There is nothing worse than rushing around to get the dishwasher on before you leave the house and coming home to a puddle of water on your kitchen floor. If you find yourself mopping water from under your dishwasher each time you use it, it is time to address the issue. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new one. There are some common reasons for your leaking dishwasher that can be resolved.
If you notice water accumulates directly underneath the door, you may assume that your dishwasher is broken. In fact, the issue could be the door itself. Something simple as a loose or bent door latch could be causing the door not to close properly.
There is a simple solution to this. All you need to do is tighten the latch with a screwdriver to secure closure. If water continues to leak from the door, you may need to install a new latch system.
Before you do this, check the gasket. This is another common reason for a leaky dishwasher door. The gasket is a basic seal that runs along the door to prevent water leakages. Just like the gasket on your refrigerator, over time, it can be damaged or start to get loose.
Give the gasket a good clean with a soft cloth to remove any food debris and check for damage. If there is a tear or hole, you’ll need to replace it to stop those annoying water leaks.
If you use your dishwasher frequently or you’ve had the appliance for a while, a hole may have formed in the tub itself. Hard water minerals and harsh detergents can actually corrode the dishwasher tub, gradually wearing a hole into the surface. This allows water to leak out and collect under the appliance.
It is possible to fix some dishwasher tubs, but if your dishwasher is older, you may struggle to find a replacement. You may also need to upgrade your dishwasher if the issue is severe.
Of course, it is also a good idea to check for any underlying issues that may be causing damage to your tub. Try switching detergents and have your water contaminant levels checked. There could be an underlying issue that is causing other problems around your home that you may not be aware of.
The longer that you’ve had your appliance, the greater the chances that the hoses and connections inside the dishwasher can loosen. It is a good idea to periodically check your drain hoses to ensure that everything is still securely connected. Even something as simple as the clamps that hold the hose in place can loosen on one or both sides and cause a minor leak.
It is also important to check that the water inlet valve is still smoothly functioning. If it becomes stuck, it can cause flooding.
Check the hoses for signs of damage. If there are any cracks, replacing the hoses is quite an easy task. Most hardware stores sell replacement hoses. You’ll just need to check your dishwasher model to ensure that you buy a compatible hose.
If you have a damaged valve, you can take a picture of the valve and check with the hardware store for a replacement. Of course, if you don’t feel confident doing this, your local appliance repair technician can help.
One of the simplest ways to avoid a leaky dishwasher is to ensure that the appliance is level. Just like your washer, if your dishwasher is misaligned, water can gather underneath the unit.
Fortunately, modern appliances typically have adjustable feet, so you can ensure they are level even if your floor is not 100% even. Alternatively, you can place shims under the appliance to ensure alignment.
Once your dishwasher is perfectly level, you should find that it operates smoothly. Just remember to disconnect the power to your appliance before you start moving it around to get it aligned. Water and electricity can be highly dangerous, and you don’t want to risk getting a shock.
Another common cause of a leaking dishwasher is using the wrong detergent. If you’re running out of dishwasher detergent, it may be tempting to use regular dish soap, but this is a mistake. Regular dish soap foams far too much, which can encourage leaking. Even using regular dish soap to rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher could cause excessive foaming.
When the soap bubbles up, it causes excessive pressure on the door seal, leading to leaks. So, you should only ever use detergents that are intended for dishwashers.
Finally, you need to check whether your appliance is taking in more water than it should and overfilling. This can cause serious problems as it will struggle to drain properly. Hence, the water on your floor.
There may also be an issue with the float valve not sealing or the drain itself.
Depending on your specific dishwasher model, there may be a quick fix for this issue, or it may be more involved. So, it is a good idea to check your owner’s manual. This should provide specific details about the draining system and troubleshoot the causes of overfilling.
Having a leaky appliance can be a real pain, particularly if you’re unsure why it is happening. While repairing your dishwasher may not be at the top of your favorite tasks, you’ll need to take the time to identify the underlying problem before you can treat the leak. This will save possible damage to your floor and home. So, don’t ignore that little puddle of water near your dishwasher, as there may be a more serious issue lurking underneath.
If you’re struggling with dishwasher leaks, you can rely on the expertise of your local home appliance repair technician for help. An experienced technician can assess your dishwasher for underlying issues and provide a rapid solution to your leaking problems.