DIY Network

House Call: Fixing a Leaky Garbage Disposal From "Complete Fix-It" episode CFI-109

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F

DIY's Complete Fix-It host Brad Staggs helps a homeowner to repair a leaky garbage disposal. When new countertops were installed, the sink and the disposal were removed. After the contractor replaced them, the homeowner was left with a leaky disposal. Staggs determines that a faulty disposal gasket and an improper seal on the sink flange are the cause of the leak.

Materials:

Jam wrench
Slot screwdriver
Plumber's putty
Standard mounting gasket

1. Since the garbage disposal is hardwired into the wall, the most important step is to turn the breaker off from outside the house.

2. Underneath the sink, disconnect the dishwasher drain hose by loosening the clamp with the screwdriver (figure A) and working the hose off with your hand.

3. Loosen the slip nut on the disposal drain pipe, and slide it clear of the main drain, toward the disposal (figure B).

4. Insert the jam wrench into the disposal's locking collar, and turn counter-clockwise to release it. It is helpful to have two pairs of hands here so one pair can catch the disposal as it is released.

5. Once the disposal is removed, loosen the bracket studs holding the sink flange in place. Remove the locking ring and slip the bracket off (figure C), pulling the flange up through the hole in the sink.

6. Thoroughly clean off the dried plumber's putty around the hole in the sink, and clean the flange and mounting bracket with a rag.

7. Remove the old gasket from the top of the disposal and replace it with the new one, making sure it is properly seated. Brad shows the homeowner how water leaked through the spots where the old gasket was not seated correctly.

8. Roll the plumber's putty between your hands to make a snake-shaped piece, and wrap it around the underside of the sink flange (figure D). Then firmly press the flange back into place, and wipe off the excess putty. This creates a new watertight seal to prevent leakage.

9. Replace the bracket assembly and locking ring (figure E), then tighten the studs to secure the flange. Use your fingers before the screwdriver to seat the studs evenly, avoiding potential warping to the bracket.

10. Reinstall the disposal, placing the locking collar over the bracket assembly and tightening with the jam wrench (figure F).

11. Reconnect the drain hose and slip nut, then turn the breaker back on outside.

RESOURCES :

HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV