Water damages are more common than you think. In fact, there are about 14,000 water damage incidents somewhere in the U.S as per Water Damage Defence report. every day. If you notice water pooling around or underneath your dishwasher, the leak might come from the front of the dishwasher or from a component from the bottom. We have put together a guide on what causes a dishwasher to leak to help you identify the problem before you get any further water damage.
Before you begin investigating dishwater leak causes, always unplug the dishwasher and turn off the main power source and the water source. If there is a lot of water around the dishwasher, lay down towels to soak up the water. This will prevent you from slipping.
A good starting point in your examination can be to consult the manufacturer’s manual. Most big companies have extensive guides and resources on their website on how to troubleshoot their product.
Contents
What Causes A Dishwasher To Leak?
Dishwasher Leak From The Bottom
This is one of the most common places you’ll notice your dishwasher leaking from. If you notice your dishwasher leaking from the bottom, the culprit is usually either the water pump or the water inlet valve.
The seal on the water pump wears out in time because it is made of rubber. You will know if the water pump seal needs changing if you notice water dripping from the motor or the pump housing.
The other cause might be the water inlet valve. Remove the bottom plate on the front of your dishwasher and check if there is any drip coming from the top of the valve. While you are there, check if there is any corrosion or hard water element of the valve. If there is any issue with this, turn off the water source and replace it.
It is something leaking under the tub. The most common components to leak is the water pump seal and or the water inlet valve.
Dishwasher Leaking From Door
The door seal gets worn out in time. If you notice water pooling in front of the dishwasher, it might be because you have a leaking door seal. Check the seal around the door to see if it is worn or ripped. Another reason might be a bent or loose door latch that is preventing the door from closing securely. You can use a screwdriver to tighten the latch.
Dishwasher Air Gap Leak
The air gap has a very precise role in the well-functioning of your dishwasher. It prevents the dirty water from getting from the sink to your dishwasher. If you notice the air gap leaking, there might be a blockage or wrinkle in the tube from the air gap to the drain line under the sink. You can clean the air gap from any waste getting stuck and clear the drain line. Also, disconnect the hose and flush it out.
Dishwasher Leak Under The Sink
The leakage under the sink cabinet usually happens during the water supply phase or the draining action of your dishwasher. The causes are multiple, such as faulty drainpipes, supply hoses or the faucet.
As you have more visibility under the cabinet, use a flashlight to check where the leak is coming from. If needed, tighten the connection between the drain line and the valve or the air gap on top of the sink, using a wrench.
Dishwasher Leaking Soap
One general but highly important rule is to only use a detergent specifically made for dishwashers. This is because regular dish soap generates a lot of bubbles and will put pressure on the door seal. Even if you rinse your dishes with soap before putting them in, be careful to rinse thoroughly. It is best to rinse the dishes just with water, if necessary, at all.
When there is a lot of water leaking, hiding underneath the furniture and in the walls. The place needs to be properly dried, otherwise, it becomes the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold grows in about 48 hours so you need to move fast. Our team of certified technicians uses advanced equipment to both dry your property and remove any sign of mold.
