Leaking Dishwasher Tips
Stumbling upon a puddle on the kitchen floor is alarming. When the dishwasher leaks without warning, the pool of water on the floor can cause potential water damage. A household appliance can leak for a number of reasons. Read on for tips to help repair a leaky dishwasher.
Fixing a leak in the dishwasher should be a priority. Allowing water to remain on the hardwood kitchen floor for prolonged periods can lead to costly water damage. Moisture causes the wood panels to warp. Mold colonies begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after the water damage.
By repairing the existing leak in the dishwasher, the homeowner prevents future leaks from developing. Plus, additional water damage from the faulty appliance will be unlikely. Homeowners also save 10 percent on water bills when they promptly fix an appliance leak.
The amount of water a dishwasher can leak can be enormous. Three gallons of water are utilized during one dishwasher cycle. Dishwasher models made before 1994 use over 20 gallons of water. All this water leaking onto the floor can cause significant water damage.
Before beginning the dishwasher repair, unplug the appliance. Disconnecting the unit’s power supply while working is a practical safety measure. The water valve under the sink should also be closed. Keep towels nearby to soak up any water and maintain a clean, dry working area.
Tip 1: Fix a Water Supply Line Leak
A damaged water supply line will cause the dishwasher to leak from underneath. Locate the water supply line and examine it for flaws. If the dishwasher fails to fill with water upon running a cycle, a faulty water supply line may be the culprit.
Fixing this type of leak requires removing the lower kick panel and sound installation, then locating the water line hookup located at the front corner of the dishwasher. Inspect the water connection; if necessary, user hand pliers to hand tighten the hose until the coupling is tight.
Tip 2: Fix a Clogged Filter
A clogged filter is a common cause of a dishwasher leak. The filter is the contraption that catches food particles before they exit into the drain. If left uncleaned, the filter will clog, leading to bad odors, unclean dishes, slow draining, and water backup in the dishwasher after a cycle.
Locate the filter inside the dishwasher, then turn it clockwise until it releases. Clean any debris inside the filter. Secure the filter back on, spinning the sprayer arm to ensure the filter is properly secured. Run the rinse cycle on the hottest setting to check that the problem is fixed.
Tip 3: Fix Incorrect Detergent
Accidentally using the wrong dishwasher detergent may cause the appliance to spring a leak. An excess of suds can be produced upon using improper cleaning agents, such as hand soap, laundry detergent, or dish soap. The suds spill out of the dishwasher and onto the floor.
To prevent this issue, use only dishwasher detergent in the dishwasher. Dishwasher detergent uses mostly enzymes to clean the dishes, instead of suds, and these enzymes dissolve in water. If the wrong soap is used, immediately stop the unit, run a cycle with vinegar to suppress the suds and rinse.
Tip 4: Fix a Worn Door Seal
The dishwasher may fail to seal and close properly when the door panel seal is worn. The rubber seal is designed to keep water from escaping through the unit. General wear, tears, and loosening of the door panel seal could allow water to leak out through the bottom.
Upon noticing sections of the door panel seal are falling off or showing other signs of wear, replace it. Find a seal that is similar in size and material. Remove the old seal, including the adhesive, and add the new door seal. A watertight seal should be the result.
Tip 5: Fix a Damaged Door Latch
A faulty door latch or loose gasket can allow water to leak through the front of the unit. The dishwasher door will not close properly if the latch is loose or bent. Similarly, if the gasket is soiled or cracked, the door will fail to close correctly.
Fix a loose latch by tightening it with a screwdriver. If the latch is bent, replacing this component will be necessary. Secure a loose gasket back in place, or replace it if it is damaged. A soiled gasket can be cleaned by sponging it with warm water and soap.
A quality dishwasher has a potential lifespan of 10 years, especially when the unit is well-maintained. Despite its lengthy lifespan, parts can wear out or become loosened with time. When either of these occur, the appliance can leak and cause water damage to the floors and building materials.
A dishwasher is only one common household appliance that can start to leak moisture. Others include the washing machine, the HVAC unit, and the refrigerator. When an appliance leaks, consult the water damage experts at ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration.
Our reliable water damage restoration company is equipped to restore homes and businesses that have undergone water damage. Experienced technicians arrive promptly after your call to assess the extent of ruin and develop a restoration plan to return the property to its pre-loss condition.
Crews from ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration contain the leak, extract all excess water using powerful machinery, dry the premises, and repair or restore areas damaged by moisture. We also provide efficient mold removal services if an infestation has developed.
Protect your kitchen’s flooring, cabinets, and building materials by calling our water damage cleanup specialists as soon as you notice the destruction. Taking quick action helps to limit the water damage before it has a chance to spread and cause extensive ruin to the rest of the property.
ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration serves home and business owners in Denver, Colorado, and the neighboring communities. Our water damage cleanup crews stand by 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to respond immediately to emergencies. Count on us when water damage strikes. Call today.
