Common reasons why your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom reset button?
A leaking garbage disposal is far from being a pleasant experience.
Aside from the soggy bottom, you will have to take care of and the ooze you need to clean up, there is also the foul smell you need to deal with. There are many reasons why your disposal may be leaking, as it can be due to clogging or specifically, a faulty part. If this is the case, a simple replacement or maintenance can usually fix the problem.
Unfortunately, when your garbage disposal leaks from the bottom near the reset button, your options may be limited. When the time comes where it starts to leak, fix the issue before it starts to be a more serious hassle.
First things first, investigate where the leak is coming from
If you want to determine why your garbage disposal is leaking and hopefully, how to fix it, you need to pinpoint the location of the leak first. By doing so, you will be able to know the solutions to your specific problem.
These are the areas that you will need to check thoroughly, as they are the common reasons behind leaking – the sink flange, drain pipe, dishwasher connection, and the bottom part near the reset button. Depending on where the leak is located, the fix may be easy or may need replacement.
Get your flashlight ready and start doing the investigation yourself by following the steps below:
Step 1: Unplug your unit
Before anything else, unplug your unit to avoid electrocution. Also, if your unit is connected to the dishwasher, disconnect it just to be safe.
Step 2: Remove the clutter
Although it is optional, removing all the clutter on and under your sink can make your inspection an easier and quicker process.
Step 3: Fill your sink with colored water
Using a mix of water and food coloring, dump the solution into your sink. This will help you identify where the leak is coming from faster.
Step 4: Wipe a light-colored rag around your unit
Observe your disposal. Once you see colored water trickling on your unit, get a light-colored rag and determine where the source of the leak is coming from. Check your garbage disposal’s sink flange, drain pipe, dishwasher connection, and finally, its bottom part.
Once you are able to secure the area where the leak is coming from, you can now start finding the solutions to stop it from happening.
Reasons why your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom
Are you absolutely sure that your disposal is truly leaking from the bottom, and that there are no other issues aside from it? Once you see the leaks near the reset button, the main causes of the damage are the following:
Reason #1: Your unit is too old
Most garbage disposals work best when they are still new. Once it reaches the 10-year mark, it is normal to find some issues with it. In some lucky cases, these issues may be easily fixed. However, if the bottom part is the problem, the solution may be a last resort.
How to know if this is the issue
Did you have your garbage disposal for around 10 to 13 years? If you are in this situation, then the issue may be its age. Just like all things, it is understandable that your disposal may break once it runs its course.
Reason #2: Your unit has a damaged internal seal
The main purpose of the internal seals on your garbage disposal is to protect the motor and prevent it from leaking. As another effect of old age, your unit’s seal will eventually deteriorate over time. It is also possible for your garbage disposal’s case to show some cracks, which will yield the same result.
How to know if this is the issue
You will need to do a bit of inspection to pinpoint the issue. Do the investigation above and check if you can see the leak or cracks near the bottom reset button of your disposal.
What you can do to fix the leak
Once you are sure of where the leak is coming from, is there anything you can do to fix it? As mentioned earlier, unlike the other causes of leaking, bottom leaks can be difficult to fix.
You only have two options to solve the issue:
Option 1: Call a professional to repair your unit
Depending on how big the leaks or damage are, there may be a small possibility that the issue can be fixed by having your disposal repaired by an expert. Before calling a pro, ask them if they have experience in fixing the specific type of disposal you have for a seamless transaction.
In some cases, you may be able to get a free repair or replacement if you still have your warranty. Check your unit and contact the manufacturer to get assistance with your unit.
Option 2: Replace your garbage disposal with a new one (Recommended)
If the bottom part of your garbage disposal is leaking, getting a new one is most likely cheaper than having it repaired. Since the internal chamber of your unit is already damaged and busted, you can save yourself from wasting your time in trying to fix your disposal and replace the unit instead.
Are you looking into another garbage disposal model or manufacturer? We recommend searching for a unit that will still fit the screws and locking mechanisms of your damaged machine. By doing this, you can save lots of time from fitting in new ones.
Should you install the disposal yourself?
The choice of whether to call a professional to install your new garbage disposal or not is entirely up to you.
If you are quite handy and confident that you will be able to do it yourself, why not? DIY projects can help you save a bit of money. On the other hand, if you are unsure of your skills, calling a pro can save you time while also giving you the peace of mind of a well-installed unit.
Tips to make your garbage disposal last longer
Like other machines and things in this world, garbage disposals will eventually break as time passes. However, this does not mean that extending their lifespan is impossible. In fact, you can do the following tips to make your unit last longer than average:
Conduct regular inspections
You can do an inspection of your garbage disposal at least once a month to check for leaks and damage. Doing this informs you of damages earlier while also keeping your plumbing lines in check.
For professional inspections, it would be enough to have an expert check your unit at least once a year. If you really want to extend the duration of your disposal, prevention will always be better than cure.
Fix minor issues as soon as possible
Once you see minor issues such as clogging and loose bolts, try fixing them as soon as you can. If you allow these problems to continue, not only will you face more serious issues, but will also have to spend more money to fix them.
Avoid putting too much clutter in your cupboard
Since it is a storage space, it may be tempting to put clutter inside your cupboard to lessen the mess. Unfortunately, if your space is too cramped, it will also affect your garbage disposal.
For example, putting unnecessary things into your cupboard may bump into your unit. Eventually, this may result in cracks, tears, and may even cause loose connections in your disposal.
Stop putting hard food into your garbage disposal
Before putting food into your disposal, check your manual and see if it can accommodate the specific item in the unit. If you continue to place items that the manufacture does not recommend, expect that you will have to replace your garbage disposal earlier than you are supposed to.
As much as possible, avoid placing the following items into your disposal:
- Animal bones
- Eggshells
- Rice and pasta
- Seafood
- Coffee grounds
Clean your unit often
Aim to clean your garbage disposal at least once or twice a week. Not only will you prevent leaks but also keeps your unit smell fresh as it gets rid of foul smells.
Use cold water and a bit of dish soap every now and then
Did you know that dumping cold water into your sink can immensely help extend your unit’s lifespan? By solidifying the grease and oil into your disposal, instead of clogging your pipes, the solid grease will be ground to prevent congestion.