With dishwashers being a common appliance in many households, the occasional leak is almost unavoidable. Acting swiftly is crucial to prevent any water damage to your property. Understanding the typical reasons for dishwasher leaks empowers you to take preventive measures and safeguard your kitchen in the long run.

How can a leaking dishwasher affect your home?

If you fail to notice a leak at your home, it can cause major damage to your property. Not only will it increase the cost of your bills, but it will also waste water. Here are some facts about water leaks:

• It can increase your water bill by 10 percent. If you prevent the leaks, it will save you money on repairs and your bills.
• According to the EPA, minor water leaks waste at least 1 trillion gallons of water every year in the United States. That is an equivalent of 270 loads of laundry. This can easily be prevented with proper maintenance.

What causes dishwasher leaks?

Numerous factors can lead to a dishwasher leaking issue. The leakage may occur at the bottom or due to water accumulation under the door, potentially causing harm to your kitchen floors and other components. Here are several possible reasons for the dishwasher leak:

• The door was not properly attached:

If you see your dishwasher leak below the door, that may mean that it was not properly attached. The door should be placed in the dishwasher tightly, so that water does not enter through the gap. If water ends up running from the door, make sure to check the gasket. Sometimes the gasket goes out which means the sealing on the door is bad and needs to be replaced. Finally, if your dishwasher is leaking underneath, you may have a cracked hose or faulty valve connection issue.

• The dishwasher is not leveled:

If your dishwasher is not leveled, you may end up with water pooling under it. Make sure to properly level your appliance so that you do not have this issue.

• A tub that is leaky due to corrosion or standing water:

After a while, the seal from the tub and the wall can break and water can enter. This usually happens at the base of the tub (that doesn’t have the drain), which causes water collection under your dishwasher. Another reason why you may have a leak in your home is due to broken valves which will sometimes allow water to get through seals that are cracked.

• Leaky air vent on top of the sink:

Make sure to check the vent at the top of the sink to ensure there is no water leaking from it. If it is leaking, remove the knockout plug from the input where the water line enters your garbage disposal.

• Dishwasher that is overfilled:

If you overfill your dishwasher, you may end up cracking the bottom of the dishwasher which means it can drip into the cabinet. If your dishwasher takes more water than usual, it will not drain properly.

• Using an improper detergent:

A big issue that causes dishwasher leaks is using an improper detergent. This can cause bubbling up of the dishes which can put pressure on the door seal, causing a water leak.

What can I do if my dishwasher leaks?

If you notice your dishwasher leaking, it is important to figure out why it is leaking. Check where the leak is and where it may be coming from. You should figure this out quickly, so it does not spread further and cause additional damage. Here are the things you should do if your dishwasher leaks:

• Shut off the water supply to your dishwasher. Use a valve that is located near the dishwasher or in the basement, depending on where you live.
• Use towels to soak up any leaking water. If you have standing water on your floor, make sure you use a dry towel to absorb it before using a wet towel.
• Once the water is cleaned up, check your dishwasher for loose connections or broken pipes. Also, make sure to check the warranty for your appliance before you start any damage repairs.
• Figure out the source of the leak by inspecting your dishwasher to see where it is coming from. Check the door seal, spray arms, water inlet valve, and drain hose.
• If the leak is coming from the door area, make sure to check the door seal and gasket for damage. Remove the old seal and put the new one on. Make sure you align it and attach it properly.
• Clean or replace spray arms to make sure they do not have any damage or clogs as those can cause leaks. First remove them and check for blockage. If they are in fact damaged, replace them with new ones.
• Check all other components including the dishwasher tub and water inlet valve, and check the drain hose for cracks, damage, or loose connections. If you do find that any parts are damaged, make sure you do the proper repairs or replacements.

Please note: If you read the manufacturer’s warranty and you are still unsure of how to fix the issue with your dishwasher, it is important to reach out to professionals so you can ensure that they fix it properly. Not fixing the problem the way it should be fixed may cause additional issues with your appliance which can result in costly damage to your property.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

Have you experienced water damage at your home or business due to a leaky dishwasher? Restoration MasterFinder can help you find a local water damage restoration professional. Our highly trained technicians will help clean, dry, and restore your property back to its original state. If you experience a flood at your home or business, make sure to call a professional right away so you can prevent mold and mildew from forming.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.