How to check and replace your garbage disposal seal to prevent leaks

Got a leaky garbage disposal turning your kitchen into a puddle? No sweat! Checking and replacing the seal is a DIY job that won’t eat up too much time or money. Let’s dive into the steps to fix those drips and get your disposal humming like new.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

What is the garbage disposal seal?

That seal on your garbage disposal keeps water from leaking where the unit hooks up to your sink. Over time, it can get worn out, dried up, or damaged, leading to those annoying leaks. By giving it a once-over and replacing it if needed, you can save yourself some headaches and prevent any water damage.

What you’ll need

• Plumber’s putty
• New fiber gasket
• Screwdriver
• Wrench or disposal wrench
• Bucket or some towels
• Scraper or putty knife
• Safety gloves

Safety steps

Safety comes first when working on any appliance. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe:

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Replacement steps

Turn off the power and disconnect the plumbing

Before you get your hands dirty, make sure to shut off the power to your garbage disposal.

1. Unplug the disposal from the outlet under the sink. If it’s hardwired, flip the breaker to cut the juice.
2. Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose if it’s hooked up. Usually, it’s just a clamp you can loosen with a screwdriver.

Take out the garbage disposal

Time to remove the disposal unit from under the sink.

1. Put a bucket or some towels down to catch any leftover water.
2. Unscrew the compression coupling holding the discharge tube to the P-trap, then pull out the tube. This frees up the disposal from the drain pipes.
3. Some models have retaining bolts or a mounting ring. Loosen those up to drop the disposal down. You might need a wrench or a special disposal wrench to help twist and unlock it from the bracket.

Check out and clean the flange

With the disposal out of the way, you can get to the flange, the part that connects the disposal to your sink.

1. Remove the three adjustment screws on the lower mounting ring.
2. Carefully pry apart the snap ring to free the flange.
3. Use a scraper or putty knife to clean off all the old plumber’s putty from the flange and the sink.
4. Get it nice and clean so the new seal sits right.

Put on some new plumber’s putty

Fresh plumber’s putty will give you a watertight seal between the flange and the sink.

1. Roll a piece of putty between your hands to make a thin rope, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
2. Wrap that putty rope around the underside of the sink flange evenly.
3. Press the flange back into the sink’s drain opening, pushing down evenly to squeeze out any extra putty.
4. Wipe away the excess putty that comes out from under the flange.

Swap out the fiber gasket

The fiber gasket sits between the flange and the disposal, adding an extra layer of protection.

1. Pull out the old gasket from the flange or mounting assembly.
2. Pop in the new gasket, making sure it fits snug and lies flat. This is key to stopping leaks.

Put it all back together and test it out

With the new seals in place, let’s reassemble everything.

1. Reattach the mounting assembly to the flange by putting the snap ring back and tightening the adjustment screws.
2. Hoist the garbage disposal back up, aligning it with the mounting bracket.
3. Twist or lock the disposal into place following your model’s instructions.
4. Reconnect the discharge tube to the P-trap and tighten up the compression coupling.
5. Hook the dishwasher drain hose back up if you disconnected it.
6. Turn the power back on by plugging in the disposal or flipping the breaker.

To make sure there are no leaks:

• Fill up the sink with water.
• Let it drain while you peek under the sink to spot any drips.

No leaks? Awesome—you’ve nailed it!

Still need a hand?

If things still aren’t working out or you’ve got more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here at AppliancePartsPros.com to help with all your appliance troubles. Swing by our repair help page for more guides and tips.

Got more questions or need to find the right parts for your disposal? Contact us today—we’ve got your back.

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