How to Fix a Leak in a Dishwasher
If water pools on the ground when washing the dishes, there a few things to check before picking up the phone and calling for service. You do not need to be a technical expert to understand the mechanics of dishwasher operation. According to The Family Handyman website, most leaks come from a poorly sealing door. As water squirts out of the spray arm and fills the tank, the gasket or door seal should create a vacuum to keep that water inside the machine. Other potential problems include frayed hoses or debris blocking the plug. Once you do some troubleshooting, if the system still leaks, its time to make that call. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Open the door of the dishwasher and inspect the gasket. The gasket is the rubber seal around the inside of the door. Follow the gasket around with your hand and feel for loose areas. Also, check for cracks or regions that appear to be breaking apart. These are all symptom of an old gasket.
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Purchase a new gasket from the hardware store if yours is fraying. Fill the sink with warm, soapy water and soak the new gasket.
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Slide a screwdriver underneath the old gasket and further loosen the piece. Get a grip on the gasket by inserting your fingers under the free area. Pull the gasket upward to rip it off the door of the dishwasher.
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Read the instructions provided with the new gasket for installation. Start at the inside top of the dishwasher door and work the new gasket into the rim where the old gasket sat. Once installed, run the dishwasher to see if this takes care of the leak.
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Turn off the power to the dishwasher by unplugging the unit or flipping the breaker switch.
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Remove the bottom access panel under the door if the seal is fine or a replacement did not fix the problem. Locate the screws securing the door of the panel. Often, they sit around the edge of the panel. Remove the screws and lift up on the panel to pull it off. This allows access to the hoses, pump and motor assembly.
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Check the hoses for leaks. Run your hands over each hose and feel for wet areas or obvious deformities. Look at the connecting clips and ensure they are tight. Replace any frayed or leaking hoses. Reinstall the access panel door and run the dishwasher.
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Pull out the bottom dish rack and set it aside. Use a wrench to remove the center bolt and the spray arm at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. Lift up on the spray arm to pull it free of the machine.
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Clean out any debris sitting under the arm. Pull out the filters that sit under the spray arm. Run water over the filter to remove any loose particles. Place the filters back onto position and reinsert the spray arm, securing it with the center bolt. Run the dishwasher see if the leak has subsided.
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Tips & Warnings
If none of these steps fix the leak, call for service. The problem might be with the pump seal. This will mean replacing the pump.
References
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