Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

Coming downstairs only to step in an ominous puddle coming from the dishwasher is no-one’s chosen way to start the day.

Thankfully, most commonly seen explanations of dishwasher leaks are comparatively easy to determine and mend on your own. This means you may not need to hand wash the dishes for too long, call an engineer or have to pay the call-out charge.

So, if you’re feeling up to it get out the operating manual if you have it, find a towel to clean up the mess and get something soak up any additional spills and so see if you can’t fix the problem. If you can’t call us for local dishwasher repair.

Everyday Explanations of Dishwasher Leaks as well as How to Fix Them

Some of the more everyday causes of dishwasher leaks are not actually because of a dishwasher fault at all. Before you start getting the tools out and flicking through numerous youtube tutorials there are a number of problems you should take a look at first.

Investigate to find out whether your dishwasher is level. If the dishwasher is not aligned water can easily pool and so spill out without there being anything that needs to be resolved or replaced.
Check you are using the right detergent. You may have seen this with your washer. An excess of soap or using the wrong variety could lead to too many soap suds, the bubbles spill over and you get a leak.
Check your dishwasher door fully closes. If there’s a gap there may be a blockage, or you could have to adjust the door fixings.
Check the filter in the base of the tub for any obvious drainage issues as if your dishwasher isn’t draining properly this is likely to result in fill too much and leak.

If none of the above issues apply it’s time to get ready and really begin a thorough check.

The easiest place to start is the door and check for any obvious problems inside of the machine prior to moving on to the underside. If you are able to identify as well as mend the problem before you need to pull out the dishwasher you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.

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

Door Seal

The door is seemingly the most everyday place for leakage and also one of the simplest issues to fix.

If the leak is periodic the issue may be as straightforward as an oversized dish or another object putting pressure against the door thus stopping it from closing properly.

Else-ways the door seal may have come loose or become cracked.

Inspect the door seal and test for any cracks, a build-up of limescale or other gunk, or any areas in which the gasket has separated from the door.

Removing the gasket and also giving it a thorough scrub could help in some instances or you might be required to acquire a new seal and replace it.

Water Inlet Valve (Solenoid Fill Valve)

The inlet valve can also be a commonplace issue. This is generally situated on the underbelly of the machine so you will have to unscrew the toe board and also might need to remove the door cover.

The inlet valve opens and also closes to allow water into the machine at varying parts of the programme. The fill valve may be showing a leak, demonstrated with a slow drip, or it might be broken and not opening or closing properly while the dishwasher is running.

If the fill valve doesn’t close fully this can mean that the dishwasher overfills, causing a leak.

Usually inlet valve can’t be fixed unless it is just the rubber gasket that is faulty, and so the whole valve would have to be replaced.

Leaking Hoses

Hoses are needed to supply, empty and also recirculate water along the cycle.

Two problems could arise where hoses are involved.

The gaskets may go or the connections can work loose so it’s a good idea to have a look at all the connection points first.
The other fault than might often develop over time is that hoses can be degraded or get a hole in.

Luckily damaged hoses are easy to get hold of and change, even for a novice.

Pumps and Gaskets

You are able to visually investigate the rubber gaskets around the pumps or motor to ascertain if there is a leak and also replace them if that’s the case.

The Float Switch

Either the float or the float switch could be faulty resulting in the dishwasher overfilling.

When operating correctly the float will lift up with the water level until it reaches the highest fill level. The tag of the float will then turn on the switch. If something is blocking this or the float is broken this could be your issues.

Testing the switch will require electrical equipment although it may be noticeably damaged in which case getting a new one should fix the problem.

Other Parts that May Lead to a Leak

A broken wash arm or support may force water under the door resulting in a leak. This can also often result in your dishes not being cleaned as effectively as they should.

Broken or cracked tubes can likewise result in this fault as can a loose pump cap.

The motor shaft seal may have cracked resulting in leakage. This will generally show as a puddle coming from underneath the dishwasher.

Top Tips to Mend Your Dishwasher

Spend less by checking the gasket in place of the whole component. In many situations, you can buy the seal separately which saves time as well as money.
Check the easy fixes before you get more complicated. You don’t need to pull the entire dishwasher away from the wall if the problem is the detergent.
Take photos as you go. This could make your life easier when you come to put the thing back together, show the component you need in a shop, and identify the fault to a repair person if required.
Be careful. Water and electricity are not good friends so turn off the power first.
If you’re struggling call the professionals.

What To Do Next If Your Trouble Shooting Doesn’t Identify or Resolve the Leakage

If the root of the problem is still a mystery the next step you may take is to pull the dishwasher away from the wall to get better access beneath it and also fill it with water to find out whether the leakage presents itself.

If you don’t uncover any faults with this method your appliance may only show a leakage if during a cycle. In this case, you should get a qualified technician to diagnose and mend the fault as there are safety risks of checking for faults with electrical elements uncovered.