Dishwasher Leaking

If the upper wash arm is cracked, it can force water to spray directly toward the dishwasher door seal, causing a leak. Remove the wash arm and inspect it for cracks. If the wash arm is cracked, replace it. Do not attempt to seal the crack with glue—the glue will break down in the dishwasher. If the wash arm is intact, make sure the screws in the wash arm support are tight. If the wash arm support is loose, water can spray out between the wash arm support and the lower pump housing, causing waves. These waves can cause water to leak out of the bottom of the door.

Look for tears, gaps or cuts in the seal that could cause a dishwasher door leak. To determine if the door seal is making good contact, try closing the dishwasher door on a dollar bill all the way around the door. If the dollar bill does not stick, there is a gap in the seal. If the door seal has any gaps or leaks, replace it. If the door seal is working properly but the dishwasher is still leaking, check the door hinges. If the hinges are bent, the door will not close properly, creating a gap between the door seal and the dishwasher. If the hinges are bent, replace them.

A dishwasher detergent dispenser releases detergent into the tank during the wash cycle. Some dispensers with a rotating cover, or a latch, have an O-ring or seal that can wear out and allow water to leak inbetween the door panels and onto the floor near the bottom of the door.

Look for tears, gaps or cuts in the gasket that could cause a dishwasher door leak. To determine if the door gasket is making good contact, try closing the dishwasher door on a dollar bill all the way around the door. If the dollar bill does not stick, there is a gap in the gasket. If the door gasket has any gaps or leaks, replace it. If the door gasket is working properly but the dishwasher is still leaking, check the door hinges. If the hinges are bent, the door will not close properly, creating a gap between the door gasket and the dishwasher. If the hinges are bent, replace them.

Make sure to use the proper dishwasher detergent. Use the proper amount of detergent for your water hardness; too much soap in soft water can cause oversudsing and leaking.

A dishwasher drain pump assists in removing the water from the tank during the drain cycles by using an impeller to force or push the water through a drain hose to the garbage disposal or a sink drain pipe. If the drain pump is cracked or damaged, the dishwasher can leak water behind the lower panel beneath the dishwasher tank.

A dishwasher leak behind the lower access panel could be caused by damaged drain hose. Confirm the hose is secured to the drain pump outlet port and check for any cracks or holes in the hose itself. Replace a damaged drain hose with a new one.

Most dishwashers have a large bowl, or sump, which collects the water that enters the pump. The sump is lined with a rubber seal that prevents water from leaking between the sump and the dishwasher tub. If the sump seal is worn out, the sump will leak water. If the sump seal is leaking water, replace it. In addition, on some dishwashers, a lock ring secures the sump to the bottom of the tub. If the lock ring is cracked or damaged, replace it.

A dishwasher circulation pump circulates the water through the spray arms to wash the dishware. If the pump is cracked or damaged, or a seal is worn out, the dishwasher can leak water behind the lower access panel.

A dishwasher pump and motor assembly circulates the water through the spray arms to wash the dishware. If the assembly is cracked or damaged, or a seal is worn out, the dishwasher can leak water behind the lower panel beneath the dishwasher tank.

Lower Wash Arm

If the seals or gaskets surrounding the heating element terminals have deteriorated water can leak through the holes the terminals are inserted through. Inspect the seals for damage and replace the heating element assembly if necessary.

Heating Element Assembly

Control Board

Tub Seal

Seal

Diverter valve