Dishwasher Leaking? Here’s Why and How to Fix It - ApplianceCare (2024)

Dishwasher Repair

If your dishwasher is leaking, this guide should help you find the cause and fix it.

Simply check each of the components listed below, and you should be able to stop the leak from occurring.

Let’s get started.

Water Inlet Valve

The first component to check is the water inlet valve. The purpose of the valve is to control water coming into the dishwasher. Sometimes the valve can become stuck and not close, which causes water to overflow in the dishwasher and leak out.

Here’s how to check the water inlet valve:

1. Locate the water inlet valve.
2. Check if it is opening and closing properly. If it is working correctly, you can move on to checking the next component.
3. If it is faulty, it will need to be replaced, as it cannot be repaired.
4. Once replaced, check to see if the leak has stopped.

Dishwasher Hoses

Another possible cause of a leak is a hose that has a crack or hole in it. Most dishwashers will have multiple hoses, such as a drain hose and the hose that pumps water into the dishwasher.

You can check the hoses by simply inspecting them for any signs of cracks or holes. If you find any of the hoses are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Center Spray Arm

Most dishwashers have multiple spray arms that spin around and distribute water through the dishwasher during a wash cycle. When they become clogged or broken, leaks can occur as the water is sprayed toward the door.

The first spray arm to check is the center spray arm. To check it:

1. Locate the center spray arm and remove it from the dishwasher (it should be able to be pulled out).
2. Check the spray arm for any signs of blockages or cracks. If you find it is clogged, you will need to give it a good clean and then put it back in the dishwasher. If you find cracks in it, you will need to replace the spray arm.
3. If the spray arm is not cracked, then check that the screws in the spray arm support are threaded in tightly, and if not, tighten them. If the screws are loose, water can leak out through the lower pump housing and onto your floor.
4. If the spray arm is not damaged and the screws are tight in the spray arm support, you can move on to checking the next component. If you do replace the spray arm, turn your dishwasher on a cycle and check if the leak has stopped.

Lower Spray Arm

The next spray arm to check is the lower spray arm. To check the lower spray arm:

1. Locate the lower spray arm and remove it from the dishwasher.
2. Check the spray arm for any signs of blockages or cracks. If you find it is clogged, give it a good clean and then put it back in the dishwasher. If the spray arm has cracks in it, you will have to replace it.
3. Make sure the screws in the spray arm support are threaded in tightly, and if not, tighten them. If the screws are loose, water can leak out through the lower pump housing and onto your floor.
4. If the lower spray arm is not defective, you can move on to checking the upper spray arm. If you do replace the lower spray arm, turn your dishwasher on a cycle and check if the leak has stopped.

Upper Spray Arm

The third spray arm to check is the upper spray arm. To check it:

1. Locate the upper spray arm and remove it from the dishwasher.
2. Inspect the upper spray arm for any signs of blockages or cracks. If it is cracked, it will need to be replaced. If it is clogged, clean it, and put it back in the dishwasher.
3. If the spray arm is not cracked or clogged, check that the screws in the spray arm support are threaded in tightly, and if not, tighten them. If the screws are loose, water can leak out through the lower pump housing and onto your floor.
4. If the upper spray arm is not defective, you can move on to checking the next component. If you do replace the upper spray arm, check if the leak has stopped by turning your dishwasher on to a cycle.

Door Gasket and Seal

The next components to inspect are the door gaskets and the door seal. Both of these components help to stop water from leaking out from the dishwasher door. When they become damaged, leaks can occur.

Here’s how to check the door gaskets and door seal:

1. Locate the door seal and gaskets.
2. Check the door seal for any signs of tears, gaps, or holes. Check the gaskets for any signs of damage.
3. If the seal or gaskets are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
4. If there are no obvious signs of damage to the seal or gaskets, check if the seal is airtight by placing a piece of paper over the seal and then closing the door. The paper should not be able to be easily pulled out if the seal is working correctly. If you can pull the paper out without it ripping, this is a good sign the seal is faulty and needs to be replaced.
5. If you replace the seal or gaskets, turn the dishwasher on to a cycle and test to see if the leak has stopped.

Door Hinges

The next component to check is the door hinges. Sometimes they can bend or get damaged, and the door cannot close properly, which causes a leak to occur.

To check the door hinges, you need to:

1. Inspect the door hinges for any signs of damage or if they are bent out of shape. If they are not damaged, they are not the cause of the leak, and you can move on to checking the next component.
2. If the hinges are bent or damaged, you will need to replace the hinges.
3. If you replace the hinges, turn the dishwasher on to a cycle and test to see if the leak has stopped.

Float Switch

Another possible cause of your dishwasher leaking is a faulty float switch. The purpose of the float switch is to let the dishwasher control board know that the dishwasher has enough water in it. If it becomes faulty, your dishwasher might overflow, and this can cause a leak.

To check the float switch, you need to:

1. Remove the bottom rack from the dishwasher.
2. Locate the switch (it’s at the bottom of the dishwasher).
3. Once located, check that the switch isn’t stuck. If it is stuck, give the switch a good clean, and remove any loose debris that might be causing it to be stuck.
4. Test the switch for continuity with a multimeter. If it has continuity, it is working correctly, and if not, it will need to be replaced.
5. Once you replace the switch, check if the leak has stopped.

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