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Top 5 DIY Dishwasher Leak Reasons

The main reason for such a malfunction is always breakdown or wear of the following parts:

  • inlet valve;
  • water level sensors;
  • the seal of the drain or circulation pump, which has lost its elasticity;
  • door seal;
  • switch motor seal.

To eliminate a specific breakdown, a diagnostic examination of the unit is required to accurately determine the place and cause of the breakdown. Only after that it will be possible to understand which technological solution will help eliminate the identified problems.

Common breakdowns in dishwashers of different brands

On the market of large household appliances, a large number of modifications of dishwashers are presented, which differ in functionality, designs and design. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses. Below is an overview of the most common types of breakdowns in household appliances of popular brands.

Bosch dishwasher leakage reasons

Dishwashers of the German brand Bosch are very popular all over the world. It is distinguished by high build quality, reliability and durability of use. These machines are in the middle price segment and are in high demand all over the world. But even this technique can break down and requires regular maintenance.
The unit of this brand can leak even when it is not working. For this reason, it is difficult to establish the cause of the leak, since special equipment is required for diagnosis.
Also, in such brands, problems with the intake valve often become the cause of leakage. Leakage occurs when the water inlet valve becomes clogged with calcium deposits and gets stuck open.
When the inlet valve gets stuck in this position, water flowing into the dishwasher from the piping will flow uncontrollably, which causes leaks due to overflowing water.
Another common problem with this brand is dirty water getting into the machine from the drain through the drain hose. This is due to a breakdown in the check valve installed on the drain hose. Due to the breakage, the unit does not retain dirty water from the sink, as a result of which it enters the machine.


To fix such damage to the Bosch dishwasher, you will need to replace the inlet valve. It is difficult to clean such a part from calcium deposits; it is easier to replace the old part with a new one. To do this, you need to find a suitable part using the unit number.
Elimination of a breakdown of the check valve on the drain hose is carried out in the same way. Such a knot cannot be repaired. The drain hose with a non-return valve is replaced with a new one. You can purchase new original production parts in specialized company stores.
Another reason for the leakage of a machine of this brand in an idle state is a breakdown of the drain hose. It’s under the sink. This position allows water to return to the dishwasher. When a large volume of water accumulates inside the unit, a leak occurs. Such a breakdown can be corrected by changing the position of the hose. It must be placed above the level of the drain line, as indicated in the instructions for the dishwasher.

Leakage reasons for a Kitchenaid dishwasher

The Kitchenaid brand belongs to the American Whirlpool company. It is of American origin and has its origins in 1919, when Kitchenaid was founded. At first, the manufacturer was engaged in the production of household mixers, and then, after the end of the Second World War, in 1949 he switched to the production of dishwashing household appliances. Units of this American brand are distinguished by high reliability, power and high productivity.


Leaks in units of this brand can be caused by a breakdown of the circulation motor. Different parts can become unusable in the motor:

  • shaft seals;
  • set of impeller seals;
  • set of seals.

Leaks can be repaired by replacing the entire pump and motor in a Kitchenaid machine. But this is too costly to repair. To save money, you should first carry out diagnostics, establish the exact cause of the breakdown, and then replace the worn-out part. In this case, it is better to contact a specialist who will help you pinpoint the cause of the breakdown in the engine or pump.

Maytag Dishwasher Leakage Reasons

The American brand of household appliances Maytag is one of the most proven and popular in the world. The company was founded in 1893 by Frederic Meitag and began its work in the market as a manufacturer of agricultural equipment. The motor and expensive parts in this unit rarely break down. Most often, leaks in this brand of dishwashers occur at the bottom of the door. This is due to the fact that the seal on the unit doors becomes unusable. In addition, the cause of the leak may be the breakdown of parts located under the tank of a dishwasher of this brand:

  • pump for draining water;
  • a valve on the water inlet.

Water leaking through the door seal can also be caused by a worn latch gasket that covers the detergent dispenser. As a result of the wear of the gasket, a gap is formed under the latch, through which water flows out during the operation of the unit.


To eliminate leakage in Maytag dishwashers, formed at the bottom of the door, you need to check the strength and integrity of the door seal. There should be no deformations in it:

  • gaps;
  • cracks;
  • cracks;
  • cuts.

To check the integrity of the door seal, you can conduct a test: close the door on a paper bill. If the lock does not snap into place, then you will have to change the seal. After replacing the seal, the verification test must be repeated. If there is no damage to the seal, the door latches when closed and through the paper bill.

If a Whirlpool dishwasher is leaking

The Whirlpool brand has been successfully operating in the global household appliance market for over 100 years. The company was founded in 1911 in the USA and was able to grow from a small firm into the largest corporation engaged in the production of home appliances. This largest American manufacturer has moved its production cycles to different countries. In addition to various types of large household appliances, dishwashers are also assembled here. The assembly of such units is carried out in China at modern factories built by an American company.
These are high-quality and reliable household appliances that are designed for a long service life. Most often, they begin to leak from the bottom. The main cause of such a breakdown can be engine malfunction. But before making such a difficult diagnosis to this unit, it is worth checking the integrity of the switch seal.
These consumables partly wear out resulting in leakage from the bottom of the machine over the entire surface where the engine is installed. If the problem is not corrected, water can damage the engine. If it is difficult to check the seal yourself, then it is worth calling a master who will quickly fix the breakdown. Replacing the derailleur seal is less expensive than the costly engine repairs that can be flooded with leaking water.

Causes of a GE dishwasher leaking

The dishwashers of the American brand General Electric (Ge), created by Thomas Edison, are distinguished by a high quality motor. This corporation, engaged in the production of industrial and household electrical appliances, has production facilities all over the world. Dishwashers of this brand are assembled both in the United States and in China. The units of this brand are of high build quality, reliability and durability. They are more expensive than their European counterparts, so their repair is very expensive.


Such machines also break down and can leak. Leakage in them most often occurs from the bottom and is associated with engine breakdown. The leak is associated with a breakdown of the pump or the entire engine. The easiest way is to replace the entire unit: pump and motor. But this is an expensive repair, so you can first try to find the cause of the leak.
First of all, it is worth checking the integrity of the seal on the drain shaft. If the cause of the leak is related to the breakdown of the impeller and the seal in the dishwasher of this darkness, then only the impeller and the set of seals will have to be replaced without changing the drain pump. Such repairs are much cheaper.

The most common causes of dishwasher leaks

Dishwasher leaks can be caused by various reasons. Experts from a large list of reasons causing leaks in such units have compiled a list of the most common:

  • depressurization of the door;
  • loose or damaged valves;
  • damage and wear of the door seal.

Depressurization of the door occurs due to weakening or breakage of the latch, or due to wear of the seal. Such problems can be easily eliminated, including with your own hands. It is enough to replace worn-out elements in time and restore the tightness of the door.

Frequently asked questions about the operation of dishwashers

Dishwashers are quite new household equipment in the domestic market. Therefore, many owners have questions about the operation of such household appliances. The question is often asked whether overloading of dishwashers can cause a leak. The experts answer it positively. In this case, it is important to distinguish between full machine load and overload.
If the unit is overloaded, the water spray function is blocked, with the help of which water is diverted from the bottom of the unit reservoir. This results in excess water splashing out under the door.
To eliminate this problem, you should reduce the amount of dishes loaded. In order for the machine to work for a long time and without breakdowns, and water does not leak during the working cycle, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when loading the unit. It should be remembered that overloading the unit will reduce the performance of the dishwashers. The dishes will have to be washed, so do not save time and load all the dirty kitchen utensils into the dishwasher. It is best to always adhere to the instructions for use of such a unit.
Another popular question among dishwasher owners is the question of installation. Many are interested in whether household appliances will leak if they stand on an uneven surface.
Experts give a positive answer to this question. An uneven setting will cause the dishwasher to leak. The level of the floor affects the position of the water in the sump and facilitates the flow of water during the operation of the unit. An increased water level in the sump is caused by an uneven surface, which creates an unstable position of the unit. Due to the increased water level in the sump, it creates a situation in which liquid accumulates in the unit, and then flows out when the door is opened.
Such a malfunction should be eliminated as early as possible, because the master does not have to pay for it. To avoid problems with incorrect installation, you should call specialists to connect such units. You can quickly understand that the car is not standing correctly. If the equipment is swinging, it means that it is standing on an uneven surface. In such a situation, it will be necessary to adjust the position of the unit. To do this, twist the adjustable feet, which will help the machine to take a level position on the floor. The height-adjustable feet can raise or lower these appliances. To properly install it when adjusting, you will need to use a building level.


By carrying out a professional installation and connection of such household appliances, leaks can be eliminated. It should also be remembered that the loading of the unit must be carried out in accordance with the attached instructions, avoiding overloading the machine.
It is necessary to regularly carry out maintenance and replacement of consumables – seals installed in different units of such a unit. Replacing worn seals regularly will help you avoid costly repairs.

Dishwasher Leak Repair Cost

The price of work related to the elimination of leaks in dishwashers directly depends on the reasons for such a breakdown, the cost of the unit itself, the brand and country of the manufacturer. For repairs, it is better to use original spare parts, which are higher for American models presented in premium and middle price segments than for European-made dishwashers.
The cost difference between repairing different models and brands can be significant and can go up to $ 600 when it comes to replacing engines and pumps for such household equipment.
It should also be borne in mind that the price of a part does not mean the cost of repair work. To install an engine or pump, you will need to invite a specialist, whose work must also be paid.
On your own, you can replace the door seal, or balance the legs of the dishwasher. To replace the motor and pump, call a specialist from the service department at home. The cost of the services of the master costs 150-350 dollars, depending on the brand of the dishwasher.

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