UPDATED: APRIL 27, 2023 | 1 MIN READ
Dishwashers are now a standard appliance that’s a must-have in every kitchen. They help us clean and sanitize dishes, cut down on time it takes to do so, and save money on running water. But what do you do if your dishwasher leaks suds all over the kitchen floor? Read on to learn the most common reasons your dishwasher may leak, some troubleshooting tips, and how to handle your dishwasher leaking.
Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?
There are multiple reasons why your dishwasher might be leaking. Still, fixing the problem quickly is essential before it becomes costly. Locating the source of the leak is the first step in knowing how to fix it.
Incorrect Dishwasher Detergent
Many people don’t know that regular dish soap can cause dishwashers to leak. It creates too many suds, which can cause the water to force itself through the door gasket and into your kitchen.
Problems with the Spray Arm
The spray arm is the part of the dishwasher that contains the water jets. This arm is responsible for spraying water on dishes and other appliances. When this arm has issues, it can cause your dishwasher to leak. Check regularly for clogs or blockages. Otherwise, you’ll typically only notice when it’s in the middle of a wash cycle and water begins leaking out of the bottom of the dishwasher.
Water Levels
If the water level in the dishwasher is too high, it can leak. If your dishwasher has been installed on an uneven surface, it may prevent the water from accessing the dishwasher drain.
Clogged Filter
Dishwasher filters are a crucial part of the dishwasher that’s responsible for filtering water in the machine. They help to make sure that clean water is being used to wash dishes, and they also ensure that no food particles are left behind.
It’s essential to check and clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs.
Damaged Seal
Dishwashers have a watertight seal that keeps the water from spilling out. If this becomes damaged, loose, or missing, it can cause water to leak into your kitchen.
Issues With the Water Inlet Valve
A dishwasher is a complex machine that has many moving parts. When it’s not maintained correctly, it can result in leaking and broken valves. The water valve could have a problem, leading to water all over your kitchen.
What To Do With a Leaky Dishwasher
Dishwashers are a standard appliance in most households. However, just like any other appliance, they can develop problems. This is when you need to know how to fix the problem.
Turn Off the Water Supply
The first thing you’ll need to do is turn off the water line to the dishwasher. Next, you’ll want to mop up as much water as possible to prevent water damage to your kitchen.
Find the Source of the Leak
Sometimes, it may be apparent where the leak is. Suppose you catch a leak happening in the middle of a dishwasher cycle. In that case, you can tell immediately where it’s coming from. Other times, you may have noticed water coming from the bottom of your dishwasher.
You may have to remove the kickplate to get a better look at the different parts of the appliance that could be causing the issue. This may require a screwdriver, so check this after you’ve mopped up the water.
Repair or Replace
If you notice any leaks, the best option is to repair them rather than replace the entire dishwasher. This is because repairing a leak will cost less than replacing a complete machine. Check if your dishwasher is still under warranty, as the manufacturer may be able to fix it for you.
Call a Professional
Sometimes, more than DIY is needed to get the leak fixed. Consider calling a professional to look at the dishwasher in this case. Calling in an appliance repair service may be a good idea. Especially if you need more clarification on what needs fixing or aren’t fully confident in your DIY repair abilities.
How to Prevent Dishwasher Leaks
Dishwasher leaks are a common problem in the kitchen and can be inconvenient. There are a few things you can do to prevent dishwasher leaks from happening.
Check the Rubber Seal
Ensure that your dishwasher door seals properly. When you close the dishwasher door, it should seal tightly against the dishwasher door frame. This seals in water that could escape and spill onto your floor and countertops. If you notice any gaps, water can leak into your home.
Clean Regularly
Use soapy water to clean the rubber gasket on your dishwasher door. This will help prevent water from seeping into the unit and causing leaks or cracks in your dishwasher door seal.
Air Circulation
Maintaining sufficient air circulation around the seal is one of the most critical factors in eliminating moisture build-up on dishwasher doors. By allowing dry, fresh air in and out of your dishwasher, you will be able to avoid the formation of mold and mildew that can cause significant damage over time.
FAQs
What causes a dishwasher to leak from the bottom?
Many factors can cause a dishwasher to leak from the bottom. However, the most common causes are a faulty seal, a defective drain hose, or a clogged filter. If any of these components fail, it will result in water leaking from your dishwasher’s bottom drawer.
Does my insurance cover my dishwasher leaking?
A dishwasher is considered a major appliance and usually comes with a standard homeowners policy. If you have an appliance that needs to be replaced, or if it breaks down, then your homeowners policy will cover the dishwasher repair or replacement cost.
What is the most common cause of a dishwasher leaking?
One of the most common causes of dishwasher leaks is caused by a faulty gasket. To determine if this is the case, open your dishwasher and look for ripped or worn-out seal sections around the door.
Why is it important to contact a professional if your dishwasher is leaking?
There are a few reasons why contacting a professional is important if your dishwasher leaks. They are trained in this work and knowledgeable in appliance repair. They have the necessary tools and knowledge to help them quickly fix the problem and can advise you on preventing leaks.
What is the easiest way to fix a leak in a dishwasher?
A common cause of a leaky dishwasher is a clogged filter. The sink drains can back up and overflow when there is a clog in the inner dishwasher filter. If you have a leaking dishwasher, it’s worth checking if the filter is clogged before anything else, as this can be easily fixed.
What is the best way to prevent a dishwasher from leaking?
The best way to prevent a dishwasher from leaking is to know what causes it.
- lack of water in the dishwasher
- using the incorrect amount of detergent
- a fault with the draining hose or drain pump
- debris clogging up the filter or pump
- loose connections or seals on the machine
What happens if your dishwasher leaks?
If you notice that your dishwasher has a leak, there are a few things you should do immediately. First, you should turn off the power, remove the dishes, and turn off the water supply. Then, soak up as much water as possible and look to see if you can see any clogs or damage to any parts, including the hoses and rubber seals. If your home has water damage, you should file a claim with your insurance agent.
How do you fix a leaking dishwasher?
Multiple different issues could cause a dishwasher to leak. Issues such as clogged filters or a draining hose that needs to be tightened can be easily resolved. Suppose there is a broken or faulty part within the dishwasher. In that case, you may need to contact a professional to fix the problem.
Need Help with Coverage for Your Dishwasher
Dishwasher leaks can cause a lot of damage to your home, so you should fix them as soon as possible. Having said that, you should also ensure that you have adequate home insurance in case it does cause water damage to your property and its contents.
Review the prices of the top insurance companies in your area by filling out our online rate form. We can also assist with connecting you with a licensed insurance agent that can answer any additional questions.
