Where Is The Leak Coming From?
To fix a leaking dishwasher, you first need to identify the origin of the leak. If water leaks from under or around the door, it is often caused by issues with the door gasket, spray arm, or float switch. Water leaking from under the unit typically indicates faults with the hoses, pump, or water inlet valve. Start your repair process by carefully examining the exterior of your unit to determine where the leaks originate. If you can find where the leak is coming from, you’ll be one step closer to actually repairing your dishwasher.
Inspect Your Dishwasher’s Door & Interior
When water leaks around or under your dishwasher’s door, you’ll want to inspect inside the appliance to find the problem, but before you do that, you should check the door gasket for any signs of damage. The gasket ensures that your unit is watertight when the door is closed, and breaks or tears in the gasket allow water to escape from the machine’s interior. If you notice faults in the gasket, you should replace it with a new one.
If there are no issues with your gasket, the leaks are likely caused by a component in the dishwasher’s interior. Start your interior inspection by examining the spray arm for any blockages or damage. The spray arm, located at the bottom center of the appliance, is what sprays dishes with water during wash cycles, and faults in the arm can cause improper water build-up that result in leaks. If you suspect a blockage within this part, you can remove the arm and fix the blockage, but if your spray arm is clearly damaged, you may want to replace it instead. For help in replacing your dishwasher’s spray arm, you can reach out to a professional appliance repair service.
Check The Dishwasher Float Switch
You also need to check the float switch within the dishwasher tub. The float switch measures how much water is in the appliance, and prevents it from overfilling during wash cycles. To check this component, you need to let your dishwasher run until about mid-cycle, turn off the unit, open the door, and check the water level. The water should not be higher than the heating element in the bottom of the tub, and if it is, you probably have an issue with the float switch.
A defective float switch can consistently overfill your dishwasher, resulting in an endless cycle of leaks. Be sure to replace this part if necessary, and enlist a certified dishwasher repair technician for assistance.
Inspecting Underneath Your Dishwasher
If water is leaking from underneath the dishwasher, you’ll have to inspect the lower cavity of the appliance in order to solve the problem. To do this, use a screwdriver to remove the access panel, or kick plate, from the bottom of your dishwasher. This plate covers the water inlet valve, pump, motor, and hoses — all key components that can be tied to the issue.
Once the access panel is removed, you can use a flashlight to inspect the area under the dishwasher to check for defects. You should check for cracks or tears in the pump and hoses, and also ensure that all hoses and clamps are securely positioned within the unit. Defects or loose connections between these parts can cause water to leak from the dishwasher. You also need to investigate the area around the water inlet valve for any cracks or defects.
Should you notice loose connections between parts or in the hosing system, securing the connections may put an end to leaks. But if you discover cracks in any of your dishwasher’s parts, you’ll need to replace them. Most brands manufacture replacement parts for their dishwashers, and you should consult your unit’s installation guide to ensure you purchase the proper components based on its model number. For assistance in repairing or replacing any defective dishwasher parts, be sure to contact an appliance repair expert.
Effective Dishwasher Repair Services For Leaking Units
A leaky dishwasher is a huge problem, potentially causing massive flood damage to your kitchen and other home appliances. There are a number of faults that can cause your dishwasher to leak, and knowledge of these common causes will ensure that you solve the problem effectively.
It’s possible to fix a leaking dishwasher on your own, but some homeowners require additional assistance to complete repairs. To ensure the job is done properly, you should contact a professional appliance repair service.