Questions For Your Plumber: Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking And What Can I Do About It? | Myrtle Beach, SC

6/16/2021

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You need garbage disposal to help you manage food waste. But what do you do when you can no longer use it because it’s leaking? In this article, we’ll talk about why your garbage disposal is leaking and what you can do about it. We will also provide you with tips on how to maintain your garbage disposal properly. Call a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC, if you need more assistance.

Garbage Disposal Leaks from the Top

The likely culprit for this is the sink flange. Your garbage disposal is connected to the sink with either a plumber’s putty or the flange. Over time, it can loosen or even corrode, it can leak. What you can do is to reseal the garbage disposal. You’ll need first to detach it, clean the garbage disposal and then reseal it. Depending on your garbage disposal, you may need to replace the flange.

We would recommend that you don’t do this by yourself, though, especially when you’re not familiar with plumbing. The best thing you can do is to call a plumber to help you fix your garbage disposal.

If you plan to buy another garbage disposal, hire a licensed plumbing company to help you install it. Professionals know what they are doing. You will likely not encounter a problem when you hire a licensed plumbing company to help you with your garbage disposal.

Garbage Disposal Leaks from the Side

The likely culprit for this are the drain lines. Your disposal has two connections on the side, and one of them may leak, especially when they’re not properly installed.

To remedy this, tighten the connection with a screwdriver to stop the leak. Your drain lines are connected with screws and a gasket on the inside. If tightening it doesn’t work, you may have to replace the rubber gasket.

Call a plumbing company to help you resolve the problem.

Garbage Disposal Leaks From the Bottom

When the garbage disposal leaks from the bottom, the likely culprit is the busted seal inside the unit. Over time, some of the components of your garbage disposal may wear out. The only solution is to get a new garbage disposal.

Call a plumber if you need help finding new garbage disposal for your home. Also, ensure that you only work with a licensed plumbing company to help you install it. Some issues homeowners encounter with their garbage disposal are sometimes due to incorrect installation of the unit.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

To avoid problems, you must regularly maintain your garbage disposal. Here are our tips to help you properly maintain your garbage disposal. However, when you keep calling a plumber for repairs, consider getting a replacement instead so the repair costs don’t add up. You can save more money when you get a new disposal.

Use Your Garbage Disposal Regularly

Even if you don’t have leftover food to grind, make it a point to run your garbage disposal every few days or so. Use cold water when running your garbage disposal; this will keep the blades from rusting due to lack of use. If you’re having issues with your garbage disposal, only hire a licensed plumbing professional to ensure that the repairs are done correctly.

Use It Correctly

Before using your garbage disposal, ensure that you have fully read and understood the manual. Please don’t run the garbage disposal unless you’re certain that you know how to use it.

When repairing or cleaning, ensure that you unplug it to prevent accidents. If there are clogs, don’t attempt to remove them on your own. Always call a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC, to avoid other problems.

Avoid Bleach of Chemical Cleaners for your Garbage Disposal

As much as possible, avoid strong drain cleaners or bleach when cleaning your garbage disposal. Instead, clean it with a vinegar solution or lemon to remove unpleasant smells. Also, periodically check your garbage disposal for wear and tear and if there leaks in the unit. If you detect an issue, call a plumber immediately to inspect your garbage disposal and resolve the problem.

Hire a Professional for Regular Maintenance

Apart from doing maintenance on your own, we recommend that you also hire a professional to do a proper inspection of your disposal. You can include this in your regular plumbing inspection. A problem that’s detected early won’t lead to costly plumbing emergencies.

Avoid Grinding Large Food Particles or Starchy Food

Before using your garbage disposal, ensure that you know what you can and can’t grind. You’re not supposed to grind large food particles and not throw grease. Pasta, rice, bones, shells, potato peels, and broken glass are a no-no. Check your manual or speak with a plumber to see a list of items that you can’t grind in your garbage disposal.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal Every Two Weeks

You will extend the lifespan of your garbage disposal when you properly maintain it. One of them is to clean your garbage disposal regularly. Fill it with a cup of rock salt and ice cubes, then run it for a minute. Pour a cup of baking soda and vinegar to kill bacteria inside the garbage disposal. Scrub it with a toothbrush but make sure it’s completely turned off.

Garbage Disposal Expert at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach

Do you need help with your garbage disposal? Let us assist! Always call a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC, when you detect a problem with your garbage disposal. Never postpone it to avoid major plumbing emergencies. A professional equipped with the right tools and experience can help you effectively resolve any garbage disposal issue. We can help with garbage disposal repair, installations and maintenance. Contact us today for an appointment.