Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

Coming downstairs only to step in an ominous puddle on the floor is no-one’s favorite manner to start the day.

Fortunately, most common sources of dishwasher leaks are comparatively easy to diagnose and fix on your own. This means you might not have to hand wash the dishes that much, take a day off waiting for an repair person or have to pay the call-out charge.

So, if you’re feeling up to it grab the manual if you have it, clean up the puddle and so get something soak up any further leaks and so find out whether you can’t diagnose the fault. If you aren’t able to call us for local dishwasher repair.

Commonplace Explanations of Dishwasher Faults and How to Resolve Them

Many of the most common sources of dishwasher faults aren’t in fact due to a dishwasher issue at all. Before you start getting the tools out and looking at numerous online videos there are a number of issues you should rule out first.

Check to see if your dishwasher is level. If your dishwasher is not level water will quickly puddle and so spill out even if the dishwasher is working perfectly.
Check you have been using the right soap. You may have seen this with your washer. Too much soap or the incorrect variety could lead to too many bubbles, the suds overflow and you get a leak.
Test your dishwasher door closes fully. If there’s a gap you may have an object obstructing it, or you could need to fix the hinge or the locking mechanism.
Test the filter located at the bottom of the tub for any obvious drainage issues because if your dishwasher isn’t emptying effectively this will cause it to fill too much and so spill.

If none of the above issues apply it’s time to get ready and begin the inspection.

To make your life easier start with the door as well as test for any obvious damage in the interior of the machine before you move on to the underside. If you are able to identify and so mend the problem without pulling out the dishwasher so much the better.

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

Door Gasket

The most everyday place for leakage is on the door, fortunately it is likewise one of the simplest problems to resolve.

If the leakage is intermittent the fault may be as straightforward as a large plate or something else putting pressure into the door and stopping the door from shutting properly.

Else-ways the door gasket might have come loose or got cracked.

Check the door gasket and also investigate for any brittleness, a build-up of limescale or other deposits, or any parts in which the gasket has come away from the door.

Extracting the gasket and giving it a thorough wash can improve the situation in some instances or you may need to purchase a new seal and replace it.

Water Inlet Valve (Solenoid Fill Valve)

The inlet valve can also be a simple fault. It is generally located under the machine so you will most likely have to unscrew the toe board and could have to remove the door cover.

The fill valve opens and closes to let water into the machine at various parts of the programme. The inlet valve may be showing a leak, shown with a slight drip, or it could be damaged and so not opening or closing properly during the cycle.

In the case that the water inlet valve doesn’t shut fully this can result in the dishwasher overfilling and result in a leakage.

In General water inlet valve cannot be repaired unless it is only the rubber gasket that is broken, and so the entire component would have to be replaced.

Leaking Hoses

Your dishwasher uses hoses to fill, drain as well as redistribute water within the programme.

Two issues could arise with hoses.

The seals can go or the contact points may come loose thus it’s worth checking all the connections first.
The other problem than may often develop as time goes by is that hoses might be degraded or cracked.

If you are able to determine that the leak is coming from a hose this should be simple to replace and new hoses are readily available.

Pumps and Seals

You are able to visually check the rubber gaskets around the water pumps or motor to ascertain if there is a leakage as well as replace them if there is.

The Float Switch

Either the float or the float switch may be damaged causing the dishwasher to overfill.

When working correctly the float will lift up with the water level until the optimum or maximum water level is reached. The tag of the float should then operate the switch. A blockage or breakage could be your issues.

Testing the switch will require a multi-meter although it may be noticeably damaged in which case getting a new one should resolve the problem.

Alternative Components that Might Cause a Leak

A cracked wash arm or support can build up pressure causing a leak. This will likewise often result in your dishes not being cleaned as effectively as they should.

Broken or damaged lines might also cause this fault as can a damaged pump cap.

The motor shaft gasket could have cracked resulting in a leak. This will generally show as a puddle coming from the underside of the dishwasher.

Top Tips to Fix Your Dishwasher

Spend less by replacing the seal rather than the whole component. In many instances, you can acquire the seal separately which saves time as well as money.
Investigate the quick fixes first. You don’t need to pull the entire thing away from the wall if it’s the detergent that’s making the problem.
Take photos at each step. This could make your life easier when you come to reverse the process, describe the part you are looking for in a store, and identify the fault to a repair person if required.
Be careful. Water and electricity do not mix so unplug the machine first.
If you’re not sure get in a professional.

What To Do Next If Your Trouble Shooting Fails to Disclose or Resolve the Leak

If the root of the leak remains a mystery the next step you can take is to pull the dishwasher away from the wall to get a better look underneath it and also add water to the tub to see if the leakage becomes visible.

If you are still in the dark your machine could only show a leakage when it’s running. In this case, your best bet would be to get a qualified technician to determine as well as resolve the leak due to the safety risks of checking for faults with electrical components uncovered.