Unleashing Your Inner Handyman: How to Fix a Leaking Garbage Disposal

Hey DIYers! Bob the Repairman here, offering some sage advice on how to fix a leaking garbage disposal. The only thing worse than smelling yesterday's dinner rotting away in your kitchen, is having a pool of semi-digested leftovers from said meal slowly forming under your sink. That’s typically when panic ensues… “The disposal is leaking! What do I do? Call a plumber?!? Can't I just fix it myself?!?” Well, don’t panic – this is your moment to shine my friends! Let’s put those DIY skills to good use.

Preparation is Key

There's great satisfaction in troubleshooting and solving home repair disasters yourself. So, before we start, ensure you've equipped yourself with a bucket, a wrench, plumber's putty, and a dowel. Additionally, keep those safety goggles and gloves handy because you’re about to become a drain-dwelling, leak-fixing superhero!

Identify the Source of the Leak

Leaks can originate from three spots -the top, the bottom or the pipe connections. Diagnosing where the leak originates from is as important as pouring milk before cereal (trust me, it’s a big deal!).

Top Leaks

If it’s from the top, the flange needs to be addressed. The flange is the part where the disposal meets the drain of the sink. To solve this, you’ll need to disconnect the garbage disposal, remove the old plumber’s putty and apply a fresh layer. Finally, reconnect the disposal and run the water to test if the leak persists.

Bottom Leaks

If water is leaking from the bottom, it’s a bit of bad news, folks. This typically indicates that the internal seal has broken and you'll probably need to replace the whole unit. But hey, look on the bright side – you get to go shopping for cool new gadgets!

Side Leaks (Pipe connections)

Side leaks are the easiest ones to fix, and a great place to start for budding DIYers. This usually involves tightening a loose drain pipe. Use your wrench to twist the pipe connector, then run water to check for any leaks. Voila! Leak handled like a pro!

Fixing the Leak

All right, now that we've diagnosed where the leak originates, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of fixing your garbage disposal.

Tools at the Ready!

Remember when we talked about having a wrench, plumber's putty, and a dowel at the ready? Now we’re going to put them to good use. First rule? Always disconnect the power – safety comes first!

Flange Fixing

Work the plumber's putty into a snake shape, rolling it out on a clean, dry surface. This will go underneath the flange. Tighten the bolts with your wrench and scrape off any excess putty. A tight flange and clean sink ensure a happy developer!

Pipe Tightening

Use your trusty wrench to tighten the pipe connections. Remember – righty-tighty, and don’t strain yourself, we’re not trying to twist it off!

Disposal Replacement

Radiate positivity! You officially have the most challenging scenario, and you’re still here, ready to conquer it. Purchase a good-quality garbage disposal as a worthy replacement, and install it following instructions. A quick tip - always install a new sink flange with a new unit.

Now, Breathe Easy!

There you have it, folks! You’ve conquered a leaking garbage disposal and lived to tell the tale. Now just sit back, put up your feet, and marvel at your handiwork. There's nothing quite like a successful DIY project to give you a rush of confidence. After all, who needs a superhero when you can fix a leaking garbage disposal?