Leaking Kitchen Aid dishwasher
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Leaking Kitchen Aid dishwasher
Model number: KUDE70FXSS3
This dishwasher has leaked almost since brand new. I had numerous techs out while it was under warranty. The first one said it was leaking because the filter was dirty. After that, we keep the filter clean and it seemed ok. Then it started leaking again, and the second tech told us the dirty filter had nothing to do with it leaking. He said the plastic nut under the float was loose and that was the source of the leak. After that it didn't leak for a quite a while. Now it is leaking again. I tightened the plastic nut under the float up but only got a quarter turn out of it. Since it has been leaking a good amount of water (we keep a pan under it at all times now - our trust level in this POS is zero!) I find it hard to believe that was the total problem.
In thinking this through, that float is for the overfill protection. Perhaps when the filter is dirty, the water does not discharge fast enough or completely enough that it does overfill and the float function is required. And then the float assembly leaks?? I noticed from the parts diagram there is a (pricey) washer under that nut. I also noted that ebay seems to sell a lot of them! Me thinks this could be a weak link that numerous people run into? Should I replace that washer?
This dishwasher has leaked almost since brand new. I had numerous techs out while it was under warranty. The first one said it was leaking because the filter was dirty. After that, we keep the filter clean and it seemed ok. Then it started leaking again, and the second tech told us the dirty filter had nothing to do with it leaking. He said the plastic nut under the float was loose and that was the source of the leak. After that it didn't leak for a quite a while. Now it is leaking again. I tightened the plastic nut under the float up but only got a quarter turn out of it. Since it has been leaking a good amount of water (we keep a pan under it at all times now - our trust level in this POS is zero!) I find it hard to believe that was the total problem.
In thinking this through, that float is for the overfill protection. Perhaps when the filter is dirty, the water does not discharge fast enough or completely enough that it does overfill and the float function is required. And then the float assembly leaks?? I noticed from the parts diagram there is a (pricey) washer under that nut. I also noted that ebay seems to sell a lot of them! Me thinks this could be a weak link that numerous people run into? Should I replace that washer?
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#4
This is very common problem with Kitchen Aid DW. I have the same problem. After replacing the overflow valve and many repairs and jury digging it, we also keep a pan under it. It does not always leak, but usually does. No particular rhythm or rhyme to it. I actually have a video of the leak and as it takes place. Tech service was of no help and all they want to do is schedule a service calls.
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Tightening the attachment nut may not help. It may be leaking down the center shaft. That would a possible o ring failure.
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Well it did not leak after tightening down the nut, which may or may not mean tightening the nut did anything. But with all due respect Pete, isn't water SUPPOSED to run down that center shaft? Isn't that the very idea - the float rises in the water until the water level exceeds the height of the center shaft and then water is supposed to run down that center shaft? Otherwise I don't know what the heck this contraption does.
Norm201, I suppose in that process you replaced the $20 rubber washer under the nut? The design does seem to be very poor. We will just keep a pan under it forever. I have a Kitchen Aid microwave / oven wall unit. The microwave has failed numerous times (actually bought an extended warranty on it!). The service tech told me they are complete junk - they fix them constantly. Good to know for future reference!
Norm201, I suppose in that process you replaced the $20 rubber washer under the nut? The design does seem to be very poor. We will just keep a pan under it forever. I have a Kitchen Aid microwave / oven wall unit. The microwave has failed numerous times (actually bought an extended warranty on it!). The service tech told me they are complete junk - they fix them constantly. Good to know for future reference!
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PJmax,
I think I now finally see your point. Water is NOT supposed to go down that overflow float. but I think it happened in mine as the pan was virtually FULL of water. Way too much for the slight leak that was happening around the nut.
I have it apart again and I don't see any o-ring on the shaft of the float nor do I see one inside the white plastic housing that holds the little switch that the float is activating. Nor do I see a place for an O ring. Maybe there was one at one time but repeated disassembly by me and by service techs caused it to disappear??
Any suggestions as to next steps?
I think I now finally see your point. Water is NOT supposed to go down that overflow float. but I think it happened in mine as the pan was virtually FULL of water. Way too much for the slight leak that was happening around the nut.
I have it apart again and I don't see any o-ring on the shaft of the float nor do I see one inside the white plastic housing that holds the little switch that the float is activating. Nor do I see a place for an O ring. Maybe there was one at one time but repeated disassembly by me and by service techs caused it to disappear??
Any suggestions as to next steps?
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I am debating buying a complete new float assembly, which is individual parts and trying that. But its another $100 probably down the drain. I don't understand why this stupid thing leaks so often, and now for apparently very different reasons (the amount of water in the last leak was far too great to just be the rubber gasket that seals the float assembly).
In looking at some youtube videos, whirlpool (which makes Kitchen Aid) uses a very similar float assembly.
In looking at some youtube videos, whirlpool (which makes Kitchen Aid) uses a very similar float assembly.