The situation
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
In a 1960s tract home in Fullerton, a homeowner opens the sink cabinet to get a sponge and finds a puddle under the disposal. The unit has been in place for many years. After drying everything, they see water collecting at the reset button on the bottom of the housing whenever the sink drains.
- They switch off the disposal and unplug it.
- They close the angle stops and put a baking pan under the unit.
- They take photos of the label, the wet bottom plate and the cabinet floor.
- They stop using the sink until it is looked at.
A licensed plumber confirms the leak is internal and recommends replacement.
How it typically plays out
- Discovery
- Puddle found; power and water cut; photos taken.
- First call
- Homeowner describes the leak location and the unit's age; asks how the visit is priced.
- Visit
- Plumber dries the unit, runs water, and confirms the leak comes from inside the housing.
- Decision
- Repair is ruled out because internal seals have failed; replacement is priced in writing.
- Install
- Old unit and flange removed, new flange set, new unit mounted, drain and dishwasher reconnected.
- Test
- Sink filled and drained, disposal run, dishwasher drain cycle checked.
The options the homeowner weighed
Similar replacement
- Same general size
- Drain lines up with little change
- Simplest install
Larger, quieter unit
- More power and insulation
- Taller; may need drain adjustment
- Takes more cabinet space
The older-home angle
Because the house was built in the 1960s, the plumber in this example also asks whether the kitchen sink has been draining slowly. It has not, so no drain work is suggested. If it had, a look at the original drain line before or during the replacement would have been reasonable.
The cabinet floor was damp but not swollen, so it was left to dry with the doors open.
Questions worth asking in a case like this
- How do you know the leak is internal?
- Will the new unit line up with my existing drain?
- Does the price include a new flange and haul-away?
- Is the cabinet floor damaged enough to need repair?
Common questions
Is this a real customer story?
No. It is invented for illustration.
Why not repair the seals?
Internal seals are generally not a practical repair, and corrosion often affects other parts too.
Does hard water cause bottom leaks?
Age and wear are the main causes. Hard water mainly leaves scale; it is not usually the direct cause.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.