Tuesday, April 15, 2014

What Happens If My Dishwasher Is Not Level

A dishwasher that is not level is prone to leaking.


A dishwasher is designed to function when it's installed so that it sits perfectly level on the floor of your kitchen. If the appliance is only slightly unbalanced, it may continue to work, but when it's drastically off-center, you will likely encounter one or more problems relating to its performance.


Fitting


If the dishwasher is extremely unlevel when you are trying to install it, it might not fit in the designated space under the kitchen counter. Many dishwashers fit snugly and with little room to spare into this space, which is square with vertical sides. If the dishwasher is not sitting vertically, one of its sides will bang against the side of the hole and the appliance will not fit.


Gaskets


When a dishwasher does not sit level during operation, the water inside it will pool in an area that the manufacturer did not intend. Typically, the water will pool in one corner of the dishwasher; if the water pools in one of the front corners against the door, it can weaken the door gasket over time. The continuous pressure against the gasket from the water can result in the water leaking out onto the floor.


Drainage


When a dishwasher is sitting level, it will drain completely between cycles. When it's not level, some of the water will not be able to run into the drain, which will result in excess water staying in the appliance. Over time, this water can begin to smell poorly, and the smell can escape into your kitchen when you open the dishwasher door. If the water pool is high enough, it can also leak every time you open the door.


Leveling


To avoid the problems associated with a non-level dishwasher, it is imperative that you ensure it's level before you begin to use it. When you install it, push back and forth on the appliance to see if it rocks slightly. Rocking is a sign that it's not level. Have a strong assistant lift the dishwasher up on two feet while you adjust the feet beneath it. Most appliances have adjustable feet that lengthen and shorten by turning them. When finished, place a level across the top of the dishwasher to determine if it's level.



Related posts



    A Whirlpool GU1200 under counter dishwasher connects at three points in the kitchen, including the power cord, water-supply hose and drain hose. Each of these must be disconnected in a specific se...
    The General Electric Co., headquartered in Fairfield, Conn., produces consumer and commercial solutions and technologies. It produced the GE Nautilus series of built-in and portable dishwashers. T...
    Investigate the reason for your dishwasher's odor.Smelly odors aren't the most appetizing addition to your kitchen. Your new Maytag dishwasher could be producing a smelly odor for a variety of rea...
    Check the settings on your dishwasher.Under normal circumstances, you should not have to reboot your Bosch dishwasher. You should be able simply to load the unit, set the wash cycle and wait for y...
    Repair a Leaky DishwasherService repairs for dishwashers can cost more than a hundred dollars. Problems such as leaky dishwashers can be fixed at home with some minor repairs and parts. Make sure...