A dishwasher can be a time saver in the kitchen especially when you have a large family or are busy with other things. When your dishwasher starts leaking, it can be a frustrating experience if you are not sure what to do to fix it.
Depending on where your dishwasher is leaking, there could be several reasons that are causing it. From using the wrong soap to more serious issues such as cracked hoses or pump seals, finding the reason your dishwasher is leaking is essential.
Knowing why your dishwasher is leaking can make it easier for you to decide whether you need to call a repair person or if you can fix it yourself. Read on to learn about some reasons it may be leaking water and what you can do to repair it.
Reasons Why Your Dishwasher is Leaking Water
Before calling a repairman when your dishwasher is leaking water, there are a few things you can check out first. Simple problems and fixes can save you time and money in the long run rather than spending hundreds of dollars on a repair person.
Here is a list of the most common reasons your dishwasher may be leaking water:
1. The door gasket is faulty
If your dishwasher is leaking around the door, the issue can be as simple as the door gasket needing to be replaced. You can usually purchase a new gasket and repair it yourself in a matter of minutes.
2. Wrong dishwasher soap
It is important to only use dishwasher soap in your dishwasher to prevent a huge mess. When you use soap that is supposed to be used in the sink or washing machine, it can lead to bubbles and water leaking out of the dishwasher.
3. The door latch is faulty
Another simple reason your dishwasher may be leaking is if the door latch is loose or broken. While the latch will technically close, it may not result in a tight seal which can cause your dishwasher to leak water.
4. The dishwasher is unlevel
If your dishwasher is leaking water when it is running, it could be the result of it being unlevel. Using a leveling tool can help you to determine if this is the issue or not.
5. The dishwasher has been overfilled
When you fill your dishwasher with more dishes than the unit can handle, it can result in either an inefficient washing cycle or can even cause your dishwasher to leak water. This is because the dishes or utensils that are overfilled in the bottom of the unit can block the spray arm.
6. The float switch could be faulty
If you find that water is building up in the tub and leaking out of the door, you may need to check to see if your float switch is turning off the water as it should.
7. The pump seal could be loose
There are times that the dishwasher is leaking around the water pump. This is because of the pump seal that could be loose or damaged. This is also a fix that could be done by you or a repairman if necessary.
While this is not an exhaustive list, these are the most common problems that you may have if your dishwasher is leaking. The great thing about these issues is that they are typically easy to fix and in most cases, you can do them yourself.
How to Fix a Leaking Dishwasher
Figuring out how to fix a leaky dishwasher depends heavily on what is causing it to leak in the first place. In most cases, a leaky dishwasher can be fixed with just a few tools, some replacement parts, and instructions on how to repair it.
In easy cases such as using the wrong soap or overfilling the dishwasher, all that needs to be done is be a bit more careful about what you are doing.
This means using only soap that is made specifically for the dishwasher and ensuring that you are not putting too many dishes inside.
For other issues, you may have to make a trip to the local hardware store to pick up either a new gasket for the door, a pump seal, a new latch, and in worst-case scenarios, you may need a new pump.
The repairs will depend on your level of comfortability and skills with things that need to be fixed.
How Do I Know if the Dishwasher Pump is Bad?
Knowing whether your dishwasher pump is bad typically takes a bit more than just listening for the sound of it when the dishwasher is running. This is because when a pump is bad it will usually run, but will not drain the water in the dishwasher.
Of course, you should always check to see if something is blocking the path of the pump before you decide that it is broken. In some cases, food or other particles can get caught in the surroundings of the pump causing it not to drain the water inside.
Other signs indicate whether a drain pump on your dishwasher is bad or if the issue lies somewhere else. If your dishwasher is draining slow, giving you an error code, strange sounds coming from inside, or the water is pooled on the bottom of the tub, this could indicate that your pump may be damaged.
Keep in mind that a slow drain does not necessarily mean that your dishwasher pump is not working properly. Several other issues could cause the same issue. You should consult your owner’s manual to try various troubleshooting resolutions before calling someone to help.
Who Do I Call if My Dishwasher Is Leaking?
If you have run through your troubleshooting list in your manual, or the tips above but none of them apply to your situation, it may be time to call in professional help. This means that your dishwasher is having an issue that needs to be addressed by someone trained to repair it.
There are several options for you to choose from when it comes to dishwasher repair. The first thing you should do is determine whether or not your dishwasher still has a valid factory warranty. This could save you quite a bit of money if it is still active since some warranties will pay for the repair.
If your warranty states that you need to call on a professional and then file a claim, you may need to check around to see who does dishwasher repair that your warranty will cover. In many cases, this means that you should only have it fixed by a licensed plumber.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaking Dishwasher?
Depending on the reason your dishwasher is leaking, the cost to have it repaired can vary. This usually means that your cost could be anywhere from $50-$600 which is reliant on who you use to fix it and whether you are replacing a worn seal or the motor.
If you discover that one of the simpler fixes is all that is needed to stop your dishwasher from leaking, then the cost may be less than $100. Replacing the seal or door gasket can cost you around $50 depending on where you purchase the part.
When your dishwasher is leaking due to a faulty water pump, this could end up costing you between $100-$300. This again depends on whether you decide to replace it yourself or if you choose to call on a professional plumber.
Finally, if your unit is leaking because the motor is out, then this could cost more than $600, again depending on who does the repairs. It is important to note that you should use someone who is licensed in plumbing so that the work is done correctly.
How Long Should a Dishwasher Last?
When it comes to the life of a dishwasher, like many other appliances, they can last quite a long time if they are used properly. This means that if you take care to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual on the operation and maintenance of the dishwasher, it will most likely last for ten years or more.
Most manufacturers recommend that you should always ensure that you are using your appliance in the way that it was designed. If you purchase your dishwasher brand new, you will most likely have a warranty in place to take care of the small maintenance issues that come up from time to time.
Overall, understanding why your dishwasher is leaking can help you to decide as to whether you are capable of repairing it yourself or whether you need a professional to take a look. Keep in mind that professional repair typically costs more money, but it is always better to use on if you are in doubt.