Common Reasons You Have A Leaking Dishwasher

A dishwasher is an invaluable and one of the most used kitchen appliances, especially in busy households. It is convenient, saves time and money, and lessens kitchen chores. While a dishwasher runs smoothly and keeps the dishes sparkling clean when maintained regularly, it is not uncommon for occasional issues to spring up.

A common but annoying issue homeowners experience with their dishwashers is a leak. Spotting pools of water on the kitchen floor coming from underneath the dishwasher is messy and dangerous. 

A dishwasher can leak due to various reasons. It is crucial to determine the root cause and fix it as soon as possible to minimize inconvenience and damage. If you have a leaking dishwasher, here are a few possible causes behind it:

Faulty door gasket

A dishwasher may leak from the front when the door gasket fails to create a watertight seal to prevent water from escaping during the cycle. A faulty door gasket is among the most common reasons for dishwasher leaks. Open the dishwasher door to inspect the seal. Consider replacement if the gasket is cracked, damaged, or worn out.

Clogged filter

The dishwasher filter traps the food and debris left behind after cleaning. A filter requires regular cleaning to run at its peak efficiency. Failure to do so can cause food particles and foreign objects to build up and clog the filter. It impacts the dishwasher’s cleaning performance and can start a leak. Inspect and clean the filter once a month to reduce wear and tear and ensure proper performance.

Faulty door latch

The door latch works to keep the dishwasher closed while it is functioning. A loose or damaged door latch can create a gap between the main appliance body and gasket, preventing it from closing correctly and allowing the water to seep out from the unit. Replace the door latch to restore functionality. 

Damaged tub

Several years of use can wear out the dishwasher tub, leading to the development of a hole from where the water can drip and pool on the kitchen floor. Minerals in the water or detergent can cause damage or corrosion in the tub. A professional may perform repairs or suggest a replacement if the issue is severe or the dishwasher is old.

Overfilling

Another reason you may end up with a leaking dishwasher is when the tub overflows with water. The water level may rise higher than usual if the unit is not draining water properly. Inspect it for proper drainage. 

A faulty float valve or switch can also cause the dishwasher to leak. The float switch prevents the dishwasher from overfilling by turning off the inlet valve when the water reaches the required level. If any component of the float assembly fails, the water level may rise high, causing the door to leak. An appliance repair professional can inspect and replace the mechanism. 

Using an incorrect detergent

Never use regular dish soaps and laundry detergents to wash dishes in a dishwasher. It can lead to excessive soap suds that pressurizes the door seal, and the water and soap leak out of the door. Always use detergents specifically made for use with the dishwasher to prevent this issue. Also, avoid rinsing the dishes with regular soap before loading them into the dishwasher as it may eventually lead to a leak.

The unit is misaligned 

A misaligned or unleveled unit does not close properly and bumps cabinets, causing it to leak from the door. For a dishwasher to function correctly, it must be on level ground. Check the alignments on all sides and make necessary adjustments to ensure it is leveled vertically and horizontally.

Damaged or loose hoses and valve

As the dishwasher ages, the hoses and valves can become loose or damaged. It can cause the water to leak from underneath the dishwasher. Disconnect power and remove the kickplate panel located at the base of the appliance. Check the drain hose, circulating hose, water inlet valve, hose clamp, and other components for loose connections, corrosions, malfunctioning solenoid, and other signs of damage. Replace the faulty parts to prevent leaks.

A leaking dishwasher is frustrating. Most causes behind a leaking dishwasher are simple and easy to fix. Call an appliance repair company technician to look into a leaking dishwasher, identify the possible cause, and repair or replace the worn-out parts to prevent further damage and ensure quality performance.