You reach under the sink to grab a trash bag, and your hand hits something wet. You pull it back, and it smells like mildew. Now, the cabinet floor’s starting to warp, and you’re thinking about how much it’ll cost to fix. Sound familiar? If so, you’re probably dealing with a garbage disposal leaking from the bottom.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the causes, warning signs, and when to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for plumbing services in Duncanville, TX.
Signs Your Garbage Disposal Is Leaking From the Bottom
If your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, these are the signs that usually show up first:
- Water pools under the sink every time you run the faucet.
- A musty or moldy smell comes from inside the cabinet.
- The cabinet floor feels soft, swollen, or starts to warp.
- Rust, stains, or drip marks appear on the bottom of the disposal.
- You hear dripping sounds after using the unit.
- Dampness near the disposal gets worse when it is running.
If you notice any of these, the leak has already caused damage and requires immediate attention.
Common Causes of a Leaking Garbage Disposal
Leaks happen when seals wear out, hardware loosens, or pressure builds inside the unit. The causes below explain why your garbage disposal might be leaking today.
Worn-Out Seals
Seals inside your garbage disposal hold water in place during use. When they wear out, they lose their grip and let water leak from the bottom. These leaks often continue even when the unit is off.
Most worn-out seals sit deep inside the unit and do not come out on their own. If the seals fail, you will need to replace the entire disposal. Water from worn-out seals can damage cabinets and cause mold to form quickly.
Faulty Sink Flange
If the garbage disposal flange loosens, water leaks through the gap and drips into your cabinet. This often happens after an installation or repair. A faulty sink flange usually results from dried-out plumber’s putty or poor alignment during setup.
Resealing or reinstalling the flange stops the leak and restores the seal. If you ignore it, water can rot your cabinet base and ruin stored items.
Loose Mounting Bolts
Mounting bolts hold the disposal tightly against the sink flange. If the bolts come loose, the unit shifts out of place and breaks the seal. Even small gaps let water leak from the top and run down the sides. Loose mounting bolts also cause rattling, vibration, and poor alignment during use.
Tightening the bolts usually stops the leak if the disposal hangs level. A plumber can reseat and secure it if it continues to shift.
Cracked Disposal Housing
The housing surrounds the disposal’s internal parts and holds back water. When the shell cracks, water escapes directly from the bottom and drips into your cabinet. You may see rust stains or dripping even when the unit is off. Heavy impact or long-term wear often causes a cracked disposal housing. Leaks from these cracks can reach the wiring, creating electrical hazards.
Since the housing is a single molded part, you cannot repair it. A plumber can replace the unit and install a model that fits your setup.
Clogs and Overloads
Grease, bones, and fibrous foods clog the disposal and jam the blades. When waste builds up inside the unit, it traps water and forces it out through the bottom. A clog often slows down draining and causes the sink to back up. Overloading the disposal can also break the impellers or damage internal seals.
Always run cold water and feed scraps in small amounts to reduce strain. Preventing clogs helps your disposal run longer and keeps the plumbing system around it in good shape.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Start with basic garbage disposal troubleshooting by checking for visible drips and pressing the reset button if the unit hums or stalls. Regular garbage disposal maintenance, such as flushing with cold water and clearing food buildup, helps prevent clogs and wear.
If your garbage won’t stop leaking from the bottom, contact a plumber as soon as possible.
Don’t Let a Small Leak Turn Into a Big Repair
If your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom or showing signs of damage, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for expert repairs. Our team quickly locates the source and stops the leak before it causes further damage.
If you want to keep your system working longer, check out our guide with tips to clean a garbage disposal and prevent clogs, smells, and breakdowns.
