Dishwasher Leaking? How to Find Where the Water Is Coming From

First, make it safe

1. Switch the dishwasher off at the wall. 2. Close the water supply tap to the dishwasher. 3. Mop up the water. 4. If water has reached plug points or the floor near electrical outlets, keep the power off until it is dry.

Step 1: Where does the water appear?

In front of the door

Points to the door seal, the door hinges, foam overflow, or water splashing out from a spray arm or an unlevel machine.

Under the machine or behind it

Points to a hose connection, the pump, the sump or a crack in the base.

Under the kitchen cabinets or swollen kickplate

Typical of integrated dishwashers, where water from any internal leak runs under the cabinets before it is noticed.

Step 2: When does it happen?

• During filling: inlet hose, inlet valve or connection
• During washing: door seal, spray arm, sump or wash pump
• During draining: drain hose, drain pump or connection to the sink
• All the time, even when off: inlet hose or valve, under mains pressure

Step 3: Checks you can do

Detergent

Using dishwashing liquid instead of dishwasher detergent creates a lot of foam, which pushes out past the door seal. Too much dishwasher detergent can do the same, especially with soft Cape Town water, which foams more easily. If you see suds, run rinse cycles until they are gone.

Door seal

Run your finger around the rubber seal. Is it torn, flattened, hard or covered in food residue? Clean it with warm soapy water. A damaged seal needs replacing.

Level

If the machine leans forward, water can run to the door. Check with a spirit level on the door frame.

Filter

A blocked filter can cause water to pool and overflow. Remove and clean it.

Spray arms

A loose or cracked spray arm can spray water directly at the door edge.

Hoses

Pull the machine out a little (if it is freestanding) and check the inlet and drain hose connections at the back and at the tap and sink. Look for drips, cracks or bulges.

Overloading

Large pans or trays angled against the door can direct water at the seal.

Leaks that need a technician

If the simple checks do not find it, the leak is likely internal:

• A leaking drain pump or wash pump seal
• A cracked sump
• A leaking inlet valve
• A failed heater seal
• A cracked base tray

Many dishwashers have a leak sensor in the base tray. If water collects there, the machine stops and shows a leak error. Even after the floor is dry, the tray may still hold water, and the machine will not run until it is dried and the leak fixed.

Integrated dishwashers

Integrated machines need to be slid out of their cavity for most leak repairs. This should be done carefully to protect cabinet doors, kickplates and flooring. Swollen kickplates are often the first sign of a hidden leak, so act quickly.

A quick leak checklist

• Is there foam or suds in the machine?
• Is the door seal clean and undamaged?
• Is the machine level from front to back?
• Is the filter clean?
• Are the spray arms secure and uncracked?
• Are the inlet and drain hose connections dry?
• Is the kickplate swollen or the floor damp under the cabinets?

Work through these with the power off, and note what you find. If you call a technician, this information helps them diagnose the leak faster and bring the right parts.

Preventing leaks

• Use only dishwasher detergent, in the right amount.
• Clean the filter weekly and the seal monthly.
• Check hoses yearly and replace any that look worn.
• Do not overload.
• Close the tap when going away for a long time.