Why Would Water Come Out of the Bottom of the Garbage Disposal?

Ruptured Pipes

• A ruptured pipe under the sink is the most likely scenario if the water is pouring out in large quantities. The garbage disposal sends all of its waste down a main drainpipe that leads to the main wastewater pipe in the house, which in turn takes the waste out to the septic tank or sewer system. This pipe might have been cracked, or it might have a joint or connection that has come loose. Check the pipe thoroughly to locate the problem; then replace the damaged pipe section. Run some water through the sink to make sure it is sealed properly.

Bad Gasket

• If some water is trickling out around the area where the drainpipe connects to the garbage disposal, the problem could be as simple as a bad gasket. The pipe’s gasket is a rubber ring that fits inside the end of the pipe to make the connection watertight. If the gasket is cracked, dried out or worn out, a leak could develop. Turn off the water, remove the pipe, and replace the gasket.

Top Seal

• The top seal of the garbage disposal is located near the bottom of the sink. If the water is coming out of the top and running down the machine and dripping from the bottom, it indicates a problem inside the appliance. This is unfortunately a sign that the entire garbage disposal needs to be replaced. Leaking from the top seal indicates internal damage that is not likely repairable.

Putty and Bolts

• The garbage disposal is physically connected to the sink drain by three bolts and is sealed by plumber’s putty. When water is leaking in around the area where the appliance is connected to the drain, it can run down the sides of the disposal and drip from the bottom. This indicates that either the three bolts that attach it are not tight or that there is not sufficient putty to seal the connection. Adding more putty and tightening the bolts will usually stop the leaking.