Dishwasher - Preventing Leaking

There are many different reasons why a dishwasher might be leaking. If your dishwasher is currently leaking or flooding, see the troubleshooting suggestions below based on the location of the dishwasher leak:

Dishwasher Leaks or Floods Underneath

Dishwasher Leaks from Door

Dishwasher - Water Leaks from the Air Gap

Dishwasher - Water Leaks from Under Cabinet

Causes for leaking:

• Suds in dishwasher
• Plumbing concern
• Door or gasket issues
• Water mis-directed out of door

Minimize chances for leaking:

• Use the right type and amount of detergent
  • Using the wrong type or too much detergent can cause over-sudsing. The suds (bubbles or soap foam) can push water out of the dishwasher, causing leaks or flooding conditions. Only detergent specifically designed for automatic dishwashers should be used. See also: Dishwasher - Excess Suds
• Be careful of dish soap on dishes.
  • If you pre-wash your dishes with dish soap, you should rinse the dishes thoroughly to remove any detergent residue. The soap can create suds.
• Don't let rinse aid spill on the door
  • Spills of liquid rinse aid can cause sudsing and water leaks. If rinse aid is spilled while filling, clean immediately with a damp cloth.
• Don't wash sponges or dish cloths in dishwasher.
  • Dish soap in the sponge or cloth can start to create suds and start to leak.
• Keep your sink and air gap clear (if you have an air gap).
  • A clogged sink can keep water from the dishwasher from draining through the sink drain. If you have an air gap at the sink (chrome cylinder next to the sink faucet), backed up water will come out of the air gap instead of backing up into the dishwasher. See also Dishwasher - Water Leaks from the Air Gap
• After installation, make the door is not hitting the underside of the counter or adjacent cabinet and all of the connections are properly connected.
  • If the door is hitting the counter or cabinet, it may still give enough to latch, but not enough to form a tight seal. Reposition the dishwasher so it does not make contact the cabinet.
  • Make sure there is no leaking from the water inlet hose or around the drain hose.
• Regularly check the door gasket for tears, cuts, and wear.
  • There is a gap in the door gasket at the bottom of the door several inches in width. This is normal.
  • If there are otherwise any tears, cuts, or wear, the door gasket may need to be replaced. See also Dishwasher - Checking and Replacing Door Gasket
• Make sure that the holes in the spray arm are clear.
  • Particles of food, detergent or mineral deposits can deflect water out the front door. (Holes or splits on the side of a spray arm can also cause this.)