Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

Getting up in the morning only to discover an ominous puddle coming from the dishwasher is no-one’s chosen way to start the day.

Luckily, most everyday explanations of dishwasher leaks are relatively easy to pinpoint and mend yourself. Meaning you could not have to wash the dishes by hand for more than a day or two, take a day off waiting for an repair person or have to pay the call-out charge.

So, grab the operating manual if you can, get a towel to clean up the mess and get something clean up any additional leaks and so see whether you can find a DIY solution. If you aren’t able to call us for local dishwasher repair.

Commonly Seen Causes of Dishwasher Leaks as well as How to Resolve Them

Many of the more common sources of dishwasher faults aren’t actually due to a broken dishwasher . Before you start getting the tools out and flicking through numerous online videos there are a few things you should take a look at first.

Check to find out if your dishwasher is aligned. If the dishwasher is misaligned water can quickly puddle as well as spill out without there being anything that needs to be mended or replaced.
Check you are using the correct detergent. You could be aware of this problem with your washer. Too much detergent or the wrong type may result in to too many soap suds, the suds overflow resulting in a leak.
Test your dishwasher door fully closes. If there’s a gap you might have an object blocking it, or you could have to replace the door fixings.
Investigate the filter in the base of the machine for any visible obstructions because if your dishwasher isn’t draining correctly this is likely to result in overfill and spill.

Once you have looked at these potential problems it’s time to get ready and really start the investigation.

The easiest place to start is the door as well as check for any obvious issues inside of the machine prior to moving on to the underside. If you can find and resolve the problem without pulling out the dishwasher so much the better.

Also make sure you disconnect the appliance first by either unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher.

Door Seal

The door is seemingly the most simple place for leakage and one of the easiest problems to solve.

If the leakage is periodic the fault may be as straightforward as a large plate or something else pushing against the door thus stopping the door from shutting correctly.

On the other hand the door gasket could have come loose or been cracked.

Examine the door seal and investigate for any cracks, a build-up of limescale or other deposits, or any tracts where the gasket has separated from the door.

Taking off the seal and also giving it a good scrub could improve the situation in some cases or you might need to acquire a new seal and replace it.

Water Inlet Valve (Solenoid Fill Valve)

The fill valve can also be a common issue. This is in most cases found underneath the machine therefore you will most likely need to unscrew the toe board and also could need to take off the door cover.

The water inlet valve opens and also closes to allow water into the dishwasher at different times during the programme. The water inlet valve might be showing a leak, shown with a slow drip, or it may be broken and so not functioning fully during the cycle.

When the fill valve fails to close fully this can mean that the dishwasher overfills, causing a leak.

Usually these valves can’t be fixed, thus the entire part would need to be replaced.

Leaking Hoses

Hoses are needed to supply, drain and redistribute water within the cycle.

Two issues might arise when it comes to hoses.

The seals could break or the contact points may work loose thus it’s worth having a look at all the connections first.
The alternative problem than might often develop as you use the machine is that hoses could become damaged or get a hole in.

Luckily broken hoses are relatively simple to buy as well as change.

Pumps and Seals

You can visually test the rubber seals around the pumps or motor to ascertain if there is a leakage as well as change them if there is.

The Float Switch

The float itself or the float switch may be damaged resulting in the dishwasher overfilling.

A working float will go up as the water rises until the optimum or highest water level is attained. The tail of the float should then operate the switch. If something is blocking this or the float is broken this could be causing your issues.

Checking the switch will require electrical equipment although it might be clearly damaged in which case replacing it should resolve the leak.

Other Parts that Might Lead to a Leak

A broken wash arm or support could build up pressure resulting in leakage. This can likewise often result in your dishes not being cleaned as effectively as they should.

Broken or damaged lines could likewise result in this problem as can a cracked pump cap if your machine has one.

The motor shaft seal could have come loose resulting in leakage. This generally presents as a leak coming from underneath the dishwasher.

Top Tips to Fix Your Machine

Spend less by checking the seal instead of the whole component. In most instances, you can buy the seal separately which saves you having to replace the whole part.
Check the simple solutions before you get more complicated. There’s no point pulling the entire thing away from the wall if the problem is the detergent.
Photograph your progress. This might make your life easier when you come to reverse the process, explain the part you need to a sales person, and also identify the fault to an engineer if required.
Stay safe. Water and electricity are not good friends so turn off the power first.
If in doubt get in a professional.

What To Do Next If Your Initial Investigation Fails to Disclose or Fix the Leak

If the root of the issue is still a mystery the next step you might take is to pull out the dishwasher to get better access beneath it and fill it with water to see whether the leakage can be seen that way.

If this gives no further clues your dishwasher might only show a leakage when the pump is running. In this case, you should hire a qualified technician to diagnose as well as resolve the leak as there are safety risks of running the dishwasher with electrical components uncovered.