Leaky dishwashers can flood your kitchen quickly.
Dishwashers make your life easier when they work properly but give you headaches when they don't. If your dishwasher has developed a leak, a few things may be to blame. Checking your gasket, the unit's balance, the hoses and fittings that handle water and which detergent you use may isolate the problem. If you still cannot identify the issue after checking these things, call in a warranty repair if your unit is still covered. If not, call a good plumber.
Gasket Problems
Dishwashers that don't leak have clean gaskets that seal properly. If your dishwasher is leaking, a gasket that is dirty or disintegrating from old age is the most likely problem. Examine the gasket around the door of your dishwasher for obvious problems, such as cracks or loosening from its proper place. If it is cracked or damaged in any way, contact the manufacturer for a replacement. If you have a newer dishwasher, check your warranty to see if your machine is still covered before contacting the manufacturer. Cleaning your gasket with a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser may help, if you cannot identify any damage or other signs that your gasket is compromised.
Unbalanced Unit
A dishwasher is made to perform certain functions, but its ability to do so is jeopardized if it is out of balance. Your floor may not be exactly level if you use a leveling sight glass to check it, but that does not mean your dishwasher is doomed. Modern dishwashers have individually adjustable front feet, so that you can dial in the correct balance for your installation. Check it with a level placed on the door to make sure your dishwasher and gravity are in alignment. That way, water will only go where it is designed to move, within the unit -- instead of outside, all over your floor.
Lines and Fittings
Your dishwasher is connected to electricity, your hot water supply and your drain. Electricity is connected through wires and conduit, but your water supply and drainage are connected through hoses and pipe fittings that attach to the dishwasher. If your hoses or pipe fittings should leak or fail entirely, you may see water start to come from underneath the dishwasher. It may have hoses that connect in front, behind a panel underneath the door. However, depending on how your supply and drainage hoses are routed through the cabinetry to get to the water supply and drain, you may have a lot of hoses and multiple fittings to diagnose. If you are involved in the installation of a dishwasher, use plumber's tape on the threads when connecting hoses to fittings to prevent leaks.
Improper Detergent Use
Automatic dishwasher detergent is specifically formulated for use with dishwashers. The bottle of dish soap you keep next to your sink is good for washing dishes by hand but is not meant for dishwasher use. It creates more suds than automatic dishwasher detergents, resulting in leaks and a foamy mess all over your kitchen floor. Always check that the package on any detergent you buy says that it is formulated for automatic dishwasher use.
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