Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking? Common Causes and Fixes

A leaking garbage disposal is one of the most common kitchen plumbing problems—and the location of the leak determines whether you're looking at a simple DIY fix or a full replacement. Before you panic or call a plumber, take a few minutes to diagnose where the water is actually coming from.

Here's a quick guide to garbage disposal leaks:

• Leaking from the TOP: Usually a sink flange issue—often fixable
• Leaking from the SIDE: Typically a drain line connection—usually fixable
• Leaking from the BOTTOM: Internal seal failure—usually means replacement
• Age matters: Disposals over 8-10 years old are often not worth repairing

Understanding the source helps you make smart decisions about repair vs. replacement. For professional diagnosis or repair, our drain cleaning services include garbage disposal work.

How to Diagnose a Garbage Disposal Leak

Before you can fix the problem, you need to find exactly where the water is coming from.

Step 1: Safety First

1. Unplug the disposal or turn off the breaker
2. Never put your hand inside the disposal
3. Clear everything from under the sink
4. Place towels to catch water

Step 2: Dry Everything

Wipe down the entire disposal unit so you can see where new water appears.

Step 3: Plug the Sink and Fill with Water

• Use a sink stopper
• Fill the sink with 3-4 inches of water
• Add a few drops of food coloring (optional but helpful)

Step 4: Watch for Leaks

Observe where water appears:

• At the top where disposal meets sink = flange leak
• At the side connections = drain line leak
• From the body or bottom = internal leak

Step 5: Test with Running Water

Remove the plug and run water through the disposal (with it OFF). This tests the drain connections under pressure.

Leak Location #1: Top of Disposal (Sink Flange)

This is the most common—and most fixable—type of garbage disposal leak.

The sink flange is the ring that connects the disposal to your sink drain. Over time, the plumber's putty or mounting hardware can loosen.

Signs of a Flange Leak:

• Water pools around the top edge of the disposal
• Leaking worsens when sink is full of water
• Visible gap between sink and disposal mount

DIY Fix: Tighten the Mounting Hardware

Tools needed: Screwdriver, flashlight

1. Look under the sink at the mounting ring
2. Locate the mounting bolts (usually 3)
3. Tighten each bolt evenly, alternating between them
4. Test for leaks

Estimated time: 10-15 minutes

DIY Fix: Reseal the Flange

If tightening doesn't work, the plumber's putty may need replacement.

Tools needed: Plumber's putty, screwdriver, wrench

1. Disconnect the disposal from the mounting ring
2. Disconnect drain pipes
3. Push the sink flange up from below
4. Clean off all old putty from the sink and flange
5. Roll new plumber's putty into a rope
6. Press around the underside of the flange lip
7. Reinstall flange and mounting hardware
8. Reattach disposal
9. Test for leaks

Estimated time: 45-60 minutes

Repair	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Tighten mounting	Free	$75-150
Reseal flange	$5-10 (putty)	$100-200

Leak Location #2: Side of Disposal (Drain Connections)

Your disposal has two side connections:

• Dishwasher inlet (small hose from dishwasher)
• Drain outlet (pipe going to drain/P-trap)

Signs of Side Connection Leaks:

• Water appears at pipe connections
• Leak only occurs when running water or dishwasher
• Visible drips from connection points

Dishwasher Connection Leak

The dishwasher drain connects with a hose and clamp.

DIY Fix:

1. Check that the hose clamp is tight
2. Inspect hose for cracks or deterioration
3. Replace hose if damaged ($10-20)
4. Ensure the knock-out plug was removed (new installations)

Common issue: If your dishwasher was recently installed, the installer may have forgotten to remove the knock-out plug inside the dishwasher inlet. This causes backup and leaking.

Drain Outlet Leak

The main drain outlet connects to your plumbing with a flange and gasket.

DIY Fix:

1. Check that the bolts are tight
2. If still leaking, remove the pipe
3. Inspect the rubber gasket for wear or damage
4. Replace gasket if needed ($5-10)
5. Reconnect and hand-tighten, then 1/4 turn more

Repair	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Tighten connections	Free	$75-125
Replace dishwasher hose	$10-20	$100-150
Replace drain gasket	$5-10	$100-150

Leak Location #3: Bottom of Disposal (Internal Seal Failure)

If water is coming from the bottom of the unit itself, the internal seals have failed. This typically means replacement is necessary.

Signs of Internal Seal Failure:

• Water drips from the very bottom of the unit
• Leak is constant, even when disposal isn't running
• No visible external connection issues
• Disposal is over 8 years old

Why This Happens:

• Normal wear over time
• Corrosion from food waste
• Manufacturing defect
• Age-related seal deterioration

Can It Be Repaired?

Internal seals are not designed to be user-serviceable. While some repair kits exist, they're:

• Difficult to install
• Temporary at best
• Often cost as much as a new disposal

Our recommendation: If your disposal is leaking from the bottom and is over 5 years old, replacement is almost always the better investment.

Repair vs. Replace: Making the Right Decision

Use this guide to decide whether to repair or replace:

Factor	Repair	Replace
Leak location	Top or side	Bottom
Age	Under 5 years	Over 8 years
Repair cost	Under $100	Over $150
Previous repairs	First issue	Multiple repairs
Performance	Still grinds well	Weak, noisy, or jams

Signs It's Time for a New Disposal:

• Leaking from the bottom
• Frequent resets required
• Takes longer to grind food
• Unusual noises during operation
• Persistent odors despite cleaning
• Over 10 years old

Benefits of Upgrading:

• Quieter operation (newer models have sound insulation)
• More powerful motors
• Better grinding technology
• Improved warranties (many offer 5-10 year coverage)
• Reduced risk of future leaks

Garbage Disposal Replacement Costs in Miami

If replacement is the right choice, here's what to expect:

Disposal Type	Unit Cost	Installation	Total
Basic (1/3 HP)	$75-150	$150-200	$225-350
Mid-Range (1/2 HP)	$150-250	$150-200	$300-450
Premium (3/4+ HP)	$250-400	$150-250	$400-650

What affects installation cost:

• Electrical work needed (hardwired vs. plug-in)
• Plumbing modifications required
• Access difficulty under sink
• Disposal of old unit
• Whether a dishwasher connection is needed

For kitchen plumbing work including disposal replacement, see our kitchen and bathroom services.

How to Choose a New Garbage Disposal

If you're replacing your disposal, consider these factors:

Motor Size (Horsepower)

HP Rating	Best For	Typical Cost
1/3 HP	Light use, 1-2 people	$75-150
1/2 HP	Average family use	$150-250
3/4 HP	Heavy use, fibrous foods	$200-350
1 HP	Maximum performance	$300-500

Miami recommendation: At least 1/2 HP. Our humid climate and heavy use of fresh produce means more food waste than average.

Feed Type

• Continuous feed: Runs while adding food (most common)
• Batch feed: Only runs with cover in place (safer for families with children)

Noise Level

• Budget models: Louder operation
• Mid-range: Some sound insulation
• Premium: Advanced sound dampening (nearly silent)

Features to Consider

• Stainless steel grinding components: Last longer, resist corrosion
• Auto-reverse: Helps prevent jams
• Quick-mount system: Easier installation
• Warranty length: Better units offer 5-10 year coverage

Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips

Prevent future leaks and extend your disposal's life:

Do:

• Run cold water before, during, and after use
• Cut large items into smaller pieces
• Clean regularly with ice cubes and salt
• Use citrus peels for freshness
• Run the disposal regularly (prevents corrosion)

Don't:

• Pour grease or oil down the disposal
• Grind fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, artichokes)
• Put expandable foods (rice, pasta) in large quantities
• Grind bones (except small chicken bones)
• Use chemical drain cleaners
• Put non-food items down the drain

Monthly Cleaning Routine:

1. Grind 2 cups of ice with 1 cup of rock salt
2. Run cold water for 30 seconds
3. Grind citrus peels (lemon, lime, or orange)
4. Flush with cold water for another 30 seconds

This cleans the grinding components and eliminates odors naturally.

When to Call a Professional

While many disposal issues are DIY-friendly, call a plumber if:

• You're uncomfortable working with electrical connections
• The leak source is unclear
• Multiple repairs haven't solved the problem
• You need to replace the disposal
• There's water damage under the sink
• The disposal is hardwired (not plug-in)
• Plumbing modifications are needed

Our team handles garbage disposal repairs and replacements throughout Miami. Contact Hernandez Plumbing for same-day service.

FAQs

Why is my garbage disposal leaking from the bottom?

A leak from the bottom of the disposal indicates internal seal failure. These seals wear out over time due to normal use, corrosion, and age. Unfortunately, internal seals aren't designed to be replaced by homeowners, and professional repair often costs more than replacement. If your disposal is over 5-8 years old and leaking from the bottom, replacement is typically the most cost-effective solution.

Can I use my garbage disposal if it's leaking?

You can use a disposal with a minor top or side leak temporarily, but address it quickly—even small leaks cause water damage over time. If the leak is from the bottom (internal seal), we recommend not using it until replaced. The seal failure can worsen with use, and water around electrical components is a safety hazard. In all cases, fix leaks within days, not weeks.

How long do garbage disposals last in Florida?

In South Florida's humid climate, garbage disposals typically last 8-12 years with proper care. Humidity accelerates corrosion, and our hard water can be tough on components. Signs your disposal is reaching end of life include frequent jamming, weak grinding power, persistent odors, and of course, leaks from the bottom. Higher-quality units with stainless steel components tend to last longer.

How much does it cost to replace a garbage disposal in Miami?

Total replacement costs in Miami typically range from $250-500 for a mid-range disposal including installation. This breaks down to $150-250 for the unit itself and $100-200 for professional installation. Costs increase if electrical modifications are needed or if your plumbing requires adjustment. Premium disposals with professional installation can run $500-700. DIY installation can save the labor cost if you're comfortable with basic plumbing and electrical work.

Kitchen Plumbing Services by Location

Our garbage disposal and kitchen plumbing services are available throughout South Florida:

• Miami
• Coral Gables
• Hialeah
• Kendall
• Doral
• Homestead