Have you ever walked by your dishwasher and stepped into a pool of water? Or worse than that, came home to your kitchen flooded due to a dishwasher leak? Fortunately, with a little know-how, most dishwasher repairs can be done at home. On behalf of our water damage restoration team, I’ll cover some common causes of dishwasher leaks to help you avoid potential water damage and costly restoration.
Is the water accumulating directly under the door? I have dealt with this one personally. A leak in the door itself is likely the cause of your issue. Your door latch may be bent, loose, or not latching properly. Tighten the latch with a screwdriver to secure the closure. New latch systems can also be installed. If water still runs from the door, it may be time to replace the gasket. This is the rubber sealing on the door that prevents water from flowing out of your dishwasher. If the gasket is damaged, it can be replaced with relative ease. Soak your new gasket in warm soapy water, which will make it pliable and easier to install. While you’re working on the door, go ahead and tighten the hinges if they’re loose. Safety alert: Always disconnect power to the unit before doing any kind of repairs. Water, electricity and a novice repairman (no insult intended) don’t mix!
If your dishwasher has seen its fair share of loads (this will more than likely be my next battle with 4 kids!), a leak may have developed from a hole worn in the tub. Detergents and minerals can corrode the bottom of your tub, causing water to seep through and collect under your dishwasher. It’s possible to fix some tubs but depending on the age of your unit and the severity of the problem, you may need to replace your dishwasher entirely. Unfortunately, appliances do not have the lifespan of the yesteryears. I was recently told by my appliance repair lady that 5-8 years is about average… does anyone else think this is just not cool?!
Over time, connections and hoses inside your dishwasher can work loose. Check your drain hoses to ensure everything’s securely connected (including the clamps holding the hose in place on either side) and verify your water inlet valve isn’t stuck, which would certainly cause flooding. If you have cracked hoses, they’re easy to replace with a trip to the hardware store. This simple step can save you costly water damage restoration in the future.
Your dishwasher needs to be level, or else the possibility of water gathering under your unit is highly likely. Place a level at the bottom of your dishwasher. If misaligned, place shims under the unit and measure again. Adjust until you’ve perfectly leveled your dishwasher.
Your unit may be taking in more water than it should and is not draining properly. This will force water out of your dishwasher and on to your floor. You may be experiencing problems with the drain itself or the float valve isn’t sealing properly. Depending on the type of dishwasher you have, this would be a good time to consult your owner’s manual and/or the manufacturer’s website.
Appliance issues can be a pain in the neck, and dishwasher leak repair is probably not on your list of favorite things to do (it’s definitely not mine!), but patiently troubleshooting the problem (and a few YouTube videos) can save you a lot of time and money in waiting for a professional water damage restoration team to come to your rescue.
In the unfortunate event that water damage should happen in your home or office from any source, the water damage restoration experts at 24Restore are always ready to come to your rescue!