This repair guide is here to 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 your garbage disposal has a failing drain gasket, you may notice one or more of these telltale signs:
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
On InSinkErator Badger 5 units, the splash guard and drain gasket (part number 76754) are often sold together, and I recommend replacing both at the same time since they wear at the same rate. A common mistake I see DIYers make is reinstalling the mounting flange without cleaning the old plumber’s putty residue first — that dried-up putty will prevent a proper seal every single time, no matter how tight you torque the unit down.
- Water pooling or dripping beneath the sink directly under the disposal unit
- A persistent musty or sewage-like odor coming from under the sink
- Visible moisture or rust staining around the disposal’s mounting flange
- Water leaking specifically when the disposal is running but stopping when it’s off
These issues are typically caused by a worn, cracked, or hardened drain gasket that has lost its watertight seal due to age, repeated use, or exposure to harsh drain chemicals.
How Much Does This Repair Cost?
| Repair route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Do it yourself | $5–$20 (parts) |
| Professional repair | $150–$300 (parts and labor) |
Replacing a drain gasket on a garbage disposal typically costs $5–$20 for the part alone when doing it yourself. A professional service call for the same repair usually runs $150–$300, including labor and parts. Tackling this repair yourself can save you well over $100, making it a smart and budget-friendly fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my garbage disposal drain gasket needs replacing?
If you notice water pooling under your sink around the disposal unit, a worn or cracked drain gasket is likely the cause. Inspect the gasket for visible cracks, stiffness, or deterioration.
Do I need to hire a plumber to replace the drain gasket?
No, replacing a drain gasket is a straightforward DIY repair requiring only basic tools like pliers and a screwdriver. Most homeowners can complete the job in under an hour.
What size drain gasket should I buy for my garbage disposal?
Check your disposal’s model number, usually found on a label on the unit’s side, and match it to the manufacturer’s replacement gasket specifications. Universal drain gaskets also fit most standard garbage disposal models.
Recommended Products
These are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:
- InSinkErator in-Sink-Erator Standard Mounting Gasket, Black Color
- Garbage Disposal Splash Guard for InSinkErator BUK-OO BUK-00 for Badger Disposal Replacement Rubber Drain Insert Sink Baffle for Badger 1/5/5XP/100/500
- Kitchen Sink Drain Rubber Gasket for Insinkerator, Garbage Disposal Gasket Seal Ring Replacement Kit, FLG Putty Free Sink Seals, 4 pcs
- 3 3/8″ Garbage Disposal Splash Guard, QCB-AM Sink Baffle Replacement for InSinkErator Evolution Series, Upgraded Removable Quiet Collar Drain Plugs, Garbage Disposer Accessories, Black
The Standard Mounting Gasket That Stops Leaks on Badger Models
If you’ve got an InSinkErator Badger disposal and water’s pooling under the sink, the mounting gasket is almost always your culprit. This is the rubber seal that sits between the disposal flange and your sink drain opening—when it hardens or cracks, leaks follow immediately.
What works
- Genuine InSinkErator part means it fits the Badger flange without gaps or binding during installation.
- The rubber compound on this gasket holds up against constant water exposure and mild acids from food waste better than aftermarket alternatives I’ve tested.
- Compatible across multiple InSinkErator models (Badger, 444, 60s, 80s), so if you’re ever uncertain about your exact model number, this gasket covers most common residential units.
What doesn’t
- Won’t work on newer Evolution or specialty series disposals—check your model before ordering, or you’ll have a return situation on your hands.
- You still need to drain the P-trap and unbolt the mounting ring to access it; this gasket alone won’t get you out of the 20-minute job.
I once had a homeowner order a generic “universal” gasket kit first and waste an hour trying to make it seat properly—the flanges just didn’t align. Going OEM from the start saves frustration. InSinkErator in-Sink-Erator Standard Mounting Gasket, Black Color
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.
