One of the most problematic things when using a dishwasher is experiencing a leak. You may go to use your unit, see a pool of water collecting at your feet, and wonder, “Why is my dishwasher leaking at the bottom?”
Water usually leaks underneath the washer or at the door. Serious leakage can cause your kitchen to be consistently wet, which poses the danger of slipping or damage to other appliances. If your cabinets of hardwood floors have water damage, contact All Dry USA immediately.
The good news is that it’s easy to repair most dishwasher leaks without a professional’s help, but it’s vital to prevent leaks before they happen.
If you’re wondering what causes a dishwasher to leak, here are some common reasons and possible solutions on how to fix a leaky dishwasher.
Over-Filling the Dishwasher
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
If the system is filling in water faster than it is draining, the excess water will look for an escape route. The excess water will escape through the door on to the floor.
The most probable cause is the presence of clogs in the drainage system or a faulty float valve.
In case you experience water under dishwasher due to clogs, look at your owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to learn how to resolve it.
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
[/su_column][/su_row]
Using the Wrong Detergent
It’s essential to consider the amount of foaming when selecting a detergent. Using the ordinary soap that foams too much can cause your dishwasher to leak. It might lead to excessive suds, which will force water and soap to leak through the door.
You can avoid this problem by using detergents that are specifically meant for dishwashers. Do not use the ordinary dish soap when rinsing the dishes.
Dishwasher Misalignment
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
[/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Your unit needs to sit on level ground to prevent the water level from rising on one side. Failure to level the dishwasher causes the door not to close properly and bumping cabinets.
Place a level at the bottom of your dishwasher to prevent water from gathering under your appliance. You can use shims to solve the misalignment until you are sure the system is level.
Check drain water level to ensure the system is level vertically and horizontally. Contact us today if you have additional problems with water leaking from the dishwasher bottom.
[/su_column][/su_row]
Clogged Filter
The dishwasher filter helps in trapping debris and food particles left behind after cleaning. It’s important always to check your filter to ensure it is clean. Filters can clog due to the buildup of foreign objects or foods. You need to regularly clean the filter to eliminate all the foods or foreign objects that might be causing the system to clog.
If you’ve noticed that your dishwasher is no longer performing as expected, check whether the filters are clean. Clean the filter at least once a month to keep the system at optimal performance.
Leaking Door Seal
Leakage in the dishwasher can occur due to the lack of proper seal on the door. You need to open the door and check the condition of the seal. If it’s worn out or damaged, you need to have it repaired or replaced.
The upper seal is usually easy to replace without necessarily calling an expert. However, the lower seal is more complicated to deal with because you need to remove the door before replacing it.
To learn how to fix a leaky dishwasher seal properly, you should consult our team at All Dry USA to avoid damaging the dishwasher.
Leaking Water Valve
The water inlet valve is responsible for feeding water from the water line into the dishwasher. A faulty valve can cause water to leak from the system. You will also notice that the dishes don’t clean properly.
The easiest way to check whether the water inlet valve is faulty is by removing the bottom plate located at the front of the dishwasher. Check whether any corrosion or water is dripping from the inlet valve. In case there is water dripping from the valve, turn off the water supply and replace it with a new inlet valve.
Faulty Hose Clamps
Hose clamps play an essential role in securing the hose that circulates water to the dishwasher and the drain hose. Remove the kick-plate located at the bottom of the dishwasher to reach the clamps and hoses.
Check whether the clamps have become loose or there are any visible cracks on the hoses. Use a screwdriver to tighten loose clamps. If tightening doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the clamp with a new one. Don’t forget to replace damaged hoses.
Damaged Tub
The dishwasher tub is likely to wear out after several years of use. A hole might develop at the tub, causing water to drip to the floor of your kitchen. This damage is normally caused by corrosion from minerals and detergents. You might have to buy a new dishwasher if the tub is completely damaged.
Call In The Plumbing Professionals
The different components of a dishwasher are likely to get damaged with time. Always check each part of your dishwasher regularly to avoid further damage. Clean the filters and replace worn out parts.
Still having trouble fixing your leak? Get in touch with us at All Dry USA today! We can diagnose your dishwasher leak and get your home restored running in no time.