Despite taking good care of your garbage disposal, leaks can still occur in the long run. To make matters worse, you may not know where the leak is coming from.
If you want to determine the source of the leak before contacting a licensed plumber, it is imperative to understand where and how to check for a leak. First, you must learn the anatomy of a garbage disposal.
The following are four areas where leaks can occur:
- The garbage disposal itself
- The sink flange, which connects the top of the disposal to the bottom of the sink drain
- The drain pipe, which is often a plastic or metal pipe which drains water and food away to the sewer
- The dishwasher connection, which is usually a rubber hose that connects to the side of the disposal
To conduct a test to determine the source of the leak, start by drying the outside of the disposal and sink flange so that any new moisture will be obvious. Next, place a stopper in the sink drain and fill the sink with a few inches of water.
Observe the disposal under the sink for a few minutes. If you notice active dripping, it is a telltale sign that the sink flange is the source of the leak.
However, if the disposal is still dry, remove the drain plug from the sink and watch it carefully. See whether the water comes from one of the three points – either the drain pipe, dishwasher hose, or another part of the disposal.
If you need a plumbing leak repair in the San Fernando Valley, CA, contact Duran & Sons Universal Plumbing & Rooter today.