“The dishwasher is leaking!” No homeowner wants to hear these words coming from the kitchen, but inevitably, no matter how high-end your dishwasher is, they all wear down over time and need new parts and regular maintenance. Whether your dishwasher is leaking from the door or there’s water at the bottom of the dishwasher, there are a few steps you can follow to diagnose and identify the issue.
The professionals at Alpha Tech Appliance have come up with this list of the most common reasons your dishwasher is leaking and if it means you should hire a professional to fix it, or if you’ll need to get a new dishwasher installed.
It’s always advised to hire a professional for all of your leaking dishwasher repair needs. Our trained experts are licensed and fully insured to work on these appliances. We can safely diagnose and fix any issue you might be having.
Leaky Dishwasher Door
If you notice your dishwasher leaking underneath the door every time you use it, it’s likely because you have a leaky dishwasher door. The latch system may have become loosened over time or it may be completely defective and require immediate replacement by a professional dishwasher repair technician. Another issue could be with the door gasket. If there are old pieces of food or damaged sections preventing a proper seal, then you’ll see leaking from the door.
Loose or Damaged Inlet Valve
If you notice puddles of water forming underneath your dishwasher, this may indicate a possible issue with the water inlet valve not functioning correctly.
The water inlet valve is the part that opens and closes to allow a specified amount of water into your dishwasher. If it stops working correctly, it will start leaking on the underside of the appliance.
This part is located on the back of the dishwasher, so it should always be replaced by a qualified and certified dishwasher repair technician.
Using Wrong Dishwasher Detergent
You can’t put any old dish soap into a dishwasher. You should only ever use products specifically made for dishwashers. Regular dish soaps create far too many bubbles which can lead to leaking. Use dishwasher-specific detergents in liquid or capsule form.
Incorrect Amount of Dishwasher Detergent
If your dishwasher is leaking, it could be that you’re using too much detergent. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions in terms of how much soap to use.
If you’re using liquid soap, measure carefully to avoid creating too many bubbles, which as we mentioned before, can lead to leaking and overflowing.
Damaged Dishwasher tub
If you have an older dishwasher leaking water, it could be an issue with the tub. Years of use and various detergents can wear down the tub over time leaving holes and leading to leaks under the appliance.
In some cases, a dishwasher repair technician may be able to fix the issue, but in the majority of these instances, we recommend replacing your dishwasher completely.
Spray Arm Clogged
If your dishwasher is still leaking after professional checks the other parts mentioned in this article, it might be a problem with the spray arm.
- Is it clogged? Bits of food can be stuck in the tiny holes that water shoots out of. This puts the water under more pressure and leads to leaks.
- Obstacles For The Spray Arm: Make sure none of the dishes or utensils that you loaded in the dishwasher are blocking the spray arm from completing a full rotation.
- Check For Damages: If you see any cracks or holes in the spray arm, it’s time to call in an expert to find a replacement and install it for you.
Dishwasher Misalignment
The floor your dishwasher sits on needs to be completely level, otherwise, your door won’t close properly or too much water will pool on one side and leak out. Your dishwasher repair professional has the specialized knowledge and tools to ensure your dishwasher is properly levelled.
Clogged Filter
The dishwasher filter is an essential part of your appliance. It collects all the food and debris that’s leftover from the wash cycle so it doesn’t end up stuck on your clean plates.
Without regular cleaning, the filter will clog up leaving you with dirty dishes and possibly leaking. We recommend cleaning your filter once a month.
Do this by removing the filter from the dishwasher and running it under some warm water with mild soap.
If the filter’s netting has a hole in it or the plastic frame is damaged, consult a professional dishwasher appliance repair expert to replace it immediately. You should never run your dishwasher without a filter!
Faulty Hose Clamps
A hose clamp is the essential piece of hardware that keeps your water line and drain hose connected to the dishwasher. Sometimes they become loose or develop cracks in them. If they aren’t connected properly or have become damaged, your dishwasher will certainly leak! These are not very expensive and they do not take long for a dishwasher repair expert to replace. Your dishwasher professional will also be sure to inspect the hoses themselves. If they are rusty or damaged in any way, they must be replaced.
Got A Leaky Dishwasher?
If you notice water leaking from your dishwasher, chances are that it’s probably at least one of the issues mentioned in this article. But don’t worry, because the dishwasher repair experts at Alpha Tech Appliances are here to repair or replace your dishwasher in a timely manner! Attempting appliance repairs on your own can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing and that’s why we always advise enlisting the help of a trusted professional.
Besides dishwashers, Alpha Tech Appliance is the GTA’s most trusted name when it comes to all appliance repairs and installation from ovens and refrigerators to dryers and washing machines. We provide service you can count on and treat your home as if it were our own.
For years, we’ve been serving satisfied customers across Toronto and the GTA with exceptional customer service. When possible, we’ll provide you with same-day repairs and a timely response to your appliance repair emergency. Contact us today!