Symptoms
- Water leaks from a visible hole or thin rusted spot on the housing
- Rust or corrosion is heavy and flaking near the leak
- Leak happens whenever water passes through, not just when running
- Unit is old, often 8–10+ years
Likely causes
- CommonCorrosion has fully perforated the metal housingYears of moisture exposure eventually rust through the steel shell.
- PossiblePhysical damage or impact that cracked the housingA dropped tool or heavy impact during other under-sink work can crack the shell.
What to do
- Turn off and unplug the disposal right away.
- Place a bucket under the unit to catch water until it can be replaced.
- Avoid running the disposal or sink more than necessary until the leak is addressed.
- Do not attempt to patch the hole with tape, epoxy, or sealant; the housing has failed structurally and won't hold a reliable seal under the mix of water, food acids, and vibration.
- Check whether the model is still under manufacturer warranty, since many offer multi-year coverage.
- Plan to replace the unit, matching horsepower to your household needs or asking a plumber for a recommendation.
Tools and parts
- Bucket
- Flashlight
Replacement garbage disposalSearch: “garbage disposal replacement unit”
When to call a pro
A rusted-through or cracked housing means the disposal needs replacing; a plumber can swap it quickly, often reusing the existing mounting hardware.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.