Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

Coming downstairs only to find a large puddle on the floor is never the best to start the day.

Fortuitously, most common explanations of dishwasher faults are relatively simple to pinpoint and mend yourself. This means you may not need to hand wash the dishes that much, take a day off waiting for an repair person or need to pay a high call-out charge.

So, find the manual if you know where it is, grab a towel to clean up the leak and so get something clean up any additional spills and find out if you can find a DIY solution. If you aren’t able to call us for local dishwasher repair.

Simple Causes of Dishwasher Leaks and How to Mend Them

A lot of the most everyday sources of dishwasher leaks aren’t actually due to a broken dishwasher. Before you start getting the tools out as well as looking at endless online tutorials there are a few problems you might want to take a look at first.

Check to see if your dishwasher is aligned. If your dishwasher isn’t aligned water can easily pool as well as leak even if the dishwasher is working perfectly.
Test you have been using the proper detergent. You could be familiar with this problem with your washing machine. Too much soap or using the incorrect type may lead to too many suds, the soap suds overflow and you get a leak.
Test your dishwasher door fully closes. If it does not there may be an obstruction, or you could have to replace the door fixings.
Investigate the filter located in the bottom of the tub for any obvious drainage issues as if your dishwasher isn’t emptying properly this will result in fill too much and so spill.

If none of the above issues apply it’s time to roll up your sleeves and begin the investigation.

To make your life easier start with the door as well as check for any visible issues inside of the machine prior to moving on to the underside. If you can find and so resolve the leak without pulling out the dishwasher so much the better.

Before you do anything else make sure you disconnect the appliance.

Door Gasket

The door is no doubt the most everyday place for a dishwasher to leak as well as one of the quickest issues to resolve.

If the leak is periodic the problem could be as straightforward as a big pan or something else pushing into the door thus stopping the door from sealing properly.

Otherwise the door seal may have come loose or got split.

Inspect the door gasket and also check for any degradation, a build-up of limescale or other deposits, or any areas where the seal has come away from the door.

Removing the seal and giving it a good scrub could improve the situation in some instances or you may be required to purchase a new seal and replace it.

Water Inlet Valve (Solenoid Fill Valve)

The water inlet valve can also be a simple problem. This is usually found underneath the machine so you will most likely need to take off the kick plate and could have to take off the door cover.

The water inlet valve opens and closes to allow water into the tub at various parts of the programme. The inlet valve could be damaged, demonstrated by a slow drip, or it could be damaged and not operating fully while the dishwasher is running.

In the case that the water inlet valve fails to close fully this can lead to the dishwasher overfilling and result in a leakage.

Usually these valves cannot be fixed, thus the whole valve would have to be changed.

Leaking Hoses

Your dishwasher uses hoses to fill, drain and recirculate water during the cycle.

Two problems could develop when it comes to hoses.

The seals might get damaged or the contact points might come loose so it’s a good idea to have a look at all the connections first.
The alternative issue than might easily happen as time goes by is that hoses can be degraded or get a hole in.

If you are able to identify that the leakage is coming from a hose this will be simple to replace and replacement hoses are easy to procure.

Pumps and Seals

You are able to visually investigate the rubber seals surrounding the pumps or motor to see if there is a leakage and change them if there is.

The Float Switch

Either the float or the float switch could be broken causing the dishwasher to overfill.

A working float will rise with the water level until the desired or highest water level is reached. The tag of the float should then turn on the switch. If something is blocking this or the float is broken this could be causing your problem.

Testing the switch will require electrical equipment although it might be clearly broken in which case getting a new one should resolve the problem.

Alternative Components that Could Lead to Leakage

A damaged wash arm or support might build up pressure causing a leak. This will also often affect how well your dishes are being cleaned.

Broken or cracked lines may also result in this issue as may a loose pump cover.

The motor shaft gasket could have degraded resulting in a leak. This generally presents as a leak coming from underneath the appliance.

Top Tips to Sort Out Your Dishwasher

Save money by replacing the seal instead of the whole component. In many instances, you are able to purchase the seal separately which saves time as well as money.
Check the quick resolutions before you get more complicated. There’s no point pulling the whole dishwasher away from the wall if the problem is the detergent.
Take photos at each step. This might make your life easier when you come to reverse the process, describe the part you need in a shop, and also explain the issue to an engineer if required.
Be careful. Water and electricity do not mix so turn off the power first.
If you’re not sure get in the professionals.

The Next Steps You Should Take If Your Trouble Shooting Fails to Disclose or Mend the Leak

If the root of the leakage remains a mystery the next step you might take is to pull out the machine to get a clearer view of the beneath it and fill it with water to see whether the leak presents itself.

If you are still in the dark your dishwasher might only leak when it’s running. In this instance, you may wish to hire a qualified technician to determine and also fix the problem as there are safety risks of running the dishwasher with electrical parts exposed.