Leak under sink

rsynnott

I've got a leak under my sink. It's a two-sink unit, with one normal-sized sink and one small one. Under the small one there's a waste disposal unit, which I don't use, and its outlet and the dishwasher outlet run into a vertical pipe. Picture attached.

Around the join between the outlet from the waste disposal unit and the dishwasher outlet, and the vertical pipe, I sometimes get a few drops of water leaking out, particularly if I let water down through the waste disposal unit, but also sometimes when the dishwasher's running. It's been like this since I moved in a while ago, but I haven't gotten around to doing anything about it; I jut had a bowl under it to catch the occasional drips.

Recently I had a plumber servicing the boiler and looking at a separate leak under the main sink. He was also meant to sort out this one, but I've just noticed it's still happening.

I'm not sure how to sort this out; should I be getting the whole pipe replaced, or would some sort of sealant work? Also, is it practical to replace the waste disposal unit with a normal sink drain? I don't really have any use for it, and I don't think they're permitted anymore anyway.

Thanks all!

BrokenArrows

Probably just a poor seal on the threads.
It looks very dirty but that may be a result of the leak rather than the cause.

Take the piping off and clean and try everything. Get some pvc thread sealant. and place it on the threads and reassemble.
Dont overtighten as this can damage the threads causing leaks rather than preventing them.

The pipe section may already be damaged so if the above doesnt work just head to the local diy place and get a replacement of the same diameter (some cutting may be required as its unlikely they will have your exact length)

BaronyOfIda

"and I don't think they're permitted anymore anyway."

Not so; Councils have misguided idea that they are environmentally unfriendly and cause sewer blockages - not so, in fact studies have proven the opposite as they divert food waste to AD treatment rather than ending up in landfill releasing CO2.
Keep using it if its still working, might need to be reset if not used for some time

K.Flyer

It depends on what is put down into them and the condition of the drain pipes as to whether you will have recurring drain blockages or not.
Egg shells are the worst thing, as they basically turn into a form of sand in the pipes.
I know one management company who insisted on all of them be talen out of all the apartments in a particular complex due to the huge amount of blockages occuring because of them.
When they were removed, the drain blockage occurrances were reduced dramatically.

xl500

New York City Recently started giving Grant aid to install Under Sink Waste Disposals as they believe they are more Enviro Friendly than sending Food Waste to Landfill

I have one under my Sink now for at least 10 years one of the best things in the kitchen great in Summer no smelly bins but you do need a quality one with proper blades not a sink-erator with hammers