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Kelvinator Dishwasher Leaking

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher leaking are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

Most Frequent Causes for Dishwasher leaking

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. If the water inlet valve is stuck open, the dishwasher will continue to fill with water until the dishwasher leaks or overflows. If the water inlet valve is at fault, replace it. Water inlet valves are not repairable—if the valve is defective, you must replace it.

Parts
Cause 2Center Wash Arm Assembly

If the wash arm is cracked, it can allow a jet of water to spray toward the 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.

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Cause 3Lower Wash Arm Assembly

If the wash arm is cracked, it can force water to spray directly toward the lower part of the dishwasher door. The water can then be forced under the door and onto the floor, 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.

Parts
Cause 4Upper Wash Arm Assembly

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.

Parts
Cause 5Door Seal

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.

Parts
Cause 6Detergent Dispenser

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.

Parts
Cause 7Door Gasket

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.

Parts
Cause 8Wrong type or incorrect amount of detergent

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.

Cause 9Drain Pump

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.

Parts
Cause 10Drain Hose

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.

Parts
Cause 11Sump

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.

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Cause 12Circulation Pump

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.

Parts
Cause 13Pump and Motor Assembly

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.

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Cause 14Lower Wash Arm

Lower Wash Arm

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Cause 15Heating Element

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.

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Cause 16Heating Element Assembly

Heating Element Assembly

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Cause 17Control Board

Control Board

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Cause 18Tub Seal

Tub Seal

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Cause 19Seal

Seal

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Cause 20Diverter valve

Diverter valve

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Cause 21Diverter Motor

A dishwasher's diverter motor operates a diverter disc to redirect the water to the upper spray arm or arms. If the motor itself is damaged, it can potentially leak water behind the lower access panel. Inspect the motor housing for any cracks and replace if necessary.

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