Leaky Dishwasher And Water Flow Problems
It’s hard to go back to hand washing dishes when you’re used to using a dishwasher. So when your dishwasher stops working, you’re going to notice immediately. You can always call in a professional plumbing expert like A-Abel to get the job done right. But there are a few DIY solutions that you can tackle as a homeowner.
Finding The Source Of Your Leaky Dishwasher
Obviously, you shouldn’t be experiencing a leaky dishwasher. Leaks can develop if parts of your dishwasher malfunction or become damaged. Older leaky dishwashers may leak due to parts that might be failing due to wear and tear from age.
If you see pooling water or signs of outside water spray around your dishwasher, it may be coming from:
- Around the door: Your dishwasher door is lined with a rubber gasket (like your fridge door). If the gasket gets torn or develops a crack from brittleness associated with age, this could be the source of your leaky dishwasher
- At the water source: Typically, a hose or pipe brings water from your household plumbing to your dishwasher. If the connection between the two is faulty, water can leak out.
- Under the dishwasher: A leak can occur at the water inlet, the drain, or the seal around the pump. These leaks usually arise because of loose or faulty hose clamps, cracked gaskets, or a broken pump.
Fixing Your Leaky Dishwasher
Clear out the area under your kitchen sink and remove the front kick plate of your dishwasher. Use a flashlight to locate the source of the water. If your leaky dishwasher isn’t mounted, you may be able to push the dishwasher away from the wall to get a better look at the problem. If you decide to move your dishwasher, be careful not to snag or break any hoses doing so.
Hopefully your leaky dishwasher is just because of a loose connection – which is an easy, quick fix. If the problem is because of a faulty gasket or pump, you’ll need to check your dishwasher manufacturer’s website for information on replacement parts and DIY repairs. The instructions may be simple, but not always. If you’re struggling to find the source of your dishwasher leak or having trouble installing replacement parts, don’t hesitate to contact your local plumber.
