A leaking garbage disposal gives you a useful clue if you watch where the first drop starts. Dry the unit completely, run a cup of water through the sink, and watch the flange, hose connections, and bottom seam.
Leak from the top: the sink flange
Water around the rim where the disposal meets the bottom of the sink points to the flange. The metal collar is held against the sink drain by a mounting ring and sealed with plumber’s putty or a gasket.
Putty dries and cracks. A plumber or handyman can remove the old material, reseat the flange, tighten it evenly, and test the seal. If the water actually starts below the flange, resealing the top will not solve the problem.
Leak from the side: a hose connection
A side drip usually comes from the dishwasher inlet hose or the discharge outlet. A clamp can loosen, a hose can harden and split, or a rubber gasket can flatten with age. If the drip appears only when the dishwasher runs, the inlet connection is the first place to inspect.
On a recent installation, a forgotten knockout plug in the disposal inlet can also block the dishwasher drain. Turn off the disposal before inspecting connections, and do not reach into the grinding chamber.
Leak from the bottom: the unit is done
Water from the bottom seam usually means the internal motor seal has failed. That seal is inside a factory-sealed assembly, so there is no reliable field repair. Plan on replacement, especially if the unit is older or the water reaches electrical parts.
Make sure water is not simply running down from the flange above. If the bottom is the true source, stop using the disposal.
The reset button is not a leak fix
The red button on the underside restarts the motor after an overheat or jam. If the unit is silent, it may help. If the unit drips, it will not change the leak.
Stop using it and call the right provider
Put a pan under the unit, shut off the wall switch, and clear the cabinet. A licensed plumber or handyman handles disposal replacement and plumbing connections. This is not a repair ADRIUM takes on.
For a plain-language home-maintenance resource, see Home Service Pros.
FAQ
My garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom. Can it be fixed? Usually no. A bottom-seam leak means the internal seals have failed, so replacement is the normal answer.
Why is it leaking from the top? The sink flange or its seal has lost contact with the sink drain. A plumber or handyman can reseat it.
Does the reset button stop a leak? No. It only restarts the motor after an overheat or jam.
Can I keep using it while it leaks? Stop until the source is found. Keep the cabinet dry and arrange the appropriate replacement or plumbing help.