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KitchenAid Dishwasher Leaking From Motor Area

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Dishwasher leaking from motor area 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 from motor area

For the most accurate results, enter your model number.


Cause 1Shaft Seal

First, try to determine the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the motor shaft area, the motor shaft seal is likely defective. If the seal is defective, replace it. (Some manufacturers sell the seal independently of the impeller. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the impeller and seal together. Still other manufacturers require that you purchase the entire pump and motor assembly instead of the impeller and seal. It is more cost effective to replace the seal kit rather than the impeller and seal.)

Parts
Cause 2Impeller and Seal Kit

First, try to determine the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the motor shaft area, the motor shaft seal is likely defective. If the seal is defective, replace it. (Some manufacturers sell the seal independently of the impeller. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the impeller and seal together. Still other manufacturers require that you purchase the entire pump and motor assembly instead of the impeller and seal. It is usually more cost effective to replace the impeller and seal kit rather than the pump and motor assembly.)

Parts
Cause 3Seal Kit

First, try to determine the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the motor shaft area, the motor shaft seal is likely defective. If the seal is defective, replace it. (Some manufacturers sell the seal independently of the impeller. Other manufacturers require that you purchase the impeller and seal together. Still other manufacturers require that you purchase the entire pump and motor assembly instead of the impeller and seal. It is more cost effective to replace the seal kit rather than the impeller and seal.)

Parts
Cause 4Pump and Motor Assembly

If the dishwasher is leaking water from the motor area, the entire pump and motor assembly need to be replaced. First, try to determine the source of the leak. If the water is leaking from the drain pump, the impeller and seal is likely the cause. On most dishwashers, you can replace the impeller and seal kit independently of the drain pump. However, if you do not want to disassemble the pump, or if the impeller and seal kit is not available separately, you can replace the entire pump and motor assembly. In addition, if the motor shaft is rusted and the new impeller won’t fit onto the shaft, replace the pump and motor assembly.

Parts
Cause 5Water Inlet Valve

A dishwasher's water inlet valve opens following a short drain cycle to fill the tank with water in preparation for the wash cycle. If the inlet valve is cracked or damaged, the dishwasher can leak water near the motor area beneath the dishwasher tank.

Parts
Cause 6Drain Hose

A dishwasher leak near the motor area 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 7Sump

Most dishwasher pumps 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 entering 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.

Parts
Cause 8Drain 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 near the motor area beneath the dishwasher tank.

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Cause 9Circulation 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 near the motor area beneath the dishwasher tank.

Parts
Cause 10Diverter Motor

A dishwasher's diverter motor operates a diverter disc to redirect the water between the upper and lower wash arms. If the stem seal is damaged, it can potentially leak water behind the lower access panel near the pump motor area. If water is leaking from the diverter motor area, the diverter motor will need to be changed.

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