How to Fix a Leaky Dishwasher

Is there a puddle in front of your dishwasher? Often this is a relatively easy problem to solve. At best, all you need to do is tighten a few fittings or level the dishwasher so water doesn't slosh out when the machine is running. At worst, you may need to replace a door gasket.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Worm-drive Hose Clamp
• Adjustable Pliers
• Adjustable Wrench
• Replacement Door Gasket
• Screwdriver
• Small Level

Tightening the fittings

1. Remove the service panel that runs along the front of the dishwasher just below the door. If it is screwed in place, remove the screws with a screwdriver. If the panel hangs on hooks, pull the panel out and swing it up to remove it from the hooks.

2. Check the end of the drain hose that connects to the dishwasher. If it's leaking, tighten the clamp with a screwdriver.

3. Check the drain hose connection to the kitchen sink drain. Again, if it's leaking, tighten the clamp with a screwdriver.

4. 

   Check for leaks around the water-inlet valve. If necessary, use an adjustable wrench to tighten the compression fitting that connects the water-supply line to the valve. If the fill hose is leaking, replace the spring clamp that is on the hose with a worm-drive hose clamp. It produces more clamping pressure. Use adjustable pliers to compress the spring clamp so you can pull the clamp and hose off the valve. Remove the spring clamp from the hose. Buy a worm-drive clamp at your hardware store, then install it and tighten it with a screwdriver.

Leveling the machine

5. Remove the front access panel (see step 1, "Tightening the fittings"). This will give you access to the dishwasher's adjustable feet.

6. Open the door completely and remove the bottom dish rack.

7. Unscrew the dishwasher from the kitchen countertop so the dishwasher can move freely as you adjust the feet.

8. Check to see if the dishwasher is level side to side. Place a small level inside the dishwasher so it's sitting on the bottom pan and facing parallel to the front lip of the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is not level, use adjustable pliers to turn one of the dishwasher's front feet up or down until you hit level.

9. Check to see if the dishwasher is level front to back. Turn the level perpendicular to the door, and place it on one of the bottom ledges that run along the side of the cabinet. Check the level again. If the dishwasher isn't level, use your adjustable pliers to turn the back feet up or down until you hit level.

10. Reattach the dishwasher to the countertop and reinstall the front access panel.

Fixing a leaking door

11. Inspect the door gasket. As it ages, the gasket can crack or become hard, preventing it from sealing completely.

12. If the gasket appears solid, adjust the door latch so the door seals tightly. Loosen the screw that holds the door latch to the cabinet. Push the latch in slightly and retighten the screw. Test the door and readjust the latch if necessary.

13. Replace the gasket if water continues to leak after you've tightened the latch. Most gaskets are held by compression in a groove on the door or on the dishwasher cabinet.

14. Pull the old gasket out of its groove, using adjustable pliers (see illustration). Take the gasket to an appliance store to get a replacement.

15. Soak the new gasket in warm water to soften it, then press it into the groove. Start at the top, then work your way down the sides and across the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dishwasher has an air gap, which prevents dirty water from re-entering the machine, clean it regularly. Otherwise, it could overflow and leak.
• Always use detergent that's made for your dishwasher. Dishwashing liquids and other soaps can create excessive suds that will leak from the machine.
• Occasionally, the main seal between the dishwasher cabinet and the pump fails. If your dishwasher leaks at this spot, have a professional replace the seal.

[aleneathome]

on 11/11/2008 Ahhhh, none of the above. I pulled out the unit to watch where the puddle came from. The water hose going into the dish chamber was spraying water down the side. A little vinegar, some poking and scraping of lime and the leak was gone. Until the next lime build up.

[Corvenis]

on 11/9/2008 My problem with leaky dishwasher is friends. Let me explain. I just moved and took all my appliances. Friend insisted he would hook up the dishwasher because he's done it many times before. The dumb ass screwed the front face plate on, the one covering the legs and adjustments, with a longer screw that was suppose to be used. Mounting bracket is only 1/8 inch away from the plastic. So the screw went right through. Thanks Jim for the leaky dishwasher. Going to Lowes right now to figure out a way to plug the hole.

on 7/12/2006 I had a small leak which was caused by an imperfection at the the factory. There was a small imperfection pushing on the gasket (the rubber seal) allowing water to leak around the gasket. I shaved down the protruding plastic with a knife until it was smooth. Now there is no more water leaking at the site! I hope this saves you from having an expensive repair bill. Now I can use that money for better things.

on 11/22/2005 This is the most common source of leaks. Non-dishwasher detergent introduced inside the dishwasher. Always use dishwasher detergent, national brands are best. Never wash dishes in the sink with dishwashing detergent and then place them in the dishwasher to sanitize them without rinsing off the detergent. Pots and pans are the number one culprit for foam leak caused by sink washing. The two different detergents are not interchangeable and will result in massive foaming inside you dishwasher that will leak out on the floor. The telltale sign is water and foam on the floor in front of the dishwasher. Good dishwasher detergent does not foam, not even a single bubble.

on 11/22/2005 My dishwasher was leaking. Someone said it might be the gasket around the latch for the detergent cup. I used some silicone (for a quick fix), waited 24 hours, and no more leaks.