We would rather clear a jam than sell you a unit, but there is one fault where replacement is the only honest answer.
Repairable: it hums but does not turn
A hum means power reaches the motor and the motor is trying. That is a jam. The hex socket in the base frees it, and the reset button on the underside brings it back.
Repairable: leaking at the sink flange
The plumber putty under the flange has dried out. It is reseated and resealed, and the unit is fine.
Repairable: leaking at the dishwasher inlet
A hose clamp or the inlet gasket. Both are minutes of work.
Not repairable: leaking from the body
If water comes from the grinding chamber itself rather than a connection, the housing has corroded through. Nothing seals that from outside, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling you a repair that will fail within weeks.
Borderline: it trips constantly
Frequent overload trips with no jam present usually mean worn bearings or windings on the way out. At that point the economics depend on the unit. We will tell you which side of the line yours is on.
A note on age
Ten to twelve years is a normal life. Past that, with a motor fault, replacement is usually the better spend even when a repair is technically possible.
