A leaking garbage disposal is easier to understand when you watch where the first drop starts. Dry the unit, run a cup of water through the sink, and inspect the flange, side connections, and bottom seam.
Most Bay Area kitchens use a familiar disposal design, and the same three leak locations apply across brands.
Water at the collar under the sink
A drip around the rim where the disposal meets the bottom of the sink points to the flange. The metal collar is held by a mounting ring and sealed with plumber’s putty or a gasket.
Old putty dries and cracks. A licensed plumber or handyman can remove the old seal, reseat the flange, tighten it evenly, and test the connection. If the water starts below the flange, resealing the top will not solve it.
Water off the side of the housing
A side drip usually comes from the dishwasher inlet hose or discharge outlet. A clamp can loosen, a hose can split, or a rubber gasket can flatten. If the drip appears only while the dishwasher runs, inspect the inlet connection first.
After a recent installation, a knockout plug left in the dishwasher inlet can also matter. Disconnect power before inspecting the disposal and never put a hand into the chamber.
Water from the bottom seam
The bottom seam is a factory-sealed part of the motor housing and grinding chamber. When its internal seal wears through, there is no reliable field fix. Replacement is the normal answer, especially if water can reach electrical parts.
Confirm that water is not simply running down from the flange above. If the bottom is the source, stop using the unit.
The reset button is not a leak fix
The red button on the underside restarts the motor after an overheat or jam. It does nothing for water. If the unit drips, leave it off.
Stop running it and choose the right provider
Put a pan under the disposal, turn off the wall switch, and clear the cabinet. A licensed plumber or handyman handles disposal replacement and plumbing connections. Garbage disposal repair is not a service ADRIUM offers.
For a plain-language home-maintenance resource, see Home Service Pros.
FAQ
Leaking from the bottom. Can it be fixed? Usually no. A bottom-seam leak means the internal motor seals have failed, so replace the sealed unit.
Why the top? The sink flange or its gasket has lost its seal. A plumber or handyman can reseat it.
Does the reset button stop a leak? No. It only restarts the motor.
Can I keep using it? Stop until you find the source and keep the cabinet dry.