Dishwasher Leaking? Reasons and Fixes

Dishwashers are a household staple that makes cleaning dishes and utensils as easy as pie. But what happens when your dishwasher starts to leak? A leaking dishwasher can be a major headache for homeowners, causing water damage and even electrical hazards if left unchecked.

There are several reasons why your dishwasher might be leaking. It could be due to a faulty door seal or gasket, clogged drain or filter, loose hoses or connections, worn-out pumps or valves, or even overloading the unit with too many dishes at once. Whatever the reason, It is essential to remedy the problem as soon as possible to avert any further issues.

Five Dishwashing Leaking Reasons and Fixes

Suppose you’ve been trying to ignore the water puddle on your floor after washing. In that case, it’s time to consider your safety. Below are five reasons your dishwasher might be experiencing a leaking dishwasher and how to fix them.

1. Damaged Dishwasher Door Gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal you can easily spot around the edge of the dishwasher door. It provides a strong seal that prevents water from leaking during a wash cycle. The door gasket can dry out, become brittle and crack after many years of use.

Additionally, dried food builds up along the edge of the gasket and will prevent the door from closing tight against the frame, causing leakage in the dishwater.

To find out if the gasket is the problem, open the dishwasher door and inspect the seal for signs of damage and wear. You can also run your hand along the gasket to check for missing pieces, dried-on food, and cracks.

How to Fix

The best way to fix the dishwasher door gasket issue is by replacing it. You can swap it out or call a professional to ensure it is properly fixed. If you intend to fix it, consult your owner’s guide to find the model information. This ensures you can pick the ideal replacement part from the manufacturer or your local big-box store.

Once you have the replacement, remove the old door gasket by simply peeling it away from the door. Clean it with soapy water, and warm the new gasket with a hairdryer on low heat. Doing this will help smoothen out any folds.

Position the center of the gasket along the top of the dishwater door. Press it evenly across both sides of the dishwasher and then close the door to seal the gasket tightly into place.

2. The Spray Arm Is Damaged

One of the leading reasons why you might be experiencing a leaky dishwasher is that the spray arm is damaged. You’ll find the spray arm in the dishwasher. It spins during the wash and rinse cycle and effectively sprays water on the dishes.

However, dishes could block the arm from rotating appropriately when the dishwasher is incorrectly loaded or overcrowded. The spray arm could also get dislodged during the wash and rinse cycle. Alternatively, the arm could get damaged after years of use, resulting in a leakage.

To find out if this is why the dishwasher is leaking:

• Open the door to the dishwasher to detach the bottom rack.
• Spin the spray arm and see if it moves freely. If it doesn’t, then it’s probably stuck.
• Remove any fallen utensils or residue buildup in the dishwasher. You can also unscrew the spray arm and inspect for cracks or blocked holes.

How to Fix

If the spray arm is cracked or damaged, you might need to install a new arm. You can get one from the manufacturer and replace it yourself. To do this, unscrew the spray arm if you haven’t done that already. Then, line the center hub up with the dishwasher’s opening and screw it in place.

Once you have it screwed on, test that it spins freely, and if it does, reinstall the bottom dish rack. You can now try to wash some dishes to confirm if the dishwasher is still leaking.

3. Faulty Dishwater Pump

The dishwater pump ensures water circulates throughout the machine during a wash cycle. If the dishwater pump is damaged, it can cause leakage in your dishwater. The dishwater can crack after many years of use or poor maintenance.

If the water is leaking underneath and there’s no water reaching the inside cabinet of the dishwater, then it’s almost a guarantee that the water pump is the problem. If you want to confirm if a faulty dishwater pump is a problem, turn off the dishwater and inspect the pump for signs of damage or wear.

How to Fix

If the dishwater water pump is the problem, you must have it tested. In some cases, you have to get it replaced. If you can’t fix it, calling a professional to ensure the water pump is properly fixed is essential.

4. Malfunctioning Float Switch

Every dishwasher has a float and a float switch that ensures the proper water level during the wash cycle. When your dishwasher is running, the float lifts during the rising water, and when it gets to a certain height, it triggers the switch to turn off the water. If the float switch malfunctions, the water level will get too high, leading to leaking dishwater.

To confirm if the float switch is malfunctioning, open the door while the dishwater is mid-cycle. This way, you can confirm if the float switch is the problem. The water level should be below the heating element. You can also check for continuity at the float switch with a multimeter. If there’s no continuity or the water level is above the heating element, the float switch is the problem.

How to Fix

If the float switch is malfunctioning, you might have to replace it with a brand-new one. Although you can swap the float switch with a new model, it is a more complicated process than other fixes. You must consult the guide and check for instructions with the replacement parts before replacing them with the new part.

If you install a new float switch, ensure you secure it with screws and clips. Reattach the wires to the assembly and securely close the kickplate panel. If you can’t figure out the installation process, hire a technician to fix it professionally.

5. Loose Hose Connections

One of the common reasons why your dishwasher might be leaking is loose hose connections. The dishwasher is connected to the water supply and drain lines with hoses. Therefore, the hose feeds water from the dishwater to the drain pump and out of the sink. The process is visible once you remove the kickplate panel at the dishwater’s base. The dishwater might leak if the connection becomes loose or the hose cracks.

You can check if this is the issue by turning off the dishwater and removing the kickplate below the dishwater door. Locate the water supply and hose and check for signs of looseness, cracks, or splits.

How to Fix

If the dishwater hose is loose, you must tighten it. However, if you find it damaged, you need to get a replacement hose and have it fixed. To fix a new hose in your dishwater, turn the appliance off and place a shallow pan below the hose to prevent water from pooling on the floor.

Once you have this in place, pinch the hose with pliers and remove it from the pump. Repeat this process at the sink drain side to remove the hose and then connect the new drain hose. Once the new hose is in place, replace the access panels and clamps.

FAQs

Why is my dishwasher leaking water from underneath?

The most common reason your dishwasher could leak water from underneath is if the pipes are damaged. However, sometimes a clogged filter could also cause leakage underneath your dishwasher.

How long does a dishwasher last?

The life expectancy of a dishwasher is usually between 8–12 years. However, some models tend to last longer than others. Issues with the appliance tend to develop within the first few years.

Still, you can extend its lifespan by avoiding abrasive materials in the appliance and using a non-scratch detergent.

Is it okay to use the dishwasher every day?

Yes, it’s okay to use the dishwasher every day. However, it could affect the longevity of the dishwater and result in leakages and other issues.

Is it worth repairing a dishwasher?

Yes, it is. Repairing the dishwasher costs significantly less than replacing it with a new one. However, if you’ve made repairs multiple times in a single year, it might be a sign to get a new dishwasher.