Dishwasher is Leaking Water: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes (With Video!)

Is your dishwasher turning your kitchen floor into a mini pool? Don’t let a leak disrupt your routine or lead to costly repairs. Dive into our step-by-step video guide just below to uncover the six common culprits behind a leaking dishwasher and learn how to fix them — keeping your home dry and your wallet happy!

A leaking dishwasher can create a puddle on your floor and stop your ability to do your dishes. There are six main components that can contribute to a leaking dishwasher. Follow this easy guide to diagnose what needs to be fixed on the dishwasher and save money doing it yourself.

Once you have identified the part needed for your dishwasher, search below using your specific dishwasher model number to identify the exact part needed:

1. Door Gasket

If your dishwasher appears to be leaking in the front, it may be related to a faulty door gasket. This seal or gasket is generally made of a soft rubber or a vinyl material. It fits around the door or the tub of the dishwasher, and is used to create a watertight seal when the unit is in use. There are some models that also have rubber baffles in the corners to prevent leaks, as well. 

When the vinyl and rubber materials age and are exposed to high temperatures, they can become cracked or brittle over time. It can also wear out and create troubles with the seal on the dishwasher. To inspect this part, you simply need to open the dishwasher door and locate the gasket and any other seals that may be present. Inspect them all for signs of wear and damage, or even for misalignment. If there is anything amiss, the gasket will need to be replaced. 

2. Lower Door Gasket

This seals the bottom of the dishwasher door. It is separate from the other gasket and made of plastic and rubber, in most cases. If it is damaged or missing, it could cause the dishwasher to leak from the bottom of the door. This gasket is usually pushed into a channel at the bottom of the door or bolted on. If you inspect the gasket and any part of it is torn or damaged, you will need to replace the part to fix the problem. 

3. Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve on the dishwasher is responsible for bringing the water from the house into the dishwasher. It is made of durable plastic and will be connected to the water inlet supply that will be a rubber hose, braided hose, or copper tube. You’ll find this part below the lower kickplate. If there is a leak coming from under the dishwasher, this part could be the cause. 

Disconnect the water supply and the power from the dishwasher before you remove any parts. Then, remove the lower access panel of the unit to locate the water inlet valve. This is typically found on the left side of the unit. Remove the valve and inspect it for damage, including cracks, stripped threads, or other signs of damage. If you find any leaks or cracks, the part will need to be replaced. In rare cases, the diaphragm inside the valve may be damaged or the solenoid may be stuck open, causing the tub to continue filling. If you turn off the water supply and the leaking stops, that means the valve will need to be replaced. 

4. Drain Hose

The drain hose is responsible for removing wastewater from the dishwasher. It is usually made of durable plastic with rubber ends. The hose connects to the pump under the dishwasher and runs through to the sink. If the hose was rubbing on something, it could have worn a hole in it. There could also be other damage that has occurred. Inspect the full length of the hose and the rubber ends for any damage and replace them if necessary. 

5. Fill Hose

This is the hose that carries the water from the water inlet valve into the tub. There have been different designs over the years, but this hose is generally made from rubber or plastic and will run from the water inlet valve to the tub inlet. Check the full length of the hose for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks. If any are found, you will need to replace the hose immediately. 

6. Pump Seal and Impeller Kit

If the dishwasher is leaking, it may be due to a defective pump seal and impeller kit. The pump is responsible for circulating water through the dishwasher and also helps with draining in some models. The pump seal is generally sold as two pieces, but may also include a full kit with an impeller and new seals, so be sure to check and see which you have and inspect all of the components for damage. 

In the event that any of these parts are damaged, you’ll need to replace them before the leak will be fixed. 

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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