, seals, gaskets, clamps, or even a cracked pipe. Water can start dripping or spraying when the garbage disposal is running. You can probably see if it’s happening on your own by inspecting the connections with a flashlight while the water is running. 

Even if the leak isn’t visible, we can help. Our team at Kinsmen Services offers leak detection services, emergency plumbing, garbage disposal repair, and more to get your system back on track.

3. Cracked Garbage Disposal Housing

Garbage disposals are built within a sealed canister, but age, corrosion, wear and tear, and even manufacturing defects can sometimes cause the housing to crack. Take a look while the water is running and see if there’s anything dripping from the bottom of the unit. The canister could have a compromised shell, which unfortunately means you probably need a new garbage disposal installation. 

4. Overuse and Vibration Damage

Even if your garbage disposal is installed with expert precision, it can develop leaks if it’s overused or jams frequently. The constant vibration from grinding up tough items, including:

• Bones
• Fibrous vegetables
• Egg shells
• Coffee grounds

All of these items can loosen mounting bolts and strain seals, putting internal pressure that weakens seals or connections.

5. Rust and Corrosion

Similar to any metal appliance, garbage disposals regularly come into contact with water and can eventually start showing signs of rust and corrosion. The problem is worse if you have hard water or the unit isn’t regularly rinsed off with clean water. Once rust starts, it can eat away at the housing or weaken seals and create an opening for leaks to start. A little surface rust isn’t usually a big problem, but widespread corrosion is a sign that you need a garbage disposal replacement.

Garbage Disposal Do’s & Don’ts

Keeping your disposal in good working order helps avoid leaks and prevent costly repairs and premature replacements. Here are some quick guidelines:

Do’s

• Run cold water before, during, and after using your garbage disposal to help flush out food waste.
• Use a small amount of dish soap and clean water to rinse the unit regularly.
• Schedule occasional garbage disposal maintenance to check over your unit and make sure it’s running at its best.

Don’ts

• Don’t pour grease, oil, or fat down the sink and disposal or it could solidify and cause sticky clogs that only grow. 
• Don’t grind fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins, or they wrap around your garbage disposal blades and cause your unit to jam.
• Don’t put bones, fruit pits, or hard shells into your garbage disposal or they can lead to blade and motor damage.
• Don’t overload your disposal with large amounts of food all at once and throw as many scraps as possible.

Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Service

Not sure if your disposal needs professional attention? Watch for these warning signs:

• Strange Noises: Grinding, rattling, or humming often points to a jam or motor problem.
  Slow Draining: Water backing up in your sink suggests a clog in the unit or drain line.
• Leaks Under the Sink: Even small drips can quickly lead to cabinet damage and mold.
• Persistent Odors: Lingering smells that don’t go away with cleaning could mean food buildup or internal issues.

If you notice any of these problems, don’t ignore them. Reaching out for timely service can save you from bigger, more expensive plumbing repairs later.

Call the Team at Kinsmen Service Pros for Garbage Disposal Leaks, Repairs, and New Installations

If you have a garbage disposal leak, give us a call to come out and take a look. We’ll advise whether you need a repair, some maintenance, or a garbage disposal replacement. We also offer leak detection for a one-stop solution to all of your plumbing needs. Ready to get your kitchen back in order? Schedule your appointment today!