The dishwasher is a very useful appliance, but since it uses water and is made up of many moving parts, it is also prone to leaks. To repair them you must first find the cause; in general, the dishwasher is leaking due to some problems with the seals, the pump, the water inlet valve, the spray arms, the float or the pipes. Once you have "diagnosed" the problem, you can repair, clean or replace the malfunctioning item.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Finding the Source of Loss
Step 1. Remove the dishwasher front panel
Most models have an access panel, or "baseboard," in the lower portion that hides the water inlet valve, pump, motor, and hoses. To detach it, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws by turning them counterclockwise.
By removing the panel you can identify the source of the water leak which could be right in the lower part of the dishwasher
Step 2. Inspect the pump
This element and all its components are located under the appliance. Use a flashlight to check the pump, its housing, hose, motor, and gasket; look for cracks on rigid structures and signs of wear on the gasket.
When the cause of the problem is the pump or one of its components, the water seeps from underneath
Step 3. First, inspect the spots that are most susceptible to leaks
In most cases the water comes out of the base of the unit; by determining the source, you can narrow the range of possibilities. Start the dishwasher as normal and observe it carefully to understand where the water is coming from.
- If it comes out of the base or perimeter of the door, the cause could be the gasket, the float or the spray arm.
- Leaks from the bottom of the appliance are attributable to the pump, pipes or water inlet valve.
Step 4. Check the door seal
It is made of soft vinyl or rubber and guarantees the watertight seal of the washing chamber when the door is closed; it could be attached to the door itself or to the appliance body. Look for cracks, breaks, brittle spots, or other signs of damage.
- Leaks from the sides of the door can usually be traced back to problems with the seal.
- The washing chamber is the internal portion of the dishwasher.
Step 5. Look at the spray arms
They are located inside the machine, on the "ceiling" and "floor" of the washing chamber; their job is to spread the water on the dishes during the washing and rinsing cycle. Check them carefully for cracks, deformations, obstructions or other damage.
A problem with the arms usually causes leaks from the base of the door, the edge along which there is no gasket
Step 6. Check the water level
The float is a safety device that is located in the washing chamber, determines the water level and prevents the appliance from overfilling. Halfway through the washing program, turn off the machine, open the door and observe the amount of water; the level should not exceed the heating coil located at the bottom.
- If the water passes the coil, there are problems with the float or its switch.
- In the first case, the water typically comes out of the front portion of the dishwasher base.
Step 7. Inspect the inlet valve
It is located under the appliance and is the element that connects it to the home water system. It could be a rubber, hose, or copper conduit; watch the valve as the machine fills with water and check for leaks, which indicates a crack or tear.
When the inlet valve leaks or is broken, water flows out of the dishwasher base
Step 8. Make sure hoses and clamps are well connected and undamaged
These ducts are inserted into the pump and allow the water to pass from one portion of the machine to the other up to the drain; when the appliance is in operation, check these items for leaks or drips.
When the hoses are damaged or the clamps are loose, water may flow out of the base of the unit
Method 2 of 4: Change the Door Seal
Step 1. Purchase a replacement gasket
When the leak is due to this damaged or hardened item, you can repair it by replacing the part with a new one. Make sure the new gasket is approved by the dishwasher manufacturer and matches the one already on the machine.
You may not be able to properly install a gasket that was not built for your model of machine; in this case, a watertight seal is not generated and you continue to have problems with leaks
Step 2. Remove the old gasket
Open the door and pinch the gum firmly with your fingers, starting from the bottom left corner; loosen it from its housing and continue pulling it until you have completely removed it.
Pay attention to the direction in which it was inserted, because you will have to insert the replacement in the same way
Step 3. Clean the area
Fill a small basin with warm water and a few drops of dish soap; dip a cotton ball into the solution and use it to clean the groove where the gasket fits. When finished, rinse with clean water, dry with a cloth and wait for the excess moisture to evaporate into the air.
In this way, the new gasket adheres to a dry and clean surface ensuring an excellent seal
Step 4. Install the new gasket
Heat it with the hairdryer set to the minimum temperature. The hot material is more malleable and you can bend it to find the center; start at the center and top portion of the door or edge of the wash chamber and press the seal into the groove.
Don't pull it while you work
Step 5. Secure it
Once installed, close the door and press the rubber firmly; open the dishwasher and check the alignment. When you are satisfied with the work, close the door again for a few hours to allow the gasket to fit properly.
Method 3 of 4: Replace the Pump
Step 1. Buy a new pump
Go to a hardware store or a spare parts store where you can buy a pump that is approved by the manufacturer of your appliance; check that the new element is compatible with the make and model of the dishwasher in your possession.
Pump replacement is a somewhat complex procedure and you should consider calling a technician if you are unsure of your skills or how to use the tools
Step 2. Close the water valve and shut off the power supply
Unplug from the socket or turn down the main switch that supplies power to the appliance. In this way, you avoid shocks while working; also close the water valve.
Replacing the pump involves removing the pump and its wiring, so you must ensure that there is no current in the cables while doing this work
Step 3. Disconnect the electrical cables and water pipes
Unscrew the bolts that secure the phase, neutral and earth cables that are connected to the pump under the dishwasher; remove the water hose by turning it counterclockwise.
Step 4. Take the dishwasher out of the kitchen cabinet
Use the screwdriver to remove the small parts from the fixing brackets, rotate the latter downwards and slide the appliance slightly outwards. Reach out under the dishwasher and disconnect the drain pipe; at this point, you can complete the extraction of the machine.
Step 5. Disassemble the old pump
Place the dishwasher on the back panel, unscrew the motor, the wiring and finally loosen the clamps that secure the pump in its seat. Disconnect all hoses, cables and control devices connected to the workpiece before removing it from the appliance along with the motor assembly.
Step 6. Install the new pump
Change both the pump and the motor unit with new elements. Tighten the clamps that hold both in place and connect the wiring; finally, rejoin the pipes, cables and control devices.
Step 7. Plug the dishwasher back in
Straighten it and slide it into the cabinet. Re-join the drain to the base of the machine before inserting it completely into the housing, attach the support brackets, connect the water pipe and cables; when finished, plug it back into the socket or lift the main switch.
Method 4 of 4: Repair other leaking components
Step 1. Clean or replace spray arms
Remove the lower basket from the washing chamber; grab the arms by the base and unscrew them counterclockwise. Lift them from their seat and clean them to eliminate any obstructions; if they are damaged, buy new parts and fit them. Screw in new or freshly cleaned arms by hand tightening them clockwise until you can rotate them any further.
When finished cleaning or replacing, reinsert the lower basket
Step 2. Change the height of the float
It is a saucer-shaped element on the bottom of the washing chamber that controls the water level; raise its switch to change the height of the float and reduce the water level accordingly.
Step 3. Replace the damaged inlet valve
When this piece is the cause of the leak, you can replace it. To detach the old valve you have to remove the tubes, take out the screws and remove the spring clamp, after which you can insert the spare.
Step 4. Tighten the clamp or change the hose
To replace a broken or worn duct, release the clamps holding it in place, pull it out and fit the new one before closing the clamps again. If the problem is a loose clamp, simply tighten it where the leak is.
