Water Damage Restoration Richmond Hill: Garbage Disposal Leaks

It is difficult to catch a disposal leak quickly. At first, you notice a few puddles under the sink or on the floor. You clean them up, but they reappear the next time you cook or clean the sink. Maybe you catch the scent of mold. But by the time you figure out what is happening, the situation has turned into a full-on water damage emergency.

Water Damage Restoration In Richmond Hill

If you can diagnose and fix leaking garbage disposals early, you can prevent substantial water damage to your cabinets and floors. By learning about your unit and how it connects to your pipes, you can determine whether the leak is coming from the sink, the disposal unit, or somewhere else. The problem is a little harder to diagnose than a clogged sink, but it’s usually caused by a few common issues. If you have found water damage due to leaking garbage disposal, or any other source, reach out to the professional water damage restoration team in Richmond Hill right way.

 

Loose Water Connections

Once you get light under there, you can see the pathways for electricity, clean water, and wastewater flowing under your sink. If the leak happens when the dishwasher is draining, the problem is loose metal clamp connections or bad rubber gaskets in the disposal drain line. 

If you see the dampness coming from the side of the unit, there is a problem with your drain lines. Look for two lines– the smaller one connects to the dishwasher, the larger is the main sewer pipe. If the leak is coming from the dishwasher hose, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws in the metal clamp. Leaks from the drainpipe usually come from a failed rubber gasket. 

 

A Worn Out Sink Flange

The flange connects the sink drain to a section of pipe called a tailpiece to create a tight seal. It is around the edge of the drain like a metal collar with a strainer in the center.

A disposal leak often comes when the seal or plumber’s putty that attaches the garbage disposal to the sink has worn away. Old putty or loose bolts can let water seep around the mounting hardware between the disposal and sink. 

 

Damaged or Cracked Disposal Unit

Cracked interior seals around the unit’s reset button and the motor will let water leak out of the bottom of the unit. You’ll probably want to replace it; this indicates that the garbage disposal is likely at the end of its life. This is the riskiest scenario since it can send the dirtiest water flowing into your cabinet.

 

Tips to Save your Disposal

Even though modern machines have improved immensely, you have to know their limitations. Of course, be vigilant to keep any metal or glass from falling in. Avoid disposing of  

·         Fibrous foods

·         Pasta and rice

·         Fruit and vegetable peels (especially bananas)

·         Shrimp shells

·         Potato peels

Small amounts of eggshells and coffee grounds will go through a moderately powered system; don’t use it if yours is small or weak. And it’s important to always run your disposal with running cold water, which can solidify small amounts of grease or oils so they can be ground too. Never grind bones, stalks, or fibers in the disposal.

 

Water Damage Resulting From From A Busted Unit

Since disposals are hidden, a slow leak can continue for months before you discover it. Over time, the water will cause MDF cabinets to crumble, wood to warp, and mold to grow. Eventually, this structural damage could even crack the counters. In order to save your kitchen from further damage, take this situation seriously. Call a full-service water damage restoration team to handle the complete project.

 

When You Need Water Damage Cleanup Richmond Hill

After discovering substantial water damage from your disposal, you’ll need a coordinated team to assess the project, remove the debris, correct the original problem and rebuild your kitchen. Harper Special Services is a fully licensed company that can provide all types of restorations: water, fire, mold, and storm restoration.

Harper Special Services can help you clean up after a small leak or rescue you from an emergency with debris removal, shoring, and board-ups. The best thing you can do if you are in need of water damage restoration is to make a call now to get the team on site today.