5 Causes for Why Your Dishwasher is Leaking from the Bottom

Dishwashers have become an essential appliance for most homes, offering a convenient way to do the dishes. Especially if you’re busy or have a large household, a dishwasher saves you time and energy.

That explains why a damaged or poorly working machine can be such a hassle. Thankfully, there are ways to troubleshoot the problem.

If your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom, explore this article to help diagnose the issue:

Cause 1: Faulty Gasket

A faulty gasket is one of the leading causes of a dishwasher dripping from the bottom. It’s located along the perimeter of the door and should produce a watertight seal when the door is closed.

If the gasket becomes defective, dirty, or loose, it won’t seal properly. This could cause water to escape your appliance door during rinse cycles.

What to do: We recommend checking the gasket for any deficiencies. This can be done by opening the appliance door and looking for any cracks, holes, or dirt.

You’ll have to replace the gasket if it’s damaged or loose. If it’s just dirty, you can clean it with a cloth.

Cause 2: Broken Water Pump System

A leaky dishwasher may be a sign that your water pump system is broken. It’s responsible for two things: carrying water to the wash cycle and releasing water out of the drain.

If your water pump system is acting up, this could explain why there’s water buildup at the bottom of your appliance.

This system consists of hoses and clamps that bring and drain water from the dishwasher. If those get damaged, your appliance will leak water down the sides and out of the bottom.

What to do: If your water pump system is broken, it can be repaired or replaced. Remember that the repair price should be less than 50% of what it would cost to replace the appliance. If it’s more than that, consider switching the drain pipe on your dishwasher. We recommend calling a professional for expert guidance.

Cause 3: Clogged Filter

A clogged filter can also be the cause of a leaky dishwasher. The filter’s purpose is to trap food particles before the drain catches them.

But if the filter is too full, water will overflow and start coming out from the bottom of your machine.

What to do: A good rule of thumb is to clean your filter frequently. Most can last up to five years with regular cleaning.

Cause 4: Damaged Water Inlet Valve

Make sure to check the valve that lets water into the chamber of your appliance for any problems.

It can be found on the water inlet hose in the back of the dishwasher. Your dishes will also not get properly cleaned if the broken valve is not addressed. If you hear running sounds when the dishwasher is running, it may be a sign that there is a bigger problem at hand.

What to do: The water inlet valve must be replaced by a professional if it’s leaking. The leak will get worse if it’s not fixed in a timely manner.

Cause 5: Defective Float Switch

Dishwashers come with a float and float switch to control water levels during the wash and rinse cycles. For instance, the float moves with the rising water when your machine is in use. And when the water reaches a certain level, the float switch turns the water off. But if the switch becomes damaged, the water will rise too high and create a pool of water under your dishwasher.

What to do: If you suspect the problem could be this device, call a professional.

FAQs about Leaking Dishwashers

What’s the cause of my leaky dishwasher?

Your dishwasher may malfunction for different reasons. For example, the source of the leak could be the result of a defective water pump system, a faulty gasket, or something else. Fortunately, our service professionals can troubleshoot and fix the issue.

How do I fix my dishwasher leaking from the bottom?

How to go about fixing your dishwasher will depend on what’s wrong with it (clogged filter, damaged water inlet valve, or other cause listed above). We encourage you to call your local Mr. Appliance so we can help return your appliance to its like-new condition.

What is the leading cause of a leaky dishwasher?

A faulty gasket is one of the leading causes of a leaky appliance. It is found along the edge of your machine’s door to create a watertight seal when the door is shut. If there’s dirt buildup, you can simply clean it. But if it’s loose or damaged, it’s time for a replacement.

Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom right corner?

A worn door seal, or gasket, is usually the primary reason your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom right corner of the appliance door. Seals get squeezed over time to the point that they can no longer seal properly. This causes food particles and other debris to get stuck between the dishwasher door and the seal. It’s important to replace the seal to combat the problem.

Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom left corner of my appliance door?

This type of leak is usually a sign that your gasket is worn out. We recommend calling your local Mr. Appliance to replace your dishwasher gasket.

What should I do if there’s water at the bottom of my dishwasher when not in use?

A clogged drain is typically the cause if there’s a pool of water at the bottom of your dishwasher. Food scraps, soap scum, and other grime can cause clogs that prevent water from draining properly. Check the dishwasher drain to check for any stuck debris and remove any dirt.

Our Professional Dishwasher Repair Service

Our expert technicians are ready to handle all of your dishwasher repair needs. We work to identify why your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom and customize our solutions to fix the problem.

We also offer routine dishwasher upkeep to extend the service life of your appliance. Learn about our dishwasher repair and maintenance services.