Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Leaking: Reasons & Solutions
This guide on Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Leaking will cover:
- What causes Insinkerator Garbage Disposal to leak?
- Common places to leak on your garbage disposal
- How to detect the source of leaks on your garbage disposal?
- Troubleshooting steps to fix the leak on your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal
Table of Contents
- What Causes InSinkErator Garbage Disposal To Leak?
- Where Is Your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Leaking From: Common Places To Leak
- How To Detect the Source of Leak On Your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal?
- How Do You Fix Your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal That’s Leaking?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Causes InSinkErator Garbage Disposal To Leak?
Improper installation of mounting assembly, worn-out gaskets, loose discharge nuts, and crack flywheel are responsible for the garbage disposal to leak.
Worn-out Gaskets
InSinkErator gasket leaking! Is it possible?
Yes, worn-out gaskets can cause the garbage disposal to leak as water can seep through the gap.
A gasket on the garbage disposal makes a seal so the water can’t leak through the garbage disposal.
Typically, you can find gaskets in these three common places on your garbage disposal:
- A gasket between the sink flange and the mounting assembly
- A gasket between the discharge outlet and the elbow flange
- Internal gaskets
Replacing the old garbage disposal with a new one is necessary if water leaks due to worn-out internal gaskets.
Excessive Plumber’s Putty
Excessive plumber’s putty under the sink flange can cause the garbage disposal to leak, especially if it’s a new installation.
Due to the application of too much plumber’s putty, it may cause over-compression. Consequently, the plumber’s putty can be squeezed out between the flange and the sink, creating a gap to leak water.
Nonetheless, the over-application of the plumber’s putty means an uneven surface for the flange to sit in, which creates an inconsistent seal. An inconsistent seal allows water to seep through the gaps and cause leaks.
Improper Installation of Mounting Assembly
Improper garbage disposal installation, such as a loose lower mounting ring, can lead to water leakage.
Besides, you will experience long-term or short-term water leakage if all three mounting tabs are not engaged properly on all slide-up ramps and locked in place beyond the ridges.
Nonetheless, the worn-out fiber gasket between the sink flange and the backup ring can allow water to seep through.
Loose Dishwasher Connection or The Tube Gets Deteriorated
Your garbage disposal can leak from the dishwasher connection if the screws come loose.
Apart from this, If the tube (that runs from the disposal to the dishwasher) deteriorates, water will make its way through the tube to leak.
Loose Discharge Nuts or Gaskets Gets Cracked
Due to loose discharge nuts, your garbage disposal can leak from the discharge inlet.
If the discharge nuts are secure, the elbow gasket between the discharge inlet and the elbow may get cracked. Consequently, the water can seep through the crack.
Besides, loose drain pipe connections can allow water to leak through the plumbing.
Crack Flywheel
A small crack on the flywheel can cause the garbage disposal to leak from the bottom.
Over time, the metal flywheel gets rusted, and cracks can build up by default.
As the garbage disposal operation requires a constant flow of water, water leaks through the cracks and reaches the reset button.
Where Is Your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Leaking From: Common Places To Leak
Here are the common places your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal leaks from:
InSinkErator Leaking From Top
Your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal will leak from the top because of worn-out flange or plumber’s putty, damaged seals, deteriorated gaskets, and loose screws.
Typically, the sink flange connects the garbage disposal to the sink drain. If the sink flange comes loose or the plumber’s putty gets damaged, the flange fails to keep the seal.
Consequently, the water can seep through the gap and leak from the flange.
A defective gasket between the seal and the sink flange can also cause the garbage disposal to leak from the top.
InSinkErator Leaking From Mounting Assembly
A garbage disposal can leak from the mounting assembly due to improper installation.
Apart from this, the loose locking ring, loose three screws that hold the garbage disposal in place, and worn-out plumber’s putty are responsible for a dripping garbage disposal.
InSinkErator Leaking From Side
If you see the garbage disposal is leaking from the side, I bet either the dishwasher inlet or the discharge outlet is at fault.
Due to a loose joint where the dishwasher hose meets the garbage disposal, the garbage disposal leaks from the dishwasher connection.
Similarly, a loose discharge outlet connection can cause your garbage disposal to drip water from the side of the unit.
Garbage disposal leaking at the dishwasher inlet
Due to loose clamps, deteriorated tubes, or insecure elbow joints, your garbage disposal can leak from the dishwasher inlet.
Leaking at the discharge
The garbage disposal often leaks from the discharge due to loose discharge nuts, cracked gaskets, and cracks on the discharge elbow.
InSinkErator Leaking From Bottom
Generally, the garbage disposal leaks from the bottom or through the reset button if tiny cracks build up on the flywheel. Besides, damaged internal seals or gaskets are responsible for the food waste disposal leaking from the bottom.
How To Detect the Source of Leak On Your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal?
To identify the source of a leak on your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you unplug your garbage disposal from the power source.
- Clean the under-sink area and place a paper towel under the garbage disposal. It will help you understand if the disposal leaks as the water drips, leaving a wet spot.
- Place the sink stoppers in place and fill the sink with water.
- Remove the stopper and let the sink drain.
- Now, crawl down and look for leaks.
- Check the mounting assembly and touch the mounting rings, screws, and the dishwasher lines if water drips from the area.
- Inspect the disposal and the drain pipes for leaks.
- Check the motor joints for leaks.
- Pay attention to the bottom part of the unit, especially the reset button area, for water leakage.
How Do You Fix Your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal That’s Leaking?
Once you detect the source of water leakage, it will be easy to fix the leak on your garbage disposal. Before going through any troubleshooting steps, ensure you unplug the disposal from the electric outlet.
To fix your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal that’s leaking, follow these instructions:
Replace The Gaskets If Required
Check the seal or gasket between the sink flange and the mounting assembly for a leak. Regarding this, rotate the disposal unit left and remove it.
Then, check the gasket. If it gets worn out, replace the fiber gasket with a new one.
Don’t forget to inspect the plumber’s putty. If required, reseal the sink flange with a fresh plumber’s putty.
Next, unscrew the discharge elbow flange and check the gasket between the discharge outlet and the elbow flange. Replace the gasket with a new one and tighten up the connection correctly.
Finally, it’s time to call a professional if replacing the two gaskets doesn’t bring any luck. As it’s complex to detect the internal gasket damage, it will be best to hire a plumber.
I recommend you replace the garbage disposal if it leaks due to damaged internal seals.
Correct the Mounting Installation
Verify that the mounting assembly is installed correctly.
Next, ensure that the garbage disposal locking ring is secure and tight. If the lower mounting ring comes loose from the mounting assembly, tighten it up.
Regarding this, insert an Allen wrench or a screwdriver into the left side of the metal loop and work the wrench to the right.
You will hear a click when the lower mounting ring locks into place.
If you install a new garbage disposal, inspect under the sink flange for excessive plumber’s putty.
Disassemble the mounting assembly, remove the garbage disposal, and scrap away the excess plumber’s putty with a putty knife.
Afterward, reassemble the garbage disposal and test for leaks again.
Note: If your model requires a rubber gasket to seal the sink flange, check the gasket and replace it if required.
Related: How To Install Garbage Disposal
Check the Dishwasher Inlet For Proper Connection
First, verify that you remove the knockout plug at the dishwasher inlet. It is necessary to remove the knockout plug before connecting the dishwasher hose.
Once you verify that the knockout plug is removed, check the clamps and ensure they are tight.
Next, inspect the hose adapter for proper tightness. Finally, ensure that the elbow/trap joint is secure and tight.
Inspect the Discharge Connection
Check the garbage disposal’s discharge and the drain pipe connected to it.
Ensure that the discharge nut or bolts are secure and tight. After that, touch the connection point between the discharge and the elbow to feel the wetness.
If you feel the water at the connection point, check the rubber gasket for a crack. Replace the rubber gasket if required.
Make sure to check the discharge elbow/trap joint and ensure that it is tightly secured.
Moreover, check the height between the discharge inlet and the drain pipe. The drain pipe connection should be lower than the disposal discharge.
Otherwise, it could lead to premature corrosion or leaking due to standing water left in the disposal.
The drain line must be properly pitched (at least 1/4″ per foot of run) from the disposer to the drain connection.
Apply Epoxy to Fill the Holes on the Flywheel
Garbage disposal leaking from the bottom reset button is a sign that indicates a crack on the flywheel.
To determine if there are tiny cracks on the flywheel, unplug your garbage disposal.
Disconnect the dishwasher line and the discharge pipe from the garbage disposal.
Now, remove the garbage disposal by dismounting the mounting assembly.
Use a nut driver to remove the long bolts securing the top part of the garbage disposal.
Clean the flywheel and the metal parts with a wire brush. Then, apply epoxy around the metal area to fill the cracks or tiny holes.
Leave the disposal for several minutes to let the epoxy dry. Finally, follow the reverse direction to assemble the garbage disposal.
You can check out the following tutorial to learn how to fix a leaking garbage disposal:
Replace The Garbage Disposal
Replacing the garbage disposal with a new one is a must if the source of the leak is from the bottom of the garburator.
Yeah, you can fix a small crack on the flywheel of your garbage disposal by applying epoxy. But if the crack is big or the disposal unit leaks from the bottom due to damaged internal seals, you must replace the garbage disposal.
You can read this article to learn how much it costs to replace a garbage disposal.
FAQs
Can you fix a garbage disposal leaking from the bottom?
Worn-out internal seals, cracks on the flywheel, and cracks in the disposal or canister are responsible for garbage disposal leaking from the bottom. Though you can hire a professional to fix the seals, replacing the garbage disposal is more practical.
Why is my garbage disposal leaking from the bottom when the dishwasher runs?
A garbage disposal can leak from the bottom when the dishwasher is running for several reasons:
Loose dishwasher hose connection: If the dishwasher hose connected to the disposal comes loose, your garbage disposal can leak from the bottom.
Garbage disposal plug may remain in the disposal inlet: By default, every garbage disposal has a plug inside the disposal inlet. If you don’t knock out the plug, the water drains from the dishwasher through the hose to the disposal can leak. Disconnect the dishwasher hose from the disposal and hammer out the disposal plug. Then, reconnect the dishwasher hose to the disposal. Ensure the connection is secure & tight.
Why is my garbage disposal leaking from the sink flange?
A loose flange or worn-out plumber’s putty causes the garbage disposal to leak from the sink flange. The sink flange is a round material (ring) that connects the garbage disposal to the sink drain.
To fix the garbage disposal that leaks from the sink flange, try these steps:
Test for leaks.
a. Disassemble your Insinkerator garbage disposal by loosening the mounting bolts.
b. Remove the sink flange from the top of the sink drain.
c. Clean the sink drain properly.
d. Apply fresh plumber’s putty around the sink flange.
e. Insert the sink flange into the sink drain until it fits snugly.
f. Reassemble the mounting assembly and connect the disposal to the garbage disposal.
Why is my InSinkErator leaking from the reset button?
Your InSinkErator Garbage Disposal leaks from the reset button due to worn out or damaged internal seals, common in old garbage disposals. To fix this issue, I highly suggest you replace the garbage disposal with a new one.
Can I run the dishwasher if a garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom?
Yes, you can run the dishwasher even though your garbage disposal leaks from the bottom. However, a leak from food waste disposal indicates a problem that needs to be resolved first.
Typically, a garbage disposal leaks from the bottom due to worn-out internal seals, cracks on the flywheel, and a dent in the canister.
How do I troubleshoot a leaky Insinkerator garbage disposal?
To troubleshoot a leaky InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, start by finding the source of leaks. Inspect the connections (dishwasher line and discharge line), mounting assembly, seals, and housing for any signs of wear & tear. If the leak persists, call a professional for further assistance.
Can a leaky garbage disposal be repaired, or do I need to replace it?
You can fix a leaky InSinkErator Garbage Disposal by replacing worn-out seals or gaskets, tightening connections, or repairing cracks in the housing. However, you may service or replace the disposal if the damage is extensive or the unit is old.
Is it normal for water to leak from the bottom of an Insinkerator disposal unit?
No, it’s not normal for your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal to leak from the bottom. It indicates a serious issue like cracks in the housing that require prompt action to avoid further damage.
What are some common causes of leaks in an Insinkerator garbage disposal?
Worn-out seals or gaskets, loose connections, improper installation, and cracks in the housing are responsible for your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal leak.
How can I prevent leaks in my Insinkerator disposal in the future?
Regular garbage disposal maintenance, like inspecting the connections & seals, avoiding overstuffing the grinding chamber, and running cold water when using the unit, can prevent leaks in the future. On top of this, proper installation can help prevent leaks in your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal.
Should I attempt to fix a leaky Insinkerator disposal myself, or should I call a professional plumber?
You can fix a leaky garbage disposal by tightening connections or replacing worn-out gaskets. Fixing a garbage disposal requires a little DIY experience. However, if you fail to resolve a leaky garbage disposal after DIY attempts, you can call a professional plumber.
Is there a warranty for Insinkerator garbage disposals that covers leaks?
Generally, the warranty covers manufacturing defects. Water leakage typically happens due to improper installation, worn-out gaskets, and cracks in housing. In short, the warranty for Insinkerator Garbage Disposals doesn’t cover water leakage.
Discover: Insinkerator Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting
Conclusion
Your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal will leak due to loose connections, worn-out gaskets or seals, improper installation, and cracks in the housing.
Follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article. I bet you can fix the leaking issue with your Insinkerator Garbage Disposal by applying those procedures.
To prevent future leaks in the garbage disposal, maintain your garbage disposal properly. Check every connection, seal, and housing periodically so that you can detect the leak promptly to avoid further damage.
Don’t forget to share your feedback by leaving a comment below.
Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
