Garbage disposal leaks from the side where the dishwasher hose connects

Safety first: Turn OFF power to the disposal and dishwasher. Place a towel or pan under the connection.

• Step 1 – Inspect the hose connection: Locate the dishwasher inlet port on the side of the GE disposal. Check that the rubber hose is fully seated and the clamp is positioned over the nipple.
• Step 2 – Tighten or replace clamp: Use a screwdriver or nut driver to tighten the worm-gear clamp. If the clamp is rusted or broken, replace it with a new stainless-steel clamp of the same size.
• Step 3 – Check for cracks: Examine the plastic or metal inlet nipple on the disposal for cracks or splits. If cracked, the disposal housing must be replaced.
• Step 4 – Verify knockout removal (for new installs): If the dishwasher is newly connected and water backs up or leaks, ensure the internal knockout plug inside the inlet was fully removed using a screwdriver and hammer, and the loose plug was retrieved from the grinding chamber.

Warning: Do not operate the dishwasher if the inlet connection is leaking; this can cause electrical hazards under the sink.