Dishwasher Leaking Water
Discovering water near your dishwasher can be infuriating, and it’s not something to be ignored. A leaking dishwasher, whether it drips beneath the door or collects under the machine, can cause water damage, mold, and expensive repairs if left unattended.
At Just Call Appliance Repair, we have helped homeowners in Charlotte to stop leaks from their dishwashers. If you are experiencing a leak in your dishwasher, the following may be going on, and how to fix it, or when to call in for help.
Common Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Is Leaking
Not all leaks are the same. Here are the top issues that can cause your dishwasher to let water escape:
1. Door Seal Is Worn or Dirty
The rubber gasket around the door forms a seal during each wash cycle. Over time, it can wear out, shift out of place, or get clogged with food particles, leading to water leaking from the front or sides of the machine.
2. Loose Water Inlet Valve or Hose
If the water line that feeds your dishwasher is loose or cracked, it may slowly leak from underneath. This is often seen when the leak appears beneath the front kickplate or base of the unit.
3. Damaged Spray Arms
Spray arms are meant to rotate and spray water evenly. If one is cracked or clogged, it can spray water directly at the door or seams, pushing moisture where it shouldn’t go.
4. Drain Hose Isn’t Secure
The drain hose, which carries water out after a cycle, can develop cracks or loosen from vibration. Even a small drip can lead to steady leaking over time.
5. Dishwasher Is Overfilling
If the float switch, which tells the machine when to stop filling, is stuck, the dishwasher may take on too much water and overflow. This can result in leaking from the bottom or vent.
6. You’re Using the Wrong Soap
It sounds simple, but if you accidentally use regular dish soap instead of detergent made for dishwashers, you could create a bubbly overflow that seeps out of the door.
7. Cracks in the Dishwasher Tub
Older dishwashers may develop cracks in the plastic tub itself. These are hard to spot without removing panels, but they’re a common source of slow leaks from underneath.
What You Can Do Before Calling for Dishwasher Repair
If your dishwasher is leaking water, there are a few things you can try at home first:
- Wipe and inspect the door seal – Look for food buildup or worn edges that could be letting water slip through.
- Use the correct detergent – Make sure you’re using soap made for dishwashers and not regular dish soap.
- Watch a full cycle – This can help you spot exactly where and when the leak begins, whether it’s during fill-up, wash, or drain.
- Tighten hose connections – If you’re comfortable doing so, check behind the unit to ensure water lines are snug.
Still leaking after these checks? That’s when it’s time to get a professional technician involved.
Charlotte’s Go-To Dishwasher Leak Repair Team
Our local technicians at Just Call Appliance Repair are experienced with all major dishwasher brands and leak-related problems. Whether water is coming out from the door, pooling beneath the unit, or leaking mid-cycle, we’ll track down the issue and fix it right.
We provide honest diagnostics, fast turnarounds, and high-quality dishwasher repair in Charlotte, all backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
Water damage isn’t something you want to put off. Book your repair now and let’s stop the leak before it gets worse.
FAQ: Dishwasher Leaking Issues
Why is water leaking from the bottom of my dishwasher?
Most commonly, it’s a worn door seal, cracked drain hose, or overfilling due to a faulty float switch. Catching it early can prevent floor damage.
Can I fix a dishwasher leak on my own?
Small issues like a dirty seal or loose hose can be handled at home. But for anything internal, it’s best to call a repair tech.
Is a leaking dishwasher worth fixing?
Yes, in most cases, repairing a leak is far more affordable than replacing the appliance or dealing with water damage.