This repair guide will help you fix your garbage disposal.
Need a Replacement Garbage Disposal?
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal, Standard Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer, Black, Set of 1
Price: $114.00
Common Symptoms & Causes
If you’re experiencing issues with your dishwasher connection on the garbage disposal, you’ll likely notice the following symptoms.
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
The Badger 5 has a factory-installed dishwasher drain inlet knockout plug. A lot of homeowners either overlook this or forget to remove it, which completely blocks the dishwasher’s drainage. Use a screwdriver and hammer to knock it inward, then retrieve the plug with needle-nose pliers before connecting the hose. Also, double-check that your drain hose has a high loop or air gap installed, or you may encounter recurring drainage issues.
- Dishwasher water drains back into the tub instead of flowing out properly
- Standing water remains at the bottom of the dishwasher after a full cycle
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from the drain during or after washing
- Foul odors rising from the dishwasher drain line into the appliance
These problems are primarily caused by a clogged or unpunched knockout plug on the garbage disposal inlet, a kinked drain hose, or a blocked drain connection due to grease and debris buildup over time.
How Much Does This Repair Cost?
| Repair route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $5–$30 (parts) |
| Professional repair | $150–$300 (parts and labor) |
If you’re considering a DIY approach, parts for fixing dishwasher connection issues on a garbage disposal usually cost between $5–$30. This includes items like a drain plug, hose clamp, or connector kit. If you choose to call in professional plumbers or appliance technicians, expect charges ranging from $150–$300 for a service call. Tackling this yourself can save you $120–$270 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is water from my dishwasher backing up into the garbage disposal?
This typically occurs when the knockout plug inside the disposal’s dishwasher inlet was never removed during installation. Use a screwdriver and hammer to knock it out, then clear any debris from the connection port.
What size hose connects the dishwasher drain to the garbage disposal?
Most dishwashers utilize a standard 7/8-inch drain hose that fits the disposal’s inlet port. Always secure it with a hose clamp to prevent leaks.
Do I need to turn off power before working on this connection?
Absolutely. Always switch off the circuit breaker controlling the garbage disposal before beginning any repair. This prevents accidental activation and keeps you safe throughout the process.
Recommended Products
Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair based on compatibility and customer reviews:
- InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Dishwasher Connector Kit, DWC-00, Black
- Dishwasher Connector Kit for Insinkerator Garbage Disposals, Dishwasher Drain and Disposal Connector with Inlet Connector and Clamps
- Dishwasher Connector Kit for Insinkerator Garbage Disposals, Dishwasher Drain and Disposal Connector Include 1 Inlet Connector 1 Hose Clamp 3 Spring Clamps
- Garbage Disposal Dishwasher Connector Kit,Dishwasher Drain Hose Adapter Kit for Compatible with Insinkerator Garbage Disposals With 3 Hose Clamp and 3 Clamps
The Dishwasher Connector Kit That Actually Fits the Badger 5 Port
If you’ve confirmed the inlet port itself is intact but the dishwasher hose connection is leaking or disconnected, the OEM InSinkErator connector kit is your fastest path back to a working setup. This is the exact part that comes factory on these units, so compatibility headaches disappear.
What works
- Threads directly onto the Badger 5 inlet port without any adapter guessing—I’ve never had a fit issue with the OEM kit on hundreds of these disposals.
- The hose clamps and seals are heavy-duty enough that you won’t see leaks reappear at the disposal connection after six months like you sometimes do with cheap aftermarket kits.
- Installation takes about five minutes once you’ve cleared any blockage—you’re just hand-threading the connector and tightening two clamps, no tools required.
What doesn’t
- If your inlet port is cracked or stripped, this kit won’t help—you’ll need a full disposal replacement instead.
- Price runs higher than third-party connector kits, though in my experience the durability difference justifies it on a $200+ appliance.
I learned early on that homeowners often ordered generic connector kits first and ended up back in the crawlspace because the threads didn’t match perfectly or the hose barb was undersized. Go with the InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Dishwasher Connector Kit, DWC-00, Black and avoid that frustration.
About This Article
Written by Dave Holt. I have been taking apart and fixing household appliances since I was a teenager who couldn't leave a broken one alone. Eighteen years later, after fixing things for neighbors, friends, and anyone who'd let me, I have seen almost every failure mode there is — and misdiagnosed my share along the way. I am self-taught, with no formal training or certifications. When I write a repair guide here, it is based on the actual job, not a manufacturer overview. More about this site.
Scope and limits. Dave is a self-taught repairer, not a certified appliance technician. Unplug before you open anything, and leave sealed refrigeration systems, gas connections, and hardwired circuits to a qualified technician.
