How fix leaking dishwasher?

How fix leaking dishwasher?

When does it leak? Immediately, in wash or rinse cycles?

Has it leaked since installation?

Was it moved recently?

When you first turn a dishwasher on, it pumps itself out to remove any water that has dripped off of the dishes just put in. When it washes, it fills up to just below the door then recycles that water (nice thought) and sprays it around before pumping all of it out. Rinse is with fresh water that is used and pumped out.

There should be a 'panel' below the door on the front that can be removed with 2 screws (or so). Remove that panel to see underneath with a flashlight. You can cover the kitchen floor with newspaper to better locate drips.

You can open the dishwasher and pour water in the bottom to see if it leaks. Fill it up until almost the bottom of the door, wait a few minutes.

If it leaks, look underneath for the source. Could be a hose that a rodent has eaten or has cracked from age. Or it could be the 'tub' itself or the pump housing. Note: water can run down a part and then drip. It may not be the part you replace but the seal between that part and another part. Sorry, you just have to look. Sometimes you can tape toilet paper to a part to see if water is running down it. There is not much room under there.

If it does not leak there, close door and just turn unit on. Unit should pump water into disposal and/or sink. Turn unit off and check for leaks.

If it leaks under dishwasher, look for cracked housing around water pump or bad hose.

If it leaks near sink, check hose and connection to disposal/sink.

If no leaks so far. Pull dishwasher out about 2" from cabinets. Run dishwasher. After first full wash cycle, wipe gasket (working from top down) with toilet paper, paper towel or newspaper. Press hard enough to touch ,but not move, gasket. Check for water on paper every few inches. If paper is wet, (I usually mark the spot with masking tape). Turn unit off, open door and inspect gasket from there up (water runs down hill). Gasket will probably need to be replaced although some repairs are possible.

If it leaks when off, problem is probably near where water enters. *this is very bad*. Please consider replacing water hoses and/or dishwasher. I would replace unit, not worth the risk.

Note: If you pull the dishwasher all the way out, the drain hose *must* be put back on the top of the unit or water from sink will get in and it will smell bad, bad, bad and will not drain properly. See your installation instructions for details.

In a pinch, you can take the unit outside (turn off water supply first), connect a garden hose (you may need an adapter) and run it in the yard to look for leaks. You will need an extension cord (16/3 in the US - smaller numbers are better - I use 12/3) that is as short as possible (25 foot or less - no exceptions). Do not use 'temp boost' or allow it to stay in dry cycle for more than a few minutes. You can prop the dishwasher up on wood or cinder blocks and get a good look underneath (be sure it is safe before sticking your head under there - run it once to make sure vibration will not make it fall). Remember the unit is *not* rain proof.

Personally, I would lean toward damaged hose or damaged gasket rubber usually gets eaten, cut or bent.