Like any appliance in your home, your dishwasher will eventually wear out over time and need to be repaired or replaced. As your dishwasher begins to show its age, dishwasher leaks can and do occur.
Dealing with dishwasher leaks can be messy and frustrating and cause significant water damage in Springfield Missouri if a leak isn’t addressed quickly.
But in many cases, dishwasher leaks can be fixed easily and some types of leaks can be prevented with proper maintenance.
Causes of a Leaky Dishwasher
There are numerous ways for your dishwasher to start leaking. The most common causes include a loose door seal, broken drain hose, clogs, a damaged tub or spray arm, or a faulty water inlet valve.
Your dishwasher can also start leaking if it isn’t aligned properly and water can’t flow into the drain at the end of a wash cycle. Clogging can happen when too much food ends up in the dishwasher and blocks the drainage.
Determining where the dishwasher is leaking from is the first step in figuring out how to repair it and stop future leaks.
How to Tell if There’s a Leak
Sometimes it can be a little difficult to determine if your dishwasher is actually leaking. A small amount of water pooling around the floor isn’t the only sign and sometimes hard to distinguish from water on plates spilling off when you’re unloading the dishwasher.
Other signs can be dampness inside the dishwasher, frequent water spots on dishes, and mold or mildew in and around the dishwasher. Any of these signs mean your dishwasher should be inspected to find out where water is leaking.
Preventing Dishwasher Leaks
It’s possible to prevent your dishwasher from leaking. Avoid overloading it, and make sure the dishes are arranged properly before running it. Check that the detergent is the right kind.
If your dishwasher leaks around the door, the seal is loose. If your dishwasher is not leveled and it’s causing leaks, there are leveling kits available.
If your dishwasher is leaking through the door, replacing the gasket may be necessary. The manual should have instructions on how to do this.
If the drain hose is cracked or damaged, replace it with a new one. It is a good idea to replace the hose every five years to prevent future leaks.
If there are still issues, your drain pump may need to be replaced. If the filter isn’t cleaned and is clogged, the water can’t drain and will cause water to sit inside the dishwasher. This can damage the drain pump or cause water to leak out the front.
Dealing With Dirt
A dirty dishwasher will cause leaking. As the dishwasher becomes clogged due to food, grease, and debris, it’ll end up causing water to back up and leak.
Cleaning can be done by running the dishwasher empty on the hottest setting. Use a cleaning tablet and run it a second time. A deep clean with vinegar and water in the detergent dispenser can help clean it as well. Cleaning your dishwasher should be done regularly to help prevent buildup that could cause leaks.
Dishwasher leaks can be problematic and cause significant water damage if they go undetected for a long period of time. The key is to fix them as soon as they’re noticed to prevent water damage in your home.
If your home ever experiences water damage from a dishwasher leak, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration. We’ll do the water damage restoration work in a quick and professional manner.