Dishwasher Dripping When Running
One of the most unwelcome sights to greet you in your kitchen is a puddle beneath your dishwasher while it is running its cycle. In most cases, if you catch the problem early enough, you can avoid serious damage to your floor. However, it is important to figure out why your dishwasher is dripping or leaking so you can repair the problem. Several issues can cause a dishwasher to leak during operation, so check each one off to pinpoint the leak's source. Does this Spark an idea?
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Check Water Supply Hose
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The supply hose carries water from your home's water-inlet valve to the dishwasher so it can fill with water during a cycle. If the hose is not securely fastened to the water-inlet valve or its connection inside the dishwasher, water may enter the basin too quickly and the appliance may begin to drip. The hose itself may also have a tear or rip in its rubber that causes water to leak into the dishwasher and drip from the bottom or sides of the appliance as well. Check the supply hoses' connections to ensure that they are secure. If you notice damage to the hose, replace it.
Check Door Gasket
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A dishwasher's door contains a gasket that creates an airtight seal to keep the water in during its cycle. As it ages, the gasket may become brittle and hard, which can lead to cracks. Any damage to the gasket can impair its ability to form a tight seal, so water may begin to drip from around the door when the dishwasher is in use. Check your door gasket for any signs of cracks or damage. If you find a problem, replace the door gasket before running the dishwasher again. However, if you don't find any signs of cracking or splitting, clean the gasket carefully with soap and water because food, sticky liquids and other debris may accumulate along the gasket and prevent it from creating a effective seal as well.
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Check Main Tub Seal
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Your dishwasher may also drip during its cycle if there is a problem with the main tub seal. This seal protects the motor's shaft from water during operation. If the main tub seal is damaged, water may begin to leak from the tub and drip from the bottom of the dishwasher. In most dishwashers, you can find the main tub seal beneath the drain impeller at the bottom of the tub. However, to access the seal, you must remove the bottom rack, spray arm and support, and drain impellers. Examine the seal for signs of cracking, splitting or other damage. If you see a problem, remove the seal and replace it.
Examine Float Switch
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You may observe water dripping from your dishwasher if there is a problem with its float switch. The float switch is found on the bottom of the dishwasher and floats up as the dishwasher fills with water to alert the appliance to stop filling. If the float switch is dirty, it may become stuck in a down position so the dishwasher never receives a signal to stop filling. You can lift the float switch out after removing its screw, and use a sponge and toothbrush to clean all of its surfaces. Set it back in place, securing it with the screw once again.
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References
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