Dishwasher Leaking? Here’s What To Do

It’s never something you want to find, your dishwasher leaking water across the kitchen floor. No matter where the offending leak has sprung from, it’s something you need to get on top of ASAP.

Thankfully, many of the common causes of dishwasher leaks have simple and easy fixes that you can attempt with a little DIY prowess. Sure, you may need to call in a plumber to replace your dishwasher (it can often be more cost-effective in the long run to take this approach rather than shell out for a major repair).

But for simple troubleshoots, acting quickly will go a long way towards saving your dishwasher and your sanity.

If you’ve found your dishwasher leaking water recently, check it out right away. You just might be shocked at how easy it is to fix!

Find the Source of the Leak

The first all-important step towards resolving your leaking dishwasher problem is to locate exactly where the leak is coming from.

First, check the base of the dishwasher. The leak might come from the bottom, the left corner or near the dishwasher door. Be on the lookout for evidence of water pooling, damp kitchen cabinets or dripping during the dishwasher’s wash and rinse cycles. Potential issues could be:

• a worn door gasket
• loose hose connections
• a malfunctioning water inlet valve

If necessary, open the access panel and check underneath for possible complications with the dishwasher drain hose, water supply line or float switch.

Ultimately, determining the source of the leak makes it much easier to fix the issue and prevent further water damage to your kitchen.

Quick DIY Fixes to Try First

As we mentioned, you can address some of the most common causes of a leaky dishwasher with a few simple DIY checks. There’s no need to jump straight into getting it fixed just yet.

Here are some quick fixes that might get your dishwasher running smoothly again:

• Check the dishwasher door gasket – A worn rubber seal or old gasket can stop your dishwasher from creating a proper watertight seal. If it’s cracked or brittle, it’s time for a replacement.
• Clean the filter – A clogged filter full of food scraps and other debris can cause water to back up and leak.
• Check the spray arm – A blocked or cracked spray arm can shoot water in the wrong direction.
• Use the right detergent – The wrong detergent creates too much soapy water and can cause overflow. Always use detergent clearly labelled as dishwasher-friendly.
• Tighten hose clamps and fittings – Loose hose connections on the drain hose or water line can let water leak out.
• Test the float switch – A stuck or faulty float switch can cause water to overfill and escape.
• Look at the water inlet valve – A damaged water valve may leak or let too much water in.

These quick checks can stop a dishwasher leak in its tracks and stop smaller issues from blowing out into bigger dramas later on down the line.

Check Inside the Dishwasher

If your dishwasher continues to leak after these troubleshoots, and you can’t attribute said leak to external fittings, the problem might be inside the appliance itself.

Start by removing the bottom rack and check the dishwasher tub for cracks, standing water or signs of water leakage. Carefully inspect the heating element; any damaged seals here can allow water to escape during the wash cycle. The spray arm should spin freely and be free from blockages like food particles or other debris. And don’t forget to check both the dishwasher pump and water pump system – if either is blocked or worn it can prevent proper water circulation and cause a leak.

Keeping the internal parts clean and well-maintained will go a long way towards preventing unnecessary dishwasher repair or premature replacement.

The Water Inlet Valve and Other Regular Leak Points

One of the most common causes of a dishwasher leaking water is a faulty water inlet valve.

A water inlet valve that is stuck open or worn out will likely do one of two things. It will either:

• allow too much water in the tub, or
• continue to fill the dishwasher after the wash cycle has ended

This can cause water to leak onto your kitchen floor or from the access panel. Be sure to also check the water supply line, hose clamps and hose connections for any loose fittings or cracks. Over time, vibrations and everyday usage can loosen parts and cause leaks.

Replacing a faulty water inlet valve or tightening the hoses can be a simple fix that stops your leaking dishwasher from causing further water damage.

Appliance Repair or Replacement? Making the Smart Choice

Eventually, you might find that you’ve tried all the recommended troubleshooting suggestions for dealing with water leaking from your dishwasher, with little to no success. In this case, your next question might be whether you’re better off repairing or replacing your appliance.

As it happens, replacing your dishwasher might actually be the more cost-effective option.

You might need to replace your dishwasher if it:

• is over 8-10 years old
• has a broken water pump system
• constantly needs repairs

Newer models are generally more water and energy efficient. They use less water during wash and rinse cycles and are designed to prevent water leakage with better seals and smarter technology. Instead of constantly fixing damaged components, whether major or minor, investing in a new dishwasher will save you money in the long run.

Stop Your Dishwasher Leaking Before It Becomes a Disaster

A dishwasher leaking can certainly be a pain. However, when you’re armed with a little knowledge, spotting and fixing these issues becomes significantly easier.

From checking the door gasket and tightening hose connections to cleaning out food particles and inspecting the water inlet valve, small steps can make a big difference. Acting early prevents hidden water damage and costly repairs later. If you’re still dealing with leaks after trying a few basic DIY fixes, it’s time to call a licensed plumber and consider replacing your dishwasher.

Whether it’s a simple repair or a brand-new dishwasher, staying on top of issues now means fewer headaches later – and a kitchen that stays dry, safe and fully functional.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Dishwasher Leaking? Here’s What To Do”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leaking Dishwashers

Do you have any questions about leaking dishwashers? If so, we've got answers to the most commonly asked questions here.