How to fix a leaky garbage disposal housing

Is your kitchen sink staging a mini water show every time you flip on your garbage disposal? A leaking disposal isn’t just a pesky problem—it can wreak havoc under your sink if you ignore it. Don’t worry, though; let’s take a look at why it’s leaking and how you can fix it up yourself.

The tips in this article might not fit your exact appliance model. We try to help with all kinds of DIY repairs, but different models can have their own quirks, like unique error codes or parts that need swapping. For spot-on advice, it’s best to check your appliance’s manual or give us a shout if you’ve got questions.

What’s causing your garbage disposal to leak?

• Seal wears out: After a while, the seals in your garbage disposal can start to give out—it’s just normal wear and tear, sometimes sped up by how it was installed. When these seals aren’t doing their job, water starts sneaking through and dripping under your sink.
• Parts become loose: Over time, things like mounting bolts, hose clamps, and drain connections might wiggle loose. If they’re not snug, water can slip through those gaps. It’s a good idea to check these parts now and then and tighten them up before they cause trouble.
• Disposal develops cracks: Years of use can lead to cracks or breaks in the disposal unit itself. This stuff happens, especially with older disposals or ones that have been put through the wringer. Sadly, if the body’s cracked, it’s usually time to get a new one.
• Drain line clogs: If the drain line’s clogged up, water might back up and leak around the disposal. Common culprits include food scraps like banana peels, onion skins, and celery stalks. Clearing out these blockages can stop the leaks and help your disposal run better.

Finding exactly where it’s leaking

Take a good look

1. Dry everything off: Wipe down the disposal and the area around it so you can spot new leaks.
2. Run some water: Turn on the faucet, but leave the disposal off for now.
3. Watch closely: See where water starts appearing—it could be from seals, connections, or cracks.

Test for leaks

1. Add food coloring: Mix a few drops of food coloring into water in the sink.
2. Spot the leak: The colored water makes it easier to see exactly where it’s leaking from.
3. Pinpoint the source: Note if the leak’s coming from the top, sides, or bottom of the disposal.

Fixing a leaky garbage disposal

Replace a bad seal

1. Kill the power: Unplug the disposal or flip the breaker—better safe than sorry.
2. Find the seal: The main seal is usually right where the disposal hooks up to the sink.
3. Take out the disposal: Loosen up the mounting assembly and lower the unit carefully.
4. Swap the seal: Pull out the old seal and pop in a new one that fits your model. Not sure about your model number? Here’s how to find it.
5. Put it back together: Mount the disposal back onto the sink, making sure everything’s tight and secure.
6. Check for leaks: Turn the power back on and run some water to see if you’ve fixed the problem.

Tighten up loose connections

1. Give everything a once-over: Look over all the mounting bolts, hose clamps, and drain connections for anything loose.
2. Grab your tools: You might need a wrench or screwdriver to tighten things up.
3. Don’t go overboard: Tighten things enough to stop leaks but don’t strip the threads or damage any seals.
4. Test it out: Run the disposal with water to make sure there are no more leaks.

Handle a cracked disposal

If your disposal’s cracked, fixing it usually isn’t in the cards. Here’s what you can do:

1. Double-check the crack: Dry off the unit and use a flashlight to spot the crack.
2. Shop for a new one: Start looking for a replacement that suits your needs and budget.
3. Install the new disposal: Follow the instructions that come with it, or check out our repair guides for help.
4. Get rid of the old one properly: Look into your local rules for disposing of electronic waste.

Clear a blocked drain line

1. Turn off the power: Safety first—make sure the disposal’s off.
2. Use a plunger: Sometimes a plunger can loosen minor clogs without taking anything apart.
3. Pour in some enzymatic cleaner: These cleaners break down organic stuff and might clear the clog over time.
4. Try a drain snake: Carefully feed a snake into the drain to break up or pull out the blockage.
5. Remove the drain hose (if needed): If those methods don’t work, find and disconnect the hose connected to the dishwasher or sink drain to check for junk inside.
6. Manually clear the blockage: Take out any gunk you find in the hose or drain line.
7. Hook the hose back up: Tighten it securely to avoid future leaks.
8. Give it a test run: Run water and turn on the disposal to make sure the clog’s gone.

Knowing when it’s time to replace

Sometimes, it’s just better to get a new garbage disposal. Here are some signs you might need a replacement:

• Constant leaks: If you’re always fixing leaks, buying a new unit could save you time and hassle.
• Visible cracks: Any cracks in the body mean it’s time for a new disposal.
• Losing its grind: If it’s not working like it used to, even after trying to fix it, it might be worn out.
• Weird noises: Strange sounds could signal internal problems.

Wrapping up 

When you’re picking out a new disposal, make sure it fits your sink and suits what your household needs. Don’t forget to find your model number for compatibility—here’s how to find it.

For all your appliance repair needs and top-quality parts, swing by AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to help you keep your home humming along. Stay connected with us on social media for more tips and updates. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you’ve got questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out!