Why Your Garbage Disposal Is Leaking from the Power Cord and How to Fix It?

One of the most common problems with garbage disposals is a leak from the bottom. Since the disposal is often tucked away under your sink, you might not notice the leak right away. But once you do spot it, it’s important to fix it quickly to avoid any bigger problems.

If you see water leaking from the power cord, it’s usually due to a broken seal or a crack in the disposal’s outer shell. Unfortunately, fixing this isn’t easy, so replacing the whole unit is usually the best option.

Garbage disposals are built to last a long time, so it can be surprising when one starts leaking after just a year or two. But what causes this, and how can it be fixed? In order to better understand this issue, let’s first look at the signs that your garbage disposal is leaking.

Signs That Your Garbage Disposal Might Be Leaking

It can be hard to spot a leaking garbage disposal, especially since it’s usually hidden under the sink. Leaks typically happen in three areas: the top, side, or bottom. Most of the time, the leak isn’t noticed until it becomes a bigger problem, but there are a few things to look out for:

• A bad smell coming from your under-sink cabinet.
• The area feels damp or wet.
• You hear a dripping sound near the disposal.
• There’s a puddle of water under the disposal.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to check where the leak is coming from. Leaks from the top or side are usually easier to fix, but leaks from the bottom can be trickier and might need a professional to fix. Before we talk about fixing leaks from the power cord, let’s go over the common causes of these leaks.

Why Your Garbage Disposal Might Leak from the Power Cord

Leaks in garbage disposals often happen because they’re not properly maintained. When disposals get clogged or overused, they can stop working correctly, leading to leaks or damage. If you notice water coming from the power cord, it usually means the water has reached the protective casing of the disposal.

The most common cause of this type of leak is a crack or damage to the outer shell that covers the motor. This casing is meant to keep water out, but when it’s cracked or the seal is damaged, water from the sink can seep into the disposal and leak through the hole where the power cord is attached.

What to Do if Water is Leaking from the Power Cord?

A leaking power cord is not just a mess – it can be a fire hazard. As soon as you notice a leak, it’s important to turn off the disposal immediately. To check for damage, look at the outside of the disposal for any visible cracks or signs of wear. If you find any, and the disposal is still under warranty, you can contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

If there are no visible cracks but the disposal is still leaking from the bottom, it might be an internal problem. Leaks from the bottom are often expensive to repair and could be dangerous, so it’s usually better to replace the disposal entirely. In the meantime, turn off the power to your disposal by unplugging it or switching off the breaker. Be cautious and avoid trying to fix this issue on your own if you’re not familiar with electrical appliances.

How to Prevent Garbage Disposals from Leaking

Taking good care of your garbage disposal is the key to preventing leaks and keeping your kitchen dry and safe. Follow these simple tips to avoid issues with your disposal:

• Don’t grind hard objects like chicken bones. Some disposals aren’t designed to handle tough or rigid items like bones. Grinding these can damage internal parts, leading to leaks. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damaging your unit.
• Avoid putting grease down the drain. Grease can build up inside the pipes and cause clogs. The best way to avoid this is to throw greasy food waste in the trash instead of rinsing it down the drain. Also, don’t put cooking oil in the disposal.
• Run cold water while the disposal is on. Cold water helps break down food waste more effectively and prevents clogs. Hot water can melt grease, which may clog the disposal and cause leaks.
• Clean your garbage disposal regularly. Cleaning your disposal once a week is one of the easiest ways to keep it working properly. If you’re going away for more than a week, be sure to clean the disposal before you leave to prevent food waste from drying and causing bad smells when you return.

Conclusion

Not all garbage disposals are the same, and some might not handle certain types of food waste as well as others. Some foods can damage your disposal over time, which could mean you need repairs or a replacement sooner than expected. It’s always better to take preventive steps before a problem happens. By following the simple tips shared earlier, you can keep your garbage disposal working smoothly. These small actions may seem simple, but they can save you from bigger issues down the road. To make sure your disposal lasts as long as possible, be sure to use it carefully and properly.

Further Reading:
Kitchen Sink Only Drains When Garbage Disposal Is On
How to Fix Loose Garbage Disposal Blades
Why Your Garbage Disposal Allen Wrench Won’t Turn