A dishwasher is a great time saver and alternative to washing dishes by hand. With proper use and routine maintenance, a dishwasher should work well for years without any problems. But if you notice a leak from your dishwasher, here are a few things you can do on your own before calling in the pros.
- Check the gasket.
The most likely reason your dishwasher is leaking is a failing gasket seal, which is located by the dishwasher door. Over time, the gasket seal dries out and begins to crack. Replacing the gasket will often stop the leak. Follow instructions in the dishwasher’s user manual to replace the gasket and be sure to clean the channel with warm water and soap. Remove dried food deposits before installing the new gasket.
- Check the spray arm.
Dishes are sprayed with water by the spray arm during the wash cycle. But, the component can be dislodged or damaged by overcrowding and poor loading. The spray arm can also cause the dishwasher to leak.
To address this issue, remove the racks from the dishwasher and check to see if the spray arm can move freely. Look for any utensils or food buildup blocking movement, and reposition the spray arm. If you notice any damage, replace the spray arm with a new one.
- Inspect the float switch.
The float switch helps maintain proper water levels during the wash cycle. The float switch rises with the water and automatically switches the water off once it reaches a certain level. If the switch malfunctions, the dishwasher can overflow and start to leak.
- Examine the drain hose.
The drain hose transports water from the dishwasher to the drain pump, drain line, and sink drain. You’ll need to remove the kick plate panel located at the base of the dishwasher to inspect the drain hose. Loose or cracked connections can cause a dishwasher leak. You’ll need to tighten loose connections and replace cracked parts to stop the leak.
- Check the water inlet.
The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher tub during the wash cycle. If it fails to open and close properly, the dishwasher may overfill and leak. A defective inlet valve cannot be repaired and should be replaced.
If taking these steps fails to fix the leak, call Tucker Hill for professional service.