6 Common Reasons You Have a Leaking Dishwasher (Plus Solutions)
Have you been stressed out over your leaking dishwasher? If you wind up cleaning puddles of water from underneath your dishwasher day after day, it’s time to get it fixed. Don’t automatically assume that you’ll need to purchase a new one — we have a few solutions to common dishwasher issues.
As water pools, it becomes as messy as it is hazardous. You should first check the owner’s manual or do some research on the model number for more tips and resources. Most major dishwasher manufacturers such as Kitchenaid, Frigidaire, GE, and Bosch have great websites loaded with helpful information.
Check out the list to clarify what causes a dishwasher to leak and what to do about it if it’s happening to you.
1. Leaking Dishwasher Door
If you notice that water is accumulating right underneath the door, you’re probably asking yourself, “Why is my dishwasher leaking? Is it completely broken?” Not necessarily; your dishwasher leaking in the door could be the cause of this. You could have a bent or loose door latch, causing the door to not properly latch.
A simple solution to this is tightening the latch with a screwdriver which secures the closure. You could also install new latch systems, however, if you notice water still running from the door, then you may have to replace the gasket. The gasket is the running sealing alongside the door that prevents water from coming out of your dishwasher.
In the event that your gasket is damaged, it’s a pretty simple fix. Try soaking your new gasket in warm soapy water to make it flexible and less complicated to install. While working on the dishwasher door, you can tighten the hinges if they’re feeling loose.
2. Leaking Dishwasher Tub
If you’ve had your dishwasher for quite a while or use it frequently, a dishwasher leak could form from a hole worn in the tub. Detergents and minerals have the ability to corrode the bottom of your dishwasher tub, causing water to leak and collect underneath your dishwasher. You can fix some tubs, but depending on how old your dishwasher is plus the severity of the issue, you may need to replace your entire dishwasher.
3. Valves Becoming Loose or Damaged
The longer you have your dishwasher, the more likely the connections and hoses inside can become loose. Check your drain hoses periodically to see if everything is securely connected, such as the clamps keeping the hose in place on both sides. You should also verify that your water inlet valve can function smoothly and isn’t stuck because this can also cause flooding.
In the event that your hoses are cracked, you can easily replace them after a quick trip to the hardware store. Make sure to check your dishwasher model type before purchasing any pieces so you can ensure that you have the right one. Print out or screenshot photos of the pieces and speak to an expert in the hardware store if you have any specific questions on which valves work best for your dishwasher.
4. Misalignments Causing a Leaking Dishwasher
One of the best ways to avoid a leaking dishwasher is ensuring that the unit is level. When misaligned, it’s possible for water to gather underneath the dishwasher. You could also place shims under the dishwasher and measure the alignment again.
Once you adjust everything and perfectly level your dishwasher, it’ll run smoothly again. If you are having a hard time getting your dishwasher leveled yourself, consult with a technician or check out a video online to see how it’s done. Remember to always disconnect the power to your dishwasher before doing any kind of repairs — water and electricity do not mix!
5. Using the Wrong Dishwasher Detergent
You should never use regular dish soap in your dishwasher — it will foam too much which can lead to leaking. Only purchase detergents that are intended for dishwashers. Even rinsing your dishes with regular dish soap before running them through your dishwasher can cause it to eventually leak.
If you want to avoid soap bubbling up and putting pressure against the door seal, don’t mix regular dish soap with your dishwasher. Look for dishwasher detergents that are either liquid or in powder capsules. Both work gently within dishwashers and are designed to keep the soap and water inside of your unit instead of pooling underneath and onto the floor.
6. Dishwasher Is Overfilled
Are you still asking yourself, “Why do dishwashers leak?”. It could be that your unit is taking in more water than it should, causing it not to drain properly. This can cause water to drain from your dishwasher and onto your floor.
You could also be having issues with the drain itself or the float valve isn’t able to seal properly. It depends on the kind of dishwasher you have which is why you should always consult with your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website first. There you will find more specific information about your unit’s draining system and what could be causing it to overfill with water.
Fixing the Problem Once and for All
Having an appliance can really be a pain in the neck, especially when you aren’t sure what the actual issue is. Repairing a leaking dishwasher is hardly on the top of anyone’s list of favorite things to do, but the problems can be treated simply once you identify the issue first. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and money in hiring a professional repair service with our list of causes and solutions.
If you have experienced a leaking dishwasher and need some additional advice, let one of our expert appliance repair technicians give you a hand!
