Leaking Insinkerator Badger 5 Plus 5

[biddy67]

This unit has a few years on it and recently began leaking. The leak is coming from the location shown here:

I do see alot of posts about leaking from the bottom, but that isn't the case with this unit. The upper part with the name of the unit appears to be a decorative shroud of sorts, it moves around some and the leak is seeping from under it. I've looked inside from the sink end and nothing appears unusual there.

I've also looked at where it mates with the sink and that does not appear to be the source, but I'm going to tighten it a bit and see what happens anyway.

[Rick-Meister]

You most likely have a corroded grinding chamber. The Badger is made from cast magnesium (or something like that) and when it corrodes, it eats right through the side up near the sink. Remove the noise reducing shroud and check for leak in the upper body of the unit. If you find any, the disposer is toast.

If the body appears to be in good shape, then use the stopper and fill the sink with water. Then pull the stopper. If the rubber gasket is leaking you'll see it right away. You can buy a replacement gasket at any home center or hardware store. They're very easy to replace.

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:14:00 -0800 (PST), [e-mail] wrote:

[Dan Espen]

I believe I have a model number 555. I remember reading on the package, the unit has a lifetime guarantee. Supposedly all I have to do is call them and they come to the house and repair/replace.

[fftt]

I was under the impression that the 555 is not one of the "Badger" line. The 555 is a higher end ISE model.

I installed an ISE 555SS in another home in 2003 or so.....it developed a problem. Instead of invoking the warranty, I replaced it myself on my own schedule.

Later I found out that the warranty covered in home labor & a new unit (which I returned to HD)

The Badger line is lower end ..... like a "contractor" special. In SoCal condos & tract homes got them as original equipment (Badger or Badger3's) They used to not have a shroud but looks like a shroud got added.

My neighbor just picked up a used B3 on craigslist to replace his leaking Badger. My experience with the Badger line is.....dont expect them to outlast the warranty by much.

cheers Bob

[biddy67]

I found the receipt and manual. I purchased this thing in 2001 and the warranty was 2 years. I'll pull the unit and see what's going on. I will most likely attempt a JBWeld patch if I find the chamber has corroded. Looking from the drain side it actually does not look too bad, but visibility is limited.

[fftt]

Sounds like the unit is toast.....2009 for a 2001 purchase, you did well.

My suggestion is find a higher end ISE on craigslist....or another Badger for cheap.

probably not worth it when you can get a new one for $75 + shipping online

cheers Bob

[biddy67]

Well, I took the unit down and removed the sound shroud. The chamber is made of ABS and there are two cracks in it. I believe I could epoxy these cracks shut and get some more life out of the unit, but decided to go ahead and just replace it. Purchased an Evolution Compact, hopefully it will perform as well.