It is a slow leak, perhaps less than a cup a day, so I have time to plan. That is good, because plumbing is not really my thing.
I would like to repair rather than replace, to save money.
Should I try to tighten down on the bolt that I see at the site of the leak, or undo the bold and replace the black washer/gasket that seems to be failing.
What is the name of the washer/gasket piece that I likely will need to replace?
Is this type of part standard and easy to find or should I go to the mfg website: https://insinkerator.emerson.com/ I did not find the part on that site.
Mfg: Emerson insinkerator
Model 17-85
SIN 05111658797
If there is good reason to replace the whole disposal rather than repair it, let me know.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Best Answer
This is a fairly easy repair to make. You didn't say if it's working but I'm assuming it is and it's not jammed. First unplug the disposal. You could have a blockage in there so make sure that there isn't standing water in the disposal. It's possible that the screw is just loose but I would put a bucket under the disposal and remove the top screw over the tailpipe coming out of the disposal and remove the tailpipe. You'll see a rubber gasket that seals that connection to the tailpiece. I think you'll at least have to replace that gasket. Once it's open you'll have a better idea of what's going on. It's obviously corroded. Clean it out as best you can. If everything else looks okay take the gasket along with the pictures that you posted here along to your local home center. They should have that rubber gasket.