How to Install a Dishwasher Door Gasket

Learning to install a dishwasher door gasket at home is an extremely useful skill as the door gasket is one of the parts of a dishwasher that needs regular replacement and care. This is something that can easily be done yourself rather than hiring a professional. The function of the dishwasher door gasket is to close in the space between the door of the dishwasher and the main frame, sealing the empty spaces between the two surfaces tightly. Repeated exposure to water, daily wear and tear and time can cause the door gaskets in dishwashers to become worn out. When the gasket becomes hard and worn, it stops sealing the spaces between the door and the main frame properly and this causes leaks. After inspecting the dishwasher to ensure that the leaks do not originate from any other source, the best way to repair this problem is to remove the existing faulty door gasket and install a new one.

Step 1: Purchasing a New Gasket

The first step is to purchase a new door gasket for the dishwasher door. While many universal ‘one size fits all’ type gaskets can be used for many models it is advisable to first find out if the particular dishwasher in question has any specific requirements. Note the model and the make of the dishwasher and ask the salespeople at the hardware store if it needs any particular type of gasket. Don’t skimp on the quality of gasket as a superior quality gasket will be much stronger and last longer.

Step 2: Preparing the Gasket for Use

Before the new gasket can be installed into the door of the dishwasher it needs to be treated so that it can be used properly. The new gasket has to be placed in a tub of warm water for a while so that it becomes ready to be fitted into place. Soaking the gasket will make it more pliable and easier to mold into place.

Step 3: Extracting the Old Gasket

The third step is to remove the faulty gasket. This is easy to do as one only has to undo the dishwasher door and extract the original gasket out of its place. If the gasket is stubborn it is possible to use a flat head screwdriver to remove it.

Step 4: Installing the New Gasket

Begin at the foot of the dishwasher to the right hand and slowly start easing the new gasket into the portion where it has to be fitted. At the bottom left hand side corner of the dishwasher door start by pushing in the further piece of the gasket. Remember to keep pressing the gasket into the recess along the dimensions of the dishwasher door. By moving up from the left hand region of the dishwasher and traveling along the upper panel you will slowly complete the entire length and breadth of the dishwasher door.

Step 5: Check Your Installation

The last step is to check the gasket has been installed properly. Make sure that the door of the dishwasher fits back into place correctly and all empty spaces are sealed by using a torx wrench to loosen or tighten the door latch strike plate accordingly. Run a cycle of the dishwasher to make sure that no water seeps out.