How often should you clean your garbage disposal and check for leaks?

Skipping it eventually leads to water damage or an expensive repair.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

The disposal builds up food film that smells, and its connections at the sink flange and drain are common slow-leak points into the cabinet below.

1. With the disposal off, look and feel around the top sink flange and the drain and dishwasher connections for moisture.
2. Grind a tray of ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt to scour the grinding chamber.
3. Drop in citrus peels or a splash of dish soap and run cold water to freshen it.
4. Wipe under the unit and check again for drips after running water.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Never put your hand in the disposal; use tongs to clear a stuck item, power off.
• A leak at the sink flange usually means the plumber's putty has failed and needs re-bedding.

Time: 15 minutes · Typical cost: Free to clean

If you skip it

Disposals commonly leak at the sink flange or drain fitting, and unnoticed drips swell the cabinet floor beneath the sink.

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Refrigerator — start with: replace refrigerator water filter, every 6 months
• Dishwasher — start with: clean dishwasher filter, every 3 months
• Washing machine — start with: inspect washer supply hoses, every 6 months
• Dryer — start with: clean dryer vent duct, every 6 months