Nothing derails your day quite like finding a pool of water seeping out from under your dishwasher.
Dishwashers are meant to make life easier by blasting away stuck-on food and grime, saving you the hassle of doing dishes yourself. However, a leaking dishwasher can lead to headaches like a messy kitchen floor and potential water damage if left unchecked.
Many common causes of leaks, such as a broken water pump system or a worn water inlet valve, can be identified and fixed quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the reasons for a dishwasher leak and how you can resolve the issue.
Why Your Dishwasher Is Leaking From The Bottom
If you’ve noticed your dishwasher leaking underneath, it’s important to determine the root cause quickly to avoid further damage. We’ll take a look at the most common reasons behind these leaks:
1. Faulty Inlet Valve
The inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. If you notice your leaky dishwasher has drips or mineral buildup around the valve area, this could be a clear sign that the inlet valve is the problem. When the valve fails, you might also hear unusual noises during operation or see water continuing to flow into the dishwasher even when you open the door mid-cycle.
2. Worn Door Panel Seal
A worn door seal is one of the most common culprits behind a dishwasher leaking from the bottom. The rubber gasket around the door is designed to create a watertight seal that keeps water contained during the wash cycle. However, over time, the door gasket can be worn or torn, leading to an air gap that allows leaking water. Also, if the dishwasher door seal doesn’t fit or seal properly, water can seep out, leaving puddles on your kitchen floor.
3. Clogged Filter
Located at the bottom of the dishwasher basin, a filter’s job is to catch larger food particles to prevent them from clogging the drain line. That said, just like an HVAC system, when the filter isn’t cleaned regularly, debris can accumulate and even block the flow of water.
When the filter is clogged, water that should drain out during the wash cycle now remains trapped inside the dishwasher. The buildup leads to overflow and water leakage.
4. Unresponsive Float Switch
The float switch is designed to maintain the optimal water line inside your dishwasher. Once the water reaches the predetermined height, it triggers the float switch, which signals to stop the water intake.
But, when the float switch is faulty, it can lead to standing water that eventually leaks from the bottom.
When To Call A Professional For Dishwasher Leaks
In most cases, it’s best to leave the repairs to a professional dishwasher repair technician. If you’re not comfortable handling plumbing or electrical components, contacting a dishwasher professional can save you time and potential mistakes.
Most issues require specialized tools and knowledge to fix correctly. Before investing in extensive repairs or a new unit, be sure to check if your dishwasher is still under warranty since this may cover part or all of the repair costs.
Conclusion
From a broken dishwasher drain to an unresponsive float switch, knowing what to look for is the first step in keeping your kitchen leak-free.
For expert dishwasher repair in Winnipeg, trust the experienced technicians from Mike’s Quality Appliance Repair who can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently, ensuring your appliance is back to peak performance quickly.