Quick Tips To Fix A Leaky Dishwasher Without Calling A Pro

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Your large kitchen appliances are the workhorses of your home, taking on all the heavy-duty tasks. They're designed to be sturdy and long-lasting, which is why they're a significant upfront investment. The issue is that when they do break down, they can be just as costly to fix. Dishwashers fall into this category, and if you have water escaping, your first thought is probably to call in a plumber. Before you reach for the phone, there are some things you can investigate first. 

In an exclusive interview with Chowhound, Chuck Pound, virtual plumbing expert at American Home Shield, explained that not every leak needs professional attention. It can be a simple matter of giving things a good cleaning or getting a replacement part, but safety is still paramount when you're attempting a fix on your own. "Never touch anything under the dishwasher while it's running," said Pound. "Some parts carry electricity and could be dangerous." 

Anything that involves the electrics of the machine will require an expert. But ruling out some of the easier fixes first can help save you money on that call-out fee.

When it comes to the simple fixes, cleaning out the dishwasher filter should be at the top of your list. Not just because it's a common cause of leaks, but it's a task you should be doing regularly anyway. The filter is there to prevent all kinds of food residue from ending up in the plumbing, which is ideal for preventing blockages in the pipes, but can lead to a smelly dishwasher if it's not cleaned out.

Too long between cleans and you might find that the water won't flow through efficiently, resulting in pooling in the bottom of the appliance that can eventually leak onto the floor. Cleaning the filter is, fortunately, a very simple task. It's located at the bottom of the dishwasher (check your manual if you don't see it), and it's just a matter of unscrewing or unlocking it. 

The bulk of the debris should come off by running the filter under the faucet, but any stubborn particles can be removed with a soft brush and dish soap. As you're cleaning the filter, you can also check for damage. A cracked filter can allow larger pieces of food through and clog the machine. Any pieces that come loose can also damage the dishwasher if they get caught in the cleaning cycle.

Believe it or not, a simple matter of the way the dishwasher has been installed can lead to overflow. Even if there are no cracks or broken parts, when a machine sits at an angle, it can prevent water from draining correctly. "An uneven unit can cause water to pool and leak," said Chuck Pound.

To check the alignment of the dishwasher, you'll need a level like the Firecore Torpedo Level. A measuring tape will only tell you if it's even with the floor, which is no help if your floors are uneven in the first place.

Once you determine that the machine needs adjusting, you'll most likely need to remove the kick plate at the front to get to the leveling legs. Depending on the model, you'll need to adjust these with a screwdriver or a wrench. Check again with the level and continue the adjustments.

With the movement of the heavy cleaning cycle, regularly slamming the door, or loading your dishwasher unevenly, the level of the machine can become uneven again over time. It's worth checking from time to time to prevent leakage before it happens.

Though the spray arms are already essentially leaking water into your machine, it's with a very specific trajectory. If the spray arms become cracked or the holes become blocked, the water is now heading off into corners of the appliance it's not meant to go, and can end up leaking out.

To give the spray arms a thorough inspection, they'll need to be removed from the appliance, which is generally just a matter of unclipping or twisting them. Check the arms carefully for cracks in the plastic. If they are broken, the only option is to replace them.

If there are no signs of breakage, you can proceed with cleaning. First, clear any blocked holes with a toothpick or paper clip, then leave the arm to soak in a solution of vinegar and water. This will help dissolve any build-up on the inside of the arms. Rinse well before you reattach it to the dishwasher.

Cleaning the spray arms is a dishwasher maintenance task that's easy to overlook, but one that will improve the performance and longevity of the machine. A little extra time once a month could save you money in the long run.

Whether you have a $1000 dishwasher or a $400 one, the only thing stopping the water from coming out is the rubber seal around the door. So if anything is preventing this from working properly, it's inevitable you'll get a leak. Even a simple matter of food debris can get in the way of a watertight seal. So start with giving the rubber a good clean with a damp cloth, making sure you get into the creases. As you're cleaning, check for any cracks in the gasket or sections where the rubber has become brittle. These are signs that the seal will need to be replaced.

Replacing the gasket is a task you can do without a professional, but with a few things to keep in mind. Chuck Pound explained, "If you replace the door gasket but install it incorrectly — like putting it in backwards or not sealing it properly — it can actually cause more leaking than before." Although you can find generic gaskets available to fit your model, Pound advised sticking to original parts: "Aftermarket seals might not fit properly or could cause new leaks, which can lead to even more frustration down the line."

As you're checking the gasket, you should also examine the latch that secures the door. If it's loose or damaged, it will prevent the door from closing correctly. Sometimes it can just be a matter of tightening it up with a screwdriver, but in some cases the latch system will need to be replaced.

This fix will require you to do some rummaging around under or behind the machine, so you must do it safely. As well as switching the power off, you need to be careful when shifting the machine. "Make sure the power cord, water inlet line, and drain hose are all long enough," cautioned Chuck Pound. "If they're too short or get bent, you could end up with broken connections or even more leaks."

What you're looking for are the two hoses that connect to the machine, one that delivers clean water into the dishwasher and the other that takes away the wastewater. If there is any dampness around the hose where it connects to the machine, this could be a simple case of a loose fitting, and tightening it up can remedy the problem.

You'll also want to inspect the hoses themselves for any damage or cracks, in which case they'll need to be replaced. If you're familiar with plumbing basics, this is something that you can do yourself. Just make sure you have the correct replacement parts and your user manual handy. Continue avoiding common dishwasher mistakes, and your dishwasher should last just as long as it should before needing a replacement. 

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