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Dishwasher leaking

If your dishwasher is leaking water, start with the parts most likely to let too much water in or send it where it should not go. A stuck-open water inlet valve is the top cause because it can keep filling the tub until the dishwasher leaks or overflows. Next, check the center wash arm assembly, lower wash arm, and upper wash arm for cracks or loose wash arm support screws. A damaged spray arm or loose support can shoot water at the door seal and cause a dishwasher leaking from door problem or leave water on the floor. After that, inspect the door seal for tears, gaps, or poor contact, and check the door hinge if the door does not close squarely. The detergent dispenser can also be the source of a dishwasher leaking underneath the door if its seal or O-ring has worn out. These are the most common reasons for a dishwasher leaking, and they are all fixable with the right replacement part. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact water inlet valve, wash arm, wash arm support, door seal, door hinge, or detergent dispenser that fits your specific dishwasher.

01 - Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. If the water inlet valve is stuck open, the dishwasher will continue to fill with water until the dishwasher leaks or overflows. If the water inlet valve is at fault, replace it. Water inlet valves are not repairable—if the valve is defective, you must replace it.
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02 - Dishwasher Lower Wash Arm Assembly

If the wash arm is cracked, it can force water to spray directly toward the lower part of the dishwasher door. The water can then be forced under the door and onto the floor, causing a leak. Remove the wash arm and inspect it for cracks. If the wash arm is cracked, replace it. Do not attempt to seal the crack with glue—the glue will break down in the dishwasher. If the wash arm is intact, make sure the screws in the wash arm support are tight. If the wash arm support is loose, water can spray out between the wash arm support and the lower pump housing, causing waves. These waves can cause water to leak out of the bottom of... the door.
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03 - Dishwasher Upper Wash Arm Assembly

If the upper wash arm is cracked, it can force water to spray directly toward the dishwasher door seal, causing a leak. Remove the wash arm and inspect it for cracks. If the wash arm is cracked, replace it. Do not attempt to seal the crack with glue—the glue will break down in the dishwasher. If the wash arm is intact, make sure the screws in the wash arm support are tight. If the wash arm support is loose, water can spray out between the wash arm support and the lower pump housing, causing waves. These waves can cause water to leak out of the bottom of the door.
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04 - Dishwasher Center Wash Arm Assembly

If the wash arm is cracked, it can allow a jet of water to spray toward the door seal, causing a leak. Remove the wash arm and inspect it for cracks. If the wash arm is cracked, replace it. Do not attempt to seal the crack with glue—the glue will break down in the dishwasher. If the wash arm is intact, make sure the screws in the wash arm support are tight. If the wash arm support is loose, water can spray out between the wash arm support and the lower pump housing, causing waves. These waves can cause water to leak out of the bottom of the door.
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05 - Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser

A dishwasher detergent dispenser releases detergent into the tank during the wash cycle. Some dispensers with a rotating cover, or a latch, have an O-ring or seal that can wear out and allow water to leak inbetween the door panels and onto the floor near the bottom of the door.
Highly Likely

06 - Dishwasher Door Seal

Look for tears, gaps or cuts in the seal that could cause a dishwasher door leak. To determine if the door seal is making good contact, try closing the dishwasher door on a dollar bill all the way around the door. If the dollar bill does not stick, there is a gap in the seal. If the door seal has any gaps or leaks, replace it. If the door seal is working properly but the dishwasher is still leaking, check the door hinges. If the hinges are bent, the door will not close properly, creating a gap between the door seal and the dishwasher. If the hinges are bent, replace them.
Highly Likely

07 - Dishwasher Door Gasket

Look for tears, gaps or cuts in the gasket that could cause a dishwasher door leak. To determine if the door gasket is making good contact, try closing the dishwasher door on a dollar bill all the way around the door. If the dollar bill does not stick, there is a gap in the gasket. If the door gasket has any gaps or leaks, replace it. If the door gasket is working properly but the dishwasher is still leaking, check the door hinges. If the hinges are bent, the door will not close properly, creating a gap between the door gasket and the dishwasher. If the hinges are bent, replace them.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom of the door?
Can a dishwasher water inlet valve cause leaking or overflowing?
How do I tell if the dishwasher door seal is bad?
Can the detergent dispenser make a dishwasher leak?
How do I find the right dishwasher leak repair part for my model?