Leaking Dishwasher Problems
Leaking dishwasher doors or gaskets.
Is water leaking directly from your dishwasher door? If the answer is yes, it means the gasket has lost its suction, or has a tear. Dishwasher doors have vinyl or rubber tubing along the frame to keep water from spilling out. Through age and constant use, it’s common for your gasket to crack or loosen, it means the gasket has lost its suction.
Another reason for your leaking dishwasher is the leaky door. But firstly check for holes by carefully examining the rubber siding. If there are no holes, stick a piece of paper to the dishwasher door and close it. If you can easily pull out the paper, that means the water can leak out. And you need to replace the gasket. You can also check this link for other options.
Inspect Your Float and Float Switch.
The float and float switch are inside your dishwasher at the bottom of the tub. They prevent your machine from overfilling with water. They also have a trigger to shut off the water inlet valve when the water level reaches a certain point. However, if the float or the float switch become stuck or are faulty, water levels can become too high inside the tub. This cause your machine to flood.
To test if your float is functioning properly, jiggle it up and down when the dishwasher is not in use and listen for a clicking sound. Sometimes, all it needs is a little push to get it working again, but if the problem persists it should be replaced.
Pump Trouble.
The pump in your dishwasher is at the bottom of the tub, underneath the spray arm, and its job is to circulate the water during a cycle. Depending on the type of model, it may also drain the excess water after a cycle. During the lifespan of your machine, the rubber or vinyl seal (gasket) around the pump can become brittle and dry from detergent and general wear and tear. Just like the gasket around the front door, your pump’s seal can crack and spring a leak.
Look and feel for any signs of damage to the tubing, as you may need to replace it. While it’s relatively easy to replace your pump seal, the problem could also be with your pump’s motor. Remove the access panel/kick plate below your dishwasher and check for any drips coming from the motor of the pump. If this is the source of the leak, you will need to order a new one that is the right fit for your dishwasher, so check the manufacturer’s website before you buy. Replacing a dishwasher pump and motor is a tricky and intricate process because the wiring connects to your home’s water and power lines, and you will need to pull your machine out from your cabinet to access all the components. So, unless you have done this before, it’s a good idea to call a professional.
Check Your Hoses and Valves.
The access panel/kick plate is underneath your dishwasher, and stores your water inlet valve, your drain hose, your circulating hose, as well as various other wires that also connect to your pump. The valve and hoses could be potential sources of the leak if they are old or damaged. You can remove the plate with a screwdriver to check for signs of water.
The water inlet valve supplies water from your home’s main water pipe directly to your dishwasher. If there is a drip coming out of the valve, or if the tubing or valve is loose, cracked or corroded, you should replace it as soon as possible. It is dangerous to keep exposed water to other wires under your dishwasher, and it should not ignore it.
If your water inlet valve is functioning properly, check your hoses for any drips. The drain hose and circulating hose are made of rubber or plastic, and over time can warp. They are secured in place by clamps, and connect to the dishwasher pump. If water is leaking from either hose, you might be able to stop the leak by simply tightening the clamps and making sure the hoses are secured in place. However, if you notice any cracks or tears in the rubber or plastic tubing, or if the clamps are no longer able to grip very well, then you need to swap them for new ones.
