Where do dishwasher leaks come from?
Where the water appears tells you a lot. Water at the front edge of the door usually comes from the door seal, foam or a dishwasher that tilts forward. Water underneath or behind the machine usually comes from a hose, the pump or the sump. Many dishwashers also have an anti-flood tray underneath that stops the machine when water collects there.
Common causes
These are the usual causes, starting with the ones you can check yourself.
At a glance
| Cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|
| A worn or dirty door seal | You can check this |
| The wrong detergent or too much of it | You can check this |
| The dishwasher is not level | You can check this |
| A loose inlet or drain hose | You can check this |
| A cracked sump or leaking pump seal | Technician |
| A faulty inlet valve | Technician |
- 1
A worn or dirty door seal
You can check thisFood and grease on the seal stop it sealing, and an old seal can tear or harden. Clean it first. A damaged seal needs replacing.
- 2
The wrong detergent or too much of it
You can check thisHand washing-up liquid or too much powder makes foam that pushes out under the door. Use only dishwasher detergent in the right amount.
- 3
The dishwasher is not level
You can check thisIf the dishwasher tilts forward, water can run out under the door. Check it with a level and adjust the feet.
- 4
A loose inlet or drain hose
You can check thisThe hose connections behind the machine can work loose or crack. A drip at the tap or the drain point is a sign.
- 5
A cracked sump or leaking pump seal
TechnicianWater from underneath the middle of the machine often comes from the sump or a pump seal. The dishwasher has to be pulled out and opened up.
- 6
A faulty inlet valve
TechnicianA valve that does not close properly can overfill the dishwasher until water escapes.
What you can safely check yourself
- Clean the door sealWipe the seal and the door edge with warm soapy water and look for tears.
- Check the detergentUse only dishwasher detergent and the amount the manual shows.
- Check it is levelPut a level on the open door and adjust the feet if it tilts.
- Check the hosesWith the power off, check the inlet and drain hose connections for drips and tighten loose clips.
- Clean the filterA blocked filter can make water back up and spill. Clean it under the tap.
When to stop and call a technician
Water is coming from underneath the machine, the anti-flood error shows, the floor stays wet after these checks, or water is near a plug or wiring. Switch off the power at the plug or isolator and close the water tap before you pull the dishwasher out.
Still having trouble with your dishwasher?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses it
- Find the sourceThe technician runs a cycle with the kick plate off to see exactly where the water comes from.
- Seal and hose checkThe door seal, inlet hose, drain hose and internal hoses are checked.
- Pump and sump checkThe pump seal, sump and inlet valve are checked for cracks and leaks.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.
Is it worth repairing?
Usually worth repairing when
- The leak is a seal, hose or inlet valve
- The dishwasher cleans and dries well otherwise
- The tub and door are in good condition
Consider replacing when
- The tub is cracked or rusted through
- The pump, sump and control board have all failed
- Parts for the model are no longer available