Yes, a plugged-up garbage disposal can potentially cause a dishwasher to leak out water. The reason behind this lies in the way dishwashers are usually connected to the kitchen plumbing.
In a typical setup, the dishwasher and the garbage disposal share a common drainage pipe. When you use the dishwasher, it pumps out the dirty water through the drainage pipe, and if the garbage disposal is clogged, it can create a blockage in the shared pipe.
When the dishwasher tries to drain water, it won't be able to do so efficiently due to the blockage, leading to the following scenarios:
Water backup: The water from the dishwasher may back up and end up leaking from the dishwasher door or even from the bottom of the dishwasher if the pressure becomes too high.
Improper drainage: In some cases, the dishwasher may not leak, but it might not drain properly. You may notice standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher, indicating that the clogged disposal is hindering the water's path.
To prevent this issue, it's essential to keep your garbage disposal clear and avoid putting large or hard-to-grind items down it. Regularly running water and using a disposal cleaner can help keep it in good working condition. Additionally, be cautious about what you put in your dishwasher, as some items may contribute to clogs or other issues.