How to Diagnose a Dishwasher Leak

A dishwasher leak can cause many problems. If it is leaking where you can see it, the chances that it is also leaking where you can not see it are very high. If you have a dishwasher leak where you can not see it you may have a bigger problem then just a wet floor. When there is a leak that is unseen for any length of time, mold and mildew will soon follow. Household mold can be very detrimental to your health and has been linked to the death of very young infants. Therefore diagnosing and repairing a leak is very important to your health and the health of your family.

Step 1: Check the Gaskets

Like most appliances, dishwashers have a rubber gasket around the inside edge of the door which helps to keep the water and soap inside. If this gasket is torn or cracked due to age, you could have a dishwasher leak.

To check the gasket on your dishwasher, start by visually inspecting it for any tears. If you do not see any tears, take a piece of notebook or newspaper and insert it at the top portion of the door along the side. Then close the door on the paper and try to gently pull the paper out of the door. Open the door and move the paper to the next space and do this all along both sides of the dishwasher. A dishwasher should have enough of a seal to make pulling the paper out difficult. If the paper slides out easily then you need to replace the gasket.

Step 2: Check the Hoses

A dishwasher leak can be caused by one of the hoses attached to it. To check the hoses for leaks, start by shutting off the power to the unit at the fuse panel or breaker box. Then access the hoses by removing the kick panel located below the door to the dishwasher. The kick panel usually is held in place by two screws. One screw will be above the panel and the other will be located below the panel. There are two hoses attached to most dishwashers, a fill hose and a drain hose. The hoses are 1½ inches in diameter. To check the hoses, run your hand over them to see if you can feel a wet spot. Look near the connection points and also on the floor directly under the connection points. If the hoses are leaking at a connection point, the clamp may have simply come loose. If this is the case, tighten the clamp.

Step 3: Check the Water Inlet Valve

While you have the kick panel off you can also check the water inlet valve. The water inlet valve is the connection that the hoses are attached to. The valve has a gasket inside it. If you see or feel water around it that is not coming from the hoses, you will need to replace the valve. A dishwasher leak from the water inlet valve can be dangerous due to the wires that are attached to valve. Electricity and water do not mix. If the inlet valve is leaking, do not use the dishwasher until it has been repaired.

Step 4: Check the Water Level

If the tub on your dishwasher gets too full, it can also cause a dishwasher leak. To check the tub level, turn the dishwasher on and let it fill with water. Once you hear the water shut off, open the door. The water level should be just below the lower edge of the door. If the water level is higher then the lower edge of the door, check the dishwasher for clogs.