How to Fix a Leaking InSinkErator Garbage Disposal

If your InSinkErator leaks, it's usually a loose connection.

If your InSinkErator leaks, it's usually a loose connection.

InSinkErator, part of Emerson Electric Company, has been manufacturing garbage disposals since the 1940s, and sells a variety of models in the Evolution and Badgers series. These disposals feature leak-proof solid metal construction, and when one leaks, it's usually from the sink flange or the connection to the P-trap or dishwasher. The first step in the procedure for stopping a leak is to determine where it's coming from, which may involve a small amount of detective work. More often than not, realigning or tightening a connection will stop the leak.


Find the source of the leak, using a piece of newspaper. Put the paper under the sink; put a stopper on the mouth of the disposal, and fill the sink. If the newspaper gets wet, the sink drain is leaking. Remove the stopper, and if paper gets wet while the water is draining, the drain pipes are loose. If you only notice water when you run the disposal, there's a leak in the disposal itself.


Unplug the disposal or turn off the breaker and disconnect the wires before repairing a leak. After disconnecting the power, try rotating the disposal clockwise. If it turns, it probably wasn't tightened completely by the plumber who installed it, and the leak may now be fixed. If it doesn't turn, you need to remove it.


Disconnect the P-trap by turning the compression nut counterclockwise to loosen it, and then pull the trap away from the disposal and swivel it aside. Support the full weight of the disposer, then rotate the disposal locking ring to free the disposer unit, and lower it away from the sink.


Tighten the mounting screws holding the metal ring to the sink, using a screwdriver. Replace the disposal. Cover the sink drain; fill the sink, and watch for leaks. If you see one, remove the disposal and tighten the screws still more.


Reconnect the P-trap once the sink drain is free of leaks. Fill the sink, and then remove the stopper and watch for leaks from the drainpipes. Tighten any connection that leaks, using a pair of adjustable pliers.


Inspect and tighten the dishwasher drain hose connection -- if water is coming from there. If the dishwasher was just installed, remove the drain hose from the disposer and insert a screwdriver into the nipple on the disposer housing; the plug inside the nipple opening may still be in place. If so, punch it out with the screwdriver, and retrieve the plug from inside the disposer, then reattach the dishwasher drain hose.

Things You Will Need

  • Newspaper
  • Drain stopper
  • Screwdriver
  • Adjustable pliers


  • Take the disposal to an authorized service representative if water comes from it while it is operating. It may have a loose internal seal, or it may be cracked. Either way, repairing it isn't something you can do yourself.
  • If you can't stop a leak coming from the drain, you may have to remove the drain assembly and reinstall it. A part may be missing, or the parts may be misaligned.


  • Always disconnect the electricity before servicing a garbage disposal. Failure to do so can result in electrocution.

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