Why Is My Dishwasher Leaking? 7 Possible Causes

Why is my dishwasher leaking? If you're asking this question, you likely have quite the frustrating situation going on. Debating between mopping the floor after each cycle and just washing those dishes by hand? Read on.

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When everything works smoothly, your dishwasher handles the dirty work and gives you fresh, clean dishes. But when things go wrong, your machine could need a dishwasher repair to keep things dry.

What Are Some Common Causes of Dishwasher Leaks?

Is your dishwasher leaking every time you use it? The issue could be coming from one of many causes. Looking at where the machine is leaking can help you spot the problem and handle the dishwasher repair to get things back to normal.

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1. The Appliance Isn’t Level

Sometimes, there's nothing wrong with the appliance itself. Instead, your dishwasher simply isn't level. The appliance needs to be perfectly level to work correctly. If it's slanted at all, the water could spill over from the tub and leak out of the door. You can check the dishwasher by using a level to see if it's off at all.

Dishwashers typically have leveling legs that you can adjust if necessary. This can help you overcome an uneven floor. You'll need to unscrew the anchors that are holding the dishwasher to the cabinet first. Then, take off the kick plate on the front of the appliance to access the legs and adjust them up or down to get the unit level. Check with your level before reattaching it to the cabinets.

2. You Used the Wrong Soap or Detergent

You should only use detergent formulated for dishwashers in your appliance. If you use regular dish soap, hand soap or other types of soap, it could cause lots of bubbles to form. The suds can flow out of the appliance. If this happens, make sure all the soap is cleaned out of the dishwasher and switch to dishwasher detergent.

3. The Filter Is Clogged

Dishwashers have filters in the bottom to catch any food scraps and other debris that gets inside the appliance. If you haven't cleaned your filter in a while, it could get clogged, making it difficult for the water to drain. If the tub gets too full, it can overflow and leak from the door. If this is the cause, you'll likely see lots of standing water in the dishwasher tub. The filter will also likely have gunk in it. Cleaning out the filter is an easy dishwasher repair for this issue.

4. You’ve Got Latch or Gasket Issues

Another reason your dishwasher could leak from the door is an issue with either the latch or the gasket that runs around the door. A loose or damaged latch keeps the door from closing properly, which can allow water to leak out around the door. If the gasket is loose, cracked, torn or dirty, it might not seal tightly, even if the latch closes properly. This also causes water to leak around the door.

You can check the latch by seeing if the door closes tightly. If it feels loose, you might need to have the latch replaced. You can also inspect the gasket to look for damage. Look for dirt or food particles on the gasket that could be keeping it from sealing well. Clean the gasket if this is the issue. If it's damaged, it needs to be replaced.

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5. The Supply Line Is Leaking

Another possible location of a dishwasher leak is the water supply line. When it's leaking, the water will typically be underneath the dishwasher, which can make it more difficult to spot. You might notice that the dishwasher doesn't fill well because the line can't get enough water into the tub. You'll need to replace the water supply line if it's damaged.

6. There’s a Problem With the Water Valve

Your dishwasher also has a water inlet valve underneath the appliance. If it goes bad, water could leak from it under the dishwasher. You can take the kick plate off the dishwasher to see this valve. You might see water dripping from it or signs of corrosion on the valve. Replacing the valve should fix the issue.

7. The Parts are Damaged or Defective

You could also be dealing with damaged or defective parts. The hose clamps that hold the drain hose to the dishwasher could be damaged or placed incorrectly, causing water to leak underneath when the dishwasher drains. A hole in the dishwasher tub can make water leak out onto your floor. Inspect the interior carefully to look for worn or damaged areas. You could have a damaged drain pump, which helps circulate and drain the water. If it's not working properly, the water might not drain and could leak. A plumber or appliance repair company can handle this type of dishwasher repair.