Garbage Disposal Leaking From the Top (Causes & Easy Fixes)

Noticed water collecting around the sink drain or dripping from the top of your disposal? A garbage disposal leaking from top is usually easier to fix than a bottom leak, and most of the time you can handle it yourself with basic tools. This guide walks you through why disposals leak at the top, how to diagnose the problem, and the exact steps to tighten, reseal, or replace the parts that are failing.

How to Tell if the Leak Is Really From the Top

A true garbage disposal leaking from top usually shows up as water sitting on the rubber splash guard, seeping around the sink flange, or dripping down the outside of the disposal right where it connects to the sink.

Quick test to confirm the source

• Dry the outside of the disposal and the underside of the sink with a towel.
• Place a dry paper towel around the top mounting area where the disposal meets the sink.
• Run water into the sink without turning on the disposal.
• Watch for water seeping around the sink drain opening or soaking the paper towel at the top.

If the water appears at the top or around the sink flange, you’re dealing with a garbage disposal leaking from top, not from the side hose connections or bottom housing.

Common Causes of a Garbage Disposal Leaking From Top

Almost every top leak comes from one of three places: the sink flange, the mounting assembly, or the rubber splash guard.

1. Loose or dried-out sink flange putty

The metal or plastic ring in the sink opening is held in place with plumber’s putty. Over time, this putty can dry out, crack, or shift, letting water escape between the sink and the flange.

2. Loose mounting bolts or support ring

Your disposal is clamped to the sink flange with a mounting ring and bolts. Years of vibration can slowly loosen them, allowing gaps to form and water to leak from the top connection.

3. Damaged rubber splash guard

The black rubber piece at the top where you feed food into the disposal can rip, curl, or fail to seal properly. When that happens, water splashes up and out instead of staying inside the grinding chamber.

The good news: unlike a disposal leaking from the bottom housing, a garbage disposal leaking from top can almost always be solved without replacing the entire unit.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Garbage Disposal Leaking From Top

These steps assume you’ve already confirmed the leak is at the top connection and not from the drainpipes or dishwasher hose.

Step 1: Shut off power and clear the area

• Turn off the wall switch and flip the breaker if you can.
• Unplug the disposal if it uses a standard outlet under the sink.
• Remove cleaning supplies or bins so you have room to work.

Step 2: Check and tighten the mounting ring

• Locate the metal mounting ring at the very top of the disposal.
• Use a screwdriver or wrench (depending on the style) to gently tighten the mounting bolts evenly.
• Do not overtighten to the point of bending the mounting hardware.
• Run water again and see if the garbage disposal leaking from top has slowed or stopped.

If tightening the ring solves the issue, you’re done. If water still seeps from the sink opening, you may need to reseal the sink flange.

Step 3: Reseal the sink flange with plumber’s putty

When the putty between the sink and flange fails, water can easily slip through. Resealing it is a bit more work, but still a DIY-friendly fix.

• Support the disposal from below (a box or helper works great) and loosen the mounting ring.
• Disconnect the disposal from the mounting assembly and set it aside.
• Remove the old sink flange from the sink opening.
• Scrape away old putty and clean the area until it’s smooth and dry.
• Roll a rope of fresh plumber’s putty and press it around the underside of the flange.
• Press the flange back into the sink opening and reinstall the mounting hardware from below.
• Tighten evenly until a small amount of putty squeezes out. Wipe away the excess.

Reconnect the disposal, run water, and test again. In most cases, a fresh putty seal eliminates a garbage disposal leaking from top.

Step 4: Inspect and replace the rubber splash guard if needed

If you still see water splashing up around the opening while the disposal runs, the rubber splash guard may be worn out.

• Turn off power and let the disposal come to a complete stop.
• Lift out the removable splash guard (many models simply pull out from the top).
• Check for cracks, curled edges, or stiff rubber.
• Replace with a compatible splash guard designed for your disposal model.

A snug, flexible splash guard helps contain water and food, cutting down on mess and noise.

When to Call a Plumber or Replace the Disposal

Most top leaks are fixable with tightening or fresh plumber’s putty. But there are times when a professional or a new unit is the better route.

Consider calling a pro if:

• You’re uncomfortable working under a tight sink space.
• The mounting hardware is badly rusted or damaged.
• The sink flange won’t stay sealed even after resealing.
• You also notice electrical issues, tripping breakers, or burned smells.

For general cost and replacement expectations, sites like Home Depot’s how-to guides offer a good overview of tools and steps, even if you plan to hire out the job.

Preventing Future Leaks From the Top

Once you’ve fixed a garbage disposal leaking from top, a few habits can help keep things sealed and drip-free for years.

• Avoid using the sink as a heavy-duty tray for dropping pans and pots directly onto the flange.
• Don’t overtighten the mounting hardware; snug and even is enough.
• Run plenty of water while using the disposal so food doesn’t pack up around the splash guard.
• Peek under the sink every month or two for early signs of moisture.

FAQs: Garbage Disposal Leaking From Top

Related Guides

If you’re also seeing water under the unit itself, check out our full guide on fixing a garbage disposal leaking from the bottom for housing leaks and replacement options.

For help deciding when to hire a professional, you can also read how to choose the right plumber to fix a leaking garbage disposal.

A garbage disposal leaking from top is messy, but it’s rarely the end of your disposal. With a little troubleshooting, some fresh putty, and a few careful turns of a wrench, you can usually stop the drip and keep your kitchen running smoothly.