Help! Water leaks from the back of my dishwasher. If suddenly your dishwasher is leaking water from the front or back, we have a checklist of what to inspect to fix the dishwasher yourself. There can only be a number of things that can make your dishwasher leak. The leak may be coming from either the front of the dishwasher or from a component or part from the bottom. You will have to find the leak and repair either a bad seal, a loose hose, faulty pump, or other assorted parts. See below for tips to fix your dishwasher that is leaking water.
Water Leaking From Dishwasher
Table of contents – Jump links:
Door Seal Leaks
Detergent Issues
Water Valve Leaks
Pump Seals Leak
Hoses Leaking
Float Switch Issue
Other Parts Causing Leak
Portable Dishwasher Leaking Puddle
Door seals leaking?
If water is showing up on the kitchen floor in front of the dishwasher then it may be a leaking door seal that is causing your leak. To find out, open the dishwasher door and check to be sure that the seal around the front door is not ripped or worn. If you identify an area of the door seal that is damaged, you should remove and replace it as this is the cause of your leak.
If water is coming from the bottom of your dishwasher, it is something leaking under the tub. The most common components to leak is the water pump seal and or the water inlet valve.
Wrong detergent?
Before taking your dishwasher apart, be sure you are using the correct detergent. The wrong detergent can cause excessive suds. When the suds overflow they can show up as a drip. So be sure you are using the correct detergent.
Water valve leaking?
To check to see if a water inlet valve is leaking remove the bottom plate on the front of your dishwasher and check the water valve. A bad water inlet valve will usually be a slow drip coming from the top of the valve. Look for a hard water material or corrosion on the valve itself. If you find a bad water valve (solenoid valve), shut off the water supply and replace the valve as soon as possible.
Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Solenoid Leaking
Pump seals leaking?
There is a water pump in your dishwasher. The seals on the pump wear out. These seals are made from rubber and over time will leak. A pump seal leak can be identified as water dripping from the motor or the pump housing. If your pump leaks around the seals, remove it and replace the seals to prevent any further leakage.
Hoses leaking?
The leak may be coming from a recirculation hose or drain hose. These hoses are made from rubber or plastic and crack open to cause your leak. To fix this problem simply replace the faulty hose or hoses.
Bad or stuck float switch?
Check the float switch in the bottom of your dishwasher. Make sure it is not stuck on something and be sure the switch is working properly. Test the float switch for continuity if you have a suspicion it is not working properly. Replace the float switch if it is bad.
Other leaking component?
If none of the above parts or areas were leaking, remove the dishwasher and troubleshoot:
- Unplug your dishwasher.
- Turn off the water to your dishwasher (under sink).
- Remove screws holding dishwasher to counter (open door and look under counter).
- Roll dishwasher out from under counter.
- Visually inspect and look for obvious signs of water leaks.
- Remove and replace leaking or faulty parts and test the dishwasher for drips.
Portable Dishwasher Leaking Puddle Underneath
A common question we get is how to fix a Maytag portable dishwasher leaking a puddle underneath?
If you’ve noticed a puddle of water forming underneath your Maytag portable dishwasher, it is a simple fix. A clogged drainage hose is the number one reason for leakage in a Maytag portable dishwasher. If water is gathering below your portable dishwasher, the first thing you should check is the drainage hose to see if there is a blockage or kink. A kinked hose prevents proper drainage and causes water to escape. This can be fixed by removing the hose and straightening it out. If the clog is severe, a plunger or a plumber’s snake might be required to unblock it.
A faulty seal or gasket is another frequent source of leaking. Check all seals and gaskets, as well as any gaps or deformed areas in the door, to ensure that they are free of debris and water is unable to leak through. Check all seals and gaskets for dirt and damage and remove and replace any bad seals or gaskets if necessary.
If you need a visual reference, below are videos that will help to explain what to look for and what to do when your dishwasher is leaking water onto your floor.
Leaking Dishwasher 5 Minute Fix
Troubleshooting Why Your Dishwasher Is Leaking
If you know of another way to quickly troubleshoot a leaking dishwasher, please leave a comment below to assist our other readers.
Hi, I just installed a new pump assembly under my dishwasher. I ran it through the cycle and observed that every time the switch kicks over to drain I have drops of water leaking from the screw on the triangular switch mechanism. At the end of the cycle I have a small 2″ puddle of water under the unit. I have no other leaks. Is this a defective part, because it is the same reason I put the replacement part in. Thank you for your reply..
Mike A.
I recently pulled out my dishwasher, now when I run it I’m getting condensation on the top of the door. Checked the seal and it looks good, any thoughts?
I have a small hole on the inside bottom of the dishwasher from the heating (tube or coil?) inside the dishwasher. When it was installed they never secured the heating element properly and now there is a small hose from it melting the plastic on the bottom of the machine. Is there any specific caulking or material I could or should use to plug the hole? It is only about 1/4” wide and 1/8” thick.
Hi, check that your plumbing clog did not also clog (or partially obstruct) the dishwasher wastewater flow tube. If that doesnt work, locate the origin of the water leak, then using manuals for your dishwasher (found online), trouble shoot from there
Thank you so much. I had a leak in front of the machine and now I don’t. Cleaned the corner grommets and I found a screw that fell out of the door mechanism and now no leak and the door closes easy again. Double blessed by you. My machine is labeled Americano. I think it’s GE because it’s the same as the one you demoed on.
Hi there. I have a built-in Kitchenaid dishwasher (model # KDTE254ESS1) and it has a leak. The leak is fairly substantial and started 2 days ago. Only occurs when water is being pumped into the washing area (i.e. when filling and spraying). I pulled the dishwasher and looked underneath. Most everything appeared dry except for a small, L-shaped black hose held on by clamps. When I press against this hose, water appears to be coming from it or underneath the clamp furthest away from the pump. If this is the problem then it looks like a fairly straightforward fix. Just have to figure out how to remove the hose clamps that are there. However, based on your experience, is there anything else I should replace along with this hose and the clamps? Many thanks!
My leak is when it is draining and inthe front of the dishwasher? There is also quite a bit of water.
I just fixed My plumbing that was clogged and I thought that would fix it. It didn’t. My dishwasher is a Hotpoint? Can anyone help?
Thank you for your time
Thomas,
Is the Kitchenaid dishwasher door warped?
Check with a level.
Also check the assembly holding the door on to be sure they are not bent or has loose screws.
-RR
My Kitchenaid only leaks at startup at the bottom of door.
Replaced bottom door seal and two plastic pieces on either sides of door.
Cleaned float and checked float switch.
Tighten all screws on door and around the pump and screen housing.
Cleaned door seal and found no bad signs like tears, etc.
Still pushes water out the bottom and only on startups.
Vickie Minchew,
It may just need a part like the pump or the water inlet valve tightened. A few bolts may be loose or a possible clamp on the water hose may be leaking because it is not tight. It could be a very easy fix. You won’t know until you pull it out and have a look. Let us know what you find. If you are unable to do strenuous activities, you may want to call a repair service and explain to them that it is a simple leak. They may give you a break on price if you explain your situation.
-RR
I have a Kenmore dishwasher about two years old and I have had water leaking from the bottom near the center of the tub. It only leaks when the arm is in motion. I looked under the tub and noticed that it looks likes it was a slow leak that has gotten worse. I have not yet pulled the dishwasher out to see exactly what is leaking, I just wonder if I should just have it replaced. I can do small repairs that don’t call for strength and am afraid to pull it out.
Steve H,
Look at the back of your Beko washer where the water comes into the machine. You most likely have a loose water hose. If leaking from the bottom of the Beko washer, then look under the washer as there may be a component leaking such as the water lines on the drain pump or other water lines that fill or drain your washer.
-RR
Our 5yr old Beko washer has started leaking, not much, a cupful perhaps and we think it’s during the drying cycle. I’ve had a general look around without luck, any idea please?
Ray,
Basically if the dishwasher is leaking water, you need to do some simple troubleshooting to find out where the leak is coming from. Read the article and it will assist you to discover the leak. The DIY article is in plain English and written so anyone can understand.
-RR
My dishwasher was leaking a lot. I tried doing the appliance repair work myself, but I found that it was a bit too complicated for me to handle. If my dishwasher has done this twice in the last year should I consider getting a new one?
Shelly,
There is a seal that goes under the float valve. Yours may be worn and causing the leak. Replace if necessary. If it is coming from the door seal, there would be obvious signs of wear on the seal. If so, replace.
-RR
We have a portable Whirlpool dishwasher that may be leaking from the float valve? The water seems to come from directly underneath the float valve because it’s right behind the front wheel. It only leaks some times. Sometimes it’s just a little water and other times it’s a lot of water. Or would this be a door leak and it’s just running back?
Addie,
You either have a leak under the dishwasher where the water and drain connects. If the dishwasher front seal was worn and needed to be replaced it would have obvious signs of rips, or missing parts.
First, clean the water from the floor.
Run your dishwasher on the shortest setting and use a flashlight and watch under the dishwasher to see if you spot dripping water.
If it leaks from the bottom then you will need to troubleshoot where the leak is originating from.
If it is coming from the front door seal, remove and replace the seal.
-RR
I ran my dishwasher while I was running some errands, and when I came home, there was water all over the floor. Never before have we had issues with it, so I’m not sure where to start! I don’t think it is the detergent we are using, we have used the same kind since we got it, and it just started. I’m wondering if the seal around the door is leaking. The water is all in front of the dishwasher.