Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpDishwasher RepairDishwasher overflowing Repair

Dishwasher overflowing

If your dishwasher is overflowing, overfills with water, or the water level gets too high, the most likely cause is a bad water inlet valve that is stuck open or not shutting off when it should. You may also notice water dripping into the tub when the dishwasher is off, which is a strong sign of a water inlet valve problem. Next most likely is a main control board issue if the board keeps sending power to the valve during the cycle. In some cases, a cracked lower wash arm assembly can spray water toward the bottom of the door and make it look like the dishwasher is leaking or overflowing when the real issue is the wash arm. Too much detergent or the wrong type of soap can also create excess suds and cause a dishwasher overflowing complaint. Another possible cause is a stuck or failed float switch, which is supposed to stop the fill before the tub overfills. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact water inlet valve, main control board, lower wash arm assembly, or float switch that fits your specific dishwasher.

01 - Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. Depending on the model, the valve stays open either for a set length of time or until the dishwasher has enough water. However, if the water inlet valve doesn’t shut off after the dishwasher has enough water, the dishwasher will overflow. If water drips into the dishwasher when the door is open, or if water collects at the bottom of the dishwasher while it is not use, you may need to replace the water inlet valve.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Need help finding your model number?
Shop all Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Parts
Top Solution

02 - Dishwasher Main Control Board

A dishwasher's main control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. If the control board continues to send power to the water inlet valve during the drain cycle, the dishwasher could overflow. While this is not that common of a problem, you can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve for incoming power during the dishwasher's cycle.
Shop all Dishwasher Main Control Board Parts
Top Solution

03 - Dishwasher Lower Wash Arm Assembly

If the lower wash arm has a crack or split on the side it can cause water to splash out the bottom of the door, giving the impression that the dishwasher is overflowing. Inspect the wash arm assembly for any damage and replace if necessary.
Shop all Dishwasher Lower Wash Arm Assembly Parts
Top Solution

04 - Wrong type or incorrect amount of detergent

Make sure to use the proper dishwasher detergent. Use the proper amount of detergent for your water hardness; too much soap in soft water can cause oversudsing and leaking.
Common

05 - Dishwasher Float Switch

The float switch actuates in order to prevent the dishwasher from overflowing. If the float switch is defective or stuck, it might not stop the dishwasher from overflowing. If the float switch is defective, replace it.
Shop all Dishwasher Float Switch Parts
Common

06 - Dishwasher Control Board

A dishwasher's control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. If the control board continues to send power to the water inlet valve the dishwasher could overflow. While this is not that common of a problem, you can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve for incoming power during the dishwasher's cycle.
Shop all Dishwasher Control Board Parts
Common

07 - Dishwasher Pressure Switch

A dishwasher pressure switch is the component that will send a signal to shut off the water inlet valve once an appropriate amount of water has entered the tank for a wash cycle. If the pressure switch is malfunctioning, it may fail to signal the inlet valve to close and cause the dishwasher to overflow. You can use a multimeter to test the pressure switch's terminals for appropriate changes in electrical continuity before and after blowing air into the attached pressure tube. If the switch has shorted or does not test appropriately, it should be replaced.
Shop all Dishwasher Pressure Switch Parts
Uncommon But Possible

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dishwasher overflowing with water?
How do I tell if the dishwasher water inlet valve is bad?
Can a bad float switch cause a dishwasher to overfill?
My dishwasher is leaking from the door. Is that the same as overflowing?
How do I find the right overflow-related part for my dishwasher?

Troubleshooting by Brand

Frigidaire Dishwasher RepairKenmore Dishwasher RepairElectrolux Dishwasher RepairGibson Dishwasher Repair
Kelvinator Dishwasher RepairTappan Dishwasher RepairWhite-Westinghouse Dishwasher RepairRoper Dishwasher Repair
Crosley Dishwasher RepairUniversal Dishwasher Repair

Shop for Parts by brands

Frigidaire Dishwasher PartsKenmore Dishwasher PartsElectrolux Dishwasher PartsGibson Dishwasher Parts
Kelvinator Dishwasher PartsTappan Dishwasher PartsWhite-Westinghouse Dishwasher PartsRoper Dishwasher Parts
Crosley Dishwasher PartsUniversal Dishwasher Parts