Whirlaway
Internal Seal / Motor Housing Leak
Garbage disposal leaking from the bottom of the unit (water dripping from motor housing)
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Failed upper shaft seal between grinding chamber and motor, Cracked Whirlaway grinding chamber, Corroded motor housing, Loose internal fasteners
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power at the breaker, unplug the unit if possible, and place a pan or towel under the disposal to catch water.
- Step 1 – Confirm leak source: Run water into the sink without operating the disposal and observe the bottom of the motor housing. If water drips from the center or seams, the internal seal is compromised.
- Step 2 – Check external connections: Verify that the sink flange, discharge elbow, and dishwasher inlet are not the source of the leak. Dry the exterior and recheck.
- Step 3 – Do not open the motor housing: On Whirlaway disposals, the internal shaft seal and grinding chamber are not user-serviceable. Opening the housing is unsafe and voids any warranty.
- Step 4 – Replace the unit: Turn off water, disconnect plumbing and electrical connections, remove the disposal from the mounting assembly, and install a new Whirlaway disposal following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 5 – Test new installation: After installing the replacement, run water and operate the unit while checking for any leaks.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Upper Shaft Seal and Grinding Chamber
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