Dishwashers save us a whole lot of time and effort after a home-cooked meal leaves your household with a great big pile of dirty dishes, glasses and cutlery. However, if you find yourself wiping up pools of water from underneath your dishwasher every time you put on a cycle, then doesn’t it really defeat the purpose of having one?
While leaking dishwashers are certainly an inconvenience, they can also be extremely dangerous. Not only do they present a slip hazard, but kitchens tend to have a lot of electrical wiring, which can present a serious risk for your household when exposed to water.
The dishwasher door is leaking
Check to see where the water appears to be leaking from. If it’s pooling directly under the dishwasher door, then it’s likely that the door latch is bent or loose. It could also be the latch not sealing properly. Try tightening the latch with a screwdriver. If this doesn’t make a difference, you may need to either install a newer latch system or replace the gasket (the rubber sealing around your dishwasher door).
The dishwasher tub is leaking
Older models that have washed their share of dishes over the years might have corroded or deteriorated over time. This often occurs in the tub itself, where detergents and other chemicals have worn away the surface and a hole has developed.
Dishwasher water then leaks through this hole and pools underneath your dishwasher. If this is the case, your best bet is to replace the entire dishwasher – repairing the dishwasher tub itself is a costly exercise, and an old dishwasher is likely to present you with new issues in the near future anyway.
The dishwasher’s valves are either loose or damaged
After years of use, it’s quite common for a dishwasher’s hoses and connections to shake themselves loose a little bit. Be sure to make sure your drain hoses are still tightly secured, as well as the clamps which hold the hose in place on either side. Another thing to check is your water inlet valve – if it’s stuck, copious dishwasher flooding is inevitable. As for the hoses, these are easily replaced and inexpensive.
The dishwasher isn’t horizontally level
In order to function properly, your dishwasher can’t be on a slope or tilted (otherwise it will leak water all over your kitchen floor every cycle). Try placing a level on top of your dishwasher and if it appears to be misaligned, you might need to elevate one side of your dishwasher with shims until it’s horizontally level.
You might be using the wrong dishwasher detergent
This is one of the more common reasons why a dishwasher leaks water, and yet it’s also one of the most overlooked. Dish soap is not appropriate for dishwashers – your dishwasher requires purpose-designed detergent that doesn’t bubble up too much, otherwise you’ll have big bubbly pools of water bursting out of the seams of your dishwasher door every time you put a cycle on.
Your dishwasher is taking in too much water
And finally, issues with the drain or float valve seal can cause your dishwasher to take in more water than it has the capacity to handle. And if there’s too much water in your dishwasher, you can probably guess that this water is going to escape the unit and find its way onto your kitchen floor.
Faulty Pump Seals
A common reason for a dishwasher leaking water is a problem with the pump seals. The pump is responsible for circulating water and sometimes draining it – if the seals around the pump are worn or damaged, water can leak out during operation. It’s essential to inspect these seals and replace them if they show signs of wear or damage.
Overfilling Due to a Faulty Float Switch
When your dishwasher is leaking, another potential culprit could be a faulty float switch. This switch controls the water level in your dishwasher – if it malfunctions, it can cause the dishwasher to overfill with water, leading to leaks. Checking and, if necessary, replacing the float switch can resolve this issue.
Improper Dishwasher Loading
Sometimes, the issue of a dishwasher leaking water can be as simple as improper loading. Overloading or incorrectly placing dishes can block the spray arm’s rotation, causing water to splash and leak out, especially around the door. Ensuring proper loading according to the manufacturer’s instructions can help prevent leaks.
Loose or Damaged Spray Arm
If your dishwasher is leaking, inspect the spray arm. A loose or damaged spray arm can direct water towards the door seal or other parts of the dishwasher that aren’t designed to handle direct water pressure, causing leaks. Checking the spray arm for damage and ensuring it is securely attached and spinning freely can often resolve leaking issues.
Worn Out Tub Bearings
In older dishwashers, tub bearings can wear out over time, leading to a dishwasher leaking water. These bearings help the tub stay aligned and rotate smoothly – when they wear out, water can seep through gaps and cause leaks. Replacing worn bearings can help stop leaks from the base of the unit.
Damaged or Loose Connections to Water Supply
Lastly, a dishwasher leaking might be due to damaged or loose connections where the water supply lines attach. These connections can loosen over time or may get damaged, leading to water leaks under the dishwasher. Ensuring all connections are tight and in good condition is crucial for preventing leaks.
Dishwasher Troubles? Don’t Hesitate to Call Plumbform Today
Plumbform provides convenient and affordable dishwasher repairs in Brisbane and Bayside.
Repairing appliances yourself can be a tricky business, and a lot of the time it can result in bigger, costlier problems. If your dishwasher is clogged, leaking water or not draining properly, Plumbform can send a qualified and experienced professional to your property for hassle-free repairs.
We provide free upfront quotes with no obligation, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services. Our trained plumbers can also assist with gas plumbing, hot water services, gas leak detection, plumbing for new builds and more.