Troubleshooting Leaky Garbage Disposals

Switch off the power to the garbage disposal at your home's circuit breaker.

Loosen the bolts located where the garbage disposal meets the sink flange with a wrench. There are often three of them right at the top of the disposal. Push the plumber's putty in-between the sink flange and the garbage disposal. Use a good amount on all sides.

Tighten the bolts underneath the sink with a wrench. Leaks often occur at the sink flange due to loose bolts and a lack of plumber's putty. If putty oozes out while tightening, wipe it away with a cloth.

Tighten the discharge tube and drainpipe. Use a screwdriver to tighten the pipe attached towards the bottom of the garbage disposal. Loose screws can cause the pipe to leak.

Tighten the clamp to the dishwasher if your disposal has a dishwasher connection. Use a wrench to tighten the clamp on the pipe. Vibration may loosen the dishwasher connection clamp and cause a leak.