Garbage disposal leaking from the side where the dishwasher hose connects

Safety first: Turn OFF power at the breaker and avoid running the dishwasher until the leak is fixed.

• Step 1 – Inspect the dishwasher hose connection: Run the dishwasher briefly and watch the dishwasher inlet port on the side of the Whirlaway disposal for leaks.
• Step 2 – Tighten the clamp: Use a screwdriver to tighten the hose clamp securing the dishwasher drain hose to the inlet nipple.
• Step 3 – Check hose condition: If the hose is cracked or brittle, replace it with a new dishwasher drain hose of the same diameter and length.
• Step 4 – Inspect the inlet nipple: If the plastic or metal inlet on the disposal housing is cracked or leaking around its base, the housing is compromised. This is not repairable; the disposal must be replaced.
• Step 5 – Verify knockout plug removal: If the dishwasher is newly installed and water backs up, confirm the internal knockout plug inside the inlet was fully removed when the dishwasher was connected.