We moved into this house a month or so ago and the dishwasher wasn't working. We didn't bother to fix/replace it. I was doing dishes tonight and had used the disposal quite a bit when I noticed a leak coming from the dishwasher. I opened it and it's full of discusting stinky water that I think might be coming from the disposal. Help!? My husband is at school and I can't talk to him. Does anyone know what the problem might be?

Yes I do and I hope I can help.

Garbage disposals act like a pump. When the drain from the sink gets blocked, water can get pumped from the sink to the dishwasher when using the garbage disposal.

Some dishwashers are connected directly to the garbage disposal and sometimes they are connected to the drain line just past the disposal. You must have an obstruction at the trap or down the line.

Only remedy I can tell you is that this drain line will have to be cleared. There is no easy remedy. Please don’t put any drain cleaners down there. 1- they can damage the disposal and 2- can burn anyone cleaning the drain lines.

Thanks Walks On Water!