What to Do If the Dishwasher Leaks from Bottom?
Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski, CEO on Oct 19, 2023 | Written by Igal Geiler
Regarding household problems, leaking appliances are some of the worst in damage, time spent fixing, and repair costs. One load in a dishwasher can use up to three gallons of water, and over twenty gallons for models made before 1994.
Such a large amount of water can cause significant structural damage to your home and should be serviced by professionals. Our team at FIX Appliances CA has the experience to troubleshoot and fix a dishwasher leaking underneath, saving you time and money.
In this article…
- Reasons a Dishwasher is Leaking From the Bottom
- Reason 1: Water Inlet Valve is Faulty
- Reason 2: Clogged Filter
- Reason 3: Leaking Door Panel Seal
- Actions For How to Fix a Leaking Dishwasher
- Step 1: Water Inlet Check
- Step 2: Unclog the Filter
- Step 3: Replacing the Door Panel Seal
- Step 4: Checking the Water Pump System
- Your Local Professionals Can Get the Job Done
Reasons a Dishwasher is Leaking From the Bottom
Before you get overwhelmed with the possibilities that could cause water to come out of your dishwasher, look at the most common causes compiled by our repair experts. Below are the most common reasons a dishwasher leaks on the floor.
Reason 1: Water Inlet Valve is Faulty
The valve that allows water to enter the dishwasher’s chamber is a common site for failure. Your dishes will not be cleaned, and you may even hear noisy running sounds while the dishwasher is in use.
Since the inlet water valve is pumping water at some pressure into the dishwasher, the leak will be major and cause a dishwasher to leak from the bottom.
Reason 2: Clogged Filter
One of the most common problems with water under a dishwasher is the filter where the water drains out to be clogged. Since almost all dishwashers come with a filter that catches food particles before they get into the grain, this filter can become clogged. Water backs up and out of the dishwasher basin when a dishwasher filter is clogged.
Since the filter is at the bottom of a catch basin in the dishwasher, you will likely wash a load of dishes or more before the dishwasher leaks from the bottom.
Reason 3: Leaking Door Panel Seal
A dishwasher is locked shut when you close it, but to ensure that the seal is watertight, there is a plastic or rubber door panel seal that lines the inside of the door. This seal is located where the door panel meets the body of the dishwasher and is held to the door with a clamp lining or adhesive.
Over time, the adhesive and rubber seal are put under structural and chemical stress from the heat and soap of the dishwashing process. This stress can cause tears, wearing, and loosening of the door panel seal, which could be the main cause of a dishwasher leaking from the bottom.
Reason 4: Broken Water Pump System
The dishwasher’s water pump delivers water to the wash cycle, and empties water out of the drain. If the pump is broken, this could cause your dishwasher to leak from the bottom.
The pump system also has hoses and clamps on the hoses that deliver and drain the water from the dishwasher. If the hoses or clamps are loose or broken, the dishwasher will leak tremendous amounts of water down the sides and out of the bottom of your machine.
Actions For How to Fix a Leaking Dishwasher
After you have identified the root cause of your dishwasher problem, you will need to take action to fix a dishwasher leaking on the floor. Below are some of the best actions you can take to repair the causes of a dishwasher leaking from the bottom.
Step 1: Water Inlet Check
To check to see if the water inlet valve is faulty on your dishwasher, you will need access to the bottom plate on the front door of the dishwasher. The water inlet valve may show signs of leaking with drips coming from it or even hard water build up around the valve.
Step 2: Unclog the Filter
The dishwasher leaking from the bottom because of a clogged filter is an easy fix. Check the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and clean away any solid debris. Another easy way to maintain a clean filter and stop water leaking on the floor from your dishwasher is to clean off any solid food pieces before placing your dishes to wash.
Step 3: Replacing the Door Panel Seal
If the seal on the door panel of your dishwasher is defective or damaged, you can see it obviously by identifying tears, worn sections, or sections that are falling off. Your dishwasher door panel needs a tight seal against water, or it will leak.
The best way to replace the door panel seal is to find a similar product in material and size and install it in place of the old one. You may need tools to remove the old one and adhesive to add the new seal.
Step 4: Checking the Water Pump System
If your dishwasher is leaking underneath and no water is reaching the inside cabinet of the dishwasher, it is safe to say that there is a failure in the actual water pump. The water pump will need to be tested and then replaced.
If there is some water entering the dishwasher, but there is still water under the dishwasher, you may need to visually check and possibly replace the hoses or clamps for the drain or water inlet. Look for cracks or loose parts in the hose or clamps on the ends of the hose.
Your Local Professionals Can Get the Job Done
Identifying and repairing the problem of a dishwasher leaking underneath can take a lot of time and effort without the best results. The appliance repair professionals at FIX Appliances CA have the experience and expertise to thoroughly troubleshoot your leaking dishwasher as well as why is my washer leaking from the bottom and then service it with the necessary repairs and parts.
Some of the best advantages of working with FIX Appliances CA are:
- Professional and quick service
- 18+ years of experience
- Up to 1 year warranty
- HomeStars Best of the Best ’23
- Authorized Repair Service Provider
Please tell us how we can help you by contacting our toll-free number at 888-242-0777 or requesting a quote today. Our service reps are waiting to take your call and help you to get started on dishwasher repair!
Date of page creation: July 05, 2020
Page update date: October 19, 2023
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