Garbage Disposal Leaking From The Reset Button? (Try This Fix!)
It’s inevitable that at some point during its lifespan, your garbage disposal will leak. But what if it’s leaking from the reset button? This isn’t an immediate cause for concern, although it does need to be taken care of as soon as possible to avoid a small problem growing into a larger one. The good news is that you can perform the repairs yourself if needed!
The first action you’ll want to take is finding the cause of this leak. More often than not, it’s a broken flywheel seal which you’ll need to replace. This is a pretty simple job, so there’s no reason to hire a professional. You will need to remove it before purchasing a new one in order to obtain the correct one.
This guide will walk you through how to inspect your garbage disposal system, as well as the steps you need to take to replace your flywheel gasket. In addition, we provide some general garbage disposal tips so that you can avoid unnecessary issues in the future.
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Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking From The Reset Button?
When water leaks from underneath, especially the reset button, it could be for one of two reasons. The first is that the body could be damaged, and rust has started to spread.
The second is that the flywheel gasket needs to be replaced. If it’s the first, then the only solution is to replace the unit’s entire unit.
What Are The Steps To Install A New Flywheel Gasket?
To install a new flywheel seal, the garbage disposal unit needs to be removed so the old one can be taken off and the new one put on.
Step 1: Switch Off The Water Supply
When you turn off the water supply, make sure that the unit’s power supply is turned off as well. You can turn it off under the sink, as well as on the circuit-breaker panel.
It’s better to turn off both just to ensure the maximum amount of safety as there may be residual energy in the lines.
Step 2: Disconnect The Drain Pipe
You will need to disconnect the drainpipe to remove the unit. Also, if you have a dishwasher, disconnect that as well while you’re at it. This helps to avoid any unnecessary spills or messes, which will cut down on the cleanup time.
Step 3: Remove The Unit
Remove the unit from under the sink. Situated under the sink, on top of the garbage disposal unit, there are three critical features you need to recognize. These are:
- The black hose
- A silver or orange ring with three loops
- A tubular pipe is connecting the unit to the p-trap. A p-trap is a section of the pipe that resembles the letter “P.” It traps any odors that could escape from a septic tank, causing foul odors to enter the home.
Step 4: Detach The Black Hose
The hose is situated on the top, using a hexagonal nut driver: This is usually not difficult. Next, take away the tubular pipe, which is angled at 90 degrees down the drain. Detach this by loosening the screws. Now the pipe will be partially separated from the unit.
Step 5: Loosen The Ring
The ring is situated at the top of the unit, connecting it to the sink. Using a hex wrench, loosen the ring by rotating one of the loops anti-clockwise.
Ensure that you have a firm grip on the appliance to prevent it from dropping as garbage disposals can be heavy, typically weighing about 15lbs. Now you will be able to see the flywheel rubber seal.
Step 6: Remove The Seal
Removing the seal, your next stop is the local DIY store to obtain an exact duplicate. You can bring the ring to Home Depot or Lowes, and they can help you match it.
Put the new seal in the place of the old one, and by taking each of the above steps, in reverse order, reinstall the unit.
Step 7: Check The Leak
It’s time to check whether the leak has stopped. Reattach the power cable and switch on the electricity from the circuit breaker to the garbage disposal. Switch the water supply back on as well as the garbage disposal power. Let the water run through it.
Step 8: Connect The Power
Upon finding that the leak has been taken care of, don’t forget to connect the power. Your unit needs a flow of electricity for it to be able to work.
(We know this step is obvious, but many people forget to do this and think they’ve broken their unit! Whoops.)
Other Garbage Disposal Leaks And Their Causes
A garbage disposal unit is an indispensable piece of equipment in any kitchen. With time, though, specific issues are likely to emerge. Prolonged use and lack of maintenance will create problems such as blockages and leaks. Leaks can originate in various parts of the appliance. If it’s at the top, this is probably the sink flange. If it’s from the sides, it has to be starting at the drain pipe.
The most typical problem for a garbage disposal unit is caused by the wastewater outlet. The usual reasons for these issues are incorrect installation and vibrations. If vibrations are compromised, this can result in wastewater drainage issues as they impact the joint and pipe elbow.
It makes sense to check and work out whether it is repairable. Ideally, you should contact a professional technician to come and inspect. It may be that the issue isn’t too serious, and the joints need adjustment to create a stronger attachment.
Tips To Using Your Garbage Disposal
Avoid hard foods: Never place these into the unit. All food has to be soft. Hard foods such as meat bones, apples, and raw potatoes should never be introduced into your garbage disposal unit as they can cause damage.
Be careful what you feed into your disposal: Don’t just throw everything into your garbage disposal. Certain items should never be introduced into the garbage disposal unit, such as:
- Seafood shells
- Coffee husks
- Eggshells
- Chemicals
Make sure you know which items can damage the blades, pipes, or motor.
Coldwater: Always rinse through with cold water before and after every use. This will help to prevent fats and oils, causing blockages. Bear in mind that congealed fat can damage your sink, and leaks can result.
Inspection: Don’t neglect to inspect your waste disposal unit at least every six months.
Related Questions
How do you reset the reset button on a garbage disposal?
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In Summary
Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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