Beyond Bending Tell You How
Garbage disposals are an essential part of modern kitchens. They help to keep the kitchen clean and free of rotting food. However, when a garbage disposal starts to leak, it can be a frustrating experience. A leaking garbage disposal can damage your kitchen cabinets, create a bad smell, and attract pests. In this article, we will show you how to fix a leaking garbage disposal unit.
Step 1: Turn off the Power
Before you start working on your garbage disposal, you should turn off the power. You can do this by unplugging the unit or turning off the circuit breaker that powers the disposal. This will help to prevent any accidents while you are working on the disposal.
Step 2: Identify the Source of the Leak
The next step is to identify the source of the leak. There are several places where a garbage disposal can leak, including the sink flange, the dishwasher connection, the drainpipe, and the garbage disposal body. Once you have identified the source of the leak, you can move on to the next step.
Step 3: Tighten the Connections
If you notice that the leak is coming from the connections, you can tighten them. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts that connect the sink flange to the disposal unit. If the leak is coming from the dishwasher connection, tighten the hose clamp with a screwdriver. If the leak is coming from the drainpipe, tighten the nuts that connect the drainpipe to the disposal unit.
Step 4: Replace the Gasket
If the leak is coming from the sink flange, you may need to replace the gasket. To do this, you will need to remove the disposal unit from the sink. Once you have removed the unit, you can replace the gasket and reinstall the disposal unit.
Step 5: Replace the Disposal Unit
If the leak is coming from the body of the disposal unit, you may need to replace the entire unit. This is because the leak may be caused by a crack or a hole in the body of the unit. To replace the unit, you will need to disconnect the power and the plumbing connections. Then, you can remove the old unit and install the new one.
Step 6: Test the Disposal Unit
Once you have fixed the leak, you should test the disposal unit to make sure it is working properly. Turn on the power and run water into the sink. Then, turn on the disposal unit and check for any leaks or unusual noises.
Conclusion
A leaking garbage disposal unit can be a frustrating experience, but it is not difficult to fix. By following these steps, you can identify the source of the leak and fix the problem quickly and easily. Remember to always turn off the power before working on your garbage disposal, and if you are not comfortable with the repair, contact a professional plumber.
