When Your Dishwasher Is Leaking And You Don't Know Why: Three Things To Check

Before you call a plumber regarding your leaky dishwasher, you should verify where the leak is coming from. Sometimes a leak is something so simple that you may be able to fix it yourself. If not, then the plumber definitely can. You should not assume that the leak you are experiencing with your dishwasher is a plumbing-related one, since there are other reasons and causes why a dishwasher will leak.

Open the Door and Check the Gaskets

Most dishwashers have rubber gaskets that form a tight seal with the doors when they closed. The gaskets are bands of rubber that run up the height of the dishwasher along the sides and top of the dishwasher and are positioned along the facing edge of the machine when the door is open. If any part of these is loose, the dishwasher will leak like a broken faucet and flood your kitchen. By pushing the gaskets back onto the frame and using a little plumbing caulk, you can stop the leak you are experiencing.

Pull the Dishwasher out from the Counter and Check the Hoses

If you can, pull the dishwasher out from the counter space where it is installed. Most built-in dishwashers are only wedged into their spaces and are not actually secured there, so this should be no problem. Check the hoses in the back for any leaks. If there are leaks it will be obvious because the hoses will continue to drip even with the dishwasher turned off. A leaky hose problem is a repair for your technician only, but knowing  what is wrong cuts down on the diagnostic time because you can point out the problem right away to the technician.

Check the Drain Inside

Most dishwashers drain out through a sieve opening in the bottom of the machine. The sieve-like screen catches large particles of food and other debris, but that is not to say that you could not get a blockage in the drain. Pieces of plastic wrap from cooking dishes and whatnot can block this off, as can large accumulations of food particles. Since the clog or blockage disallowed the machine to empty fully, all the dirty water would collect inside, get stuck, and then leak out of the machine via the open door or the bottom of the door. By checking and clearing the drain, your machine should now be able to drain completely and not leak. 

Call a plumber, like First Class Plumbing and Heating, for more help.

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