Quick answer
Find where the water appears. A leak at the door is usually a worn gasket or a door that does not latch. A leak from underneath is usually the inlet valve, a hose clamp, the pump seal or a cracked tub. Turn off the dishwasher and the water supply, then call. Appliance Repair Philly repairs dishwashers across Philadelphia, and the diagnostic is $60 flat, credited toward the repair.
Stop the leak first
- Turn off the breaker for the dishwasher, or unplug it.
- Shut the water supply valve under the sink.
- Mop up. Standing water can damage the floor, the cabinet and the subfloor, and it can cause mold.
- Do not run another cycle until the leak is found.
Find the source
| Where | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Around the door | Cracked or dirty door gasket, door not latching, overloaded racks | Clean or replace the gasket, adjust the latch |
| Front bottom, under the door | Bad door gasket, tub edge, sudsing | Replace the gasket, use the right detergent |
| Under the dishwasher, front | Inlet valve, water line connection | Replace the valve or fitting |
| Under the dishwasher, back | Drain hose, pump seal, circulation pump | Replace the hose or pump |
| Under the sink | Supply line, drain hose clamp, disposal connection | Tighten or replace |
| Inside the cabinet, from the top | Cracked spray arm hub, a bad float | Replace the part |
| Floor wet only after a cycle | Tub crack or rusted seam | Replace the dishwasher |
Common reasons that cost almost nothing
- Wrong detergent. Hand dish soap makes foam that pushes out the door. Use dishwasher detergent only.
- Blocked spray arm. A large item in the way deflects water against the door.
- Door not latching. Dishes, a utensil or a handle can stop the latch from catching.
- Dirty gasket. Food on the rubber lets water through. Wipe it down.
- Unlevel unit. The tub should sit level so water does not run to one side.
Parts that need a technician
Inlet valve, pump and motor seals, the sump, the drain hose and the tub itself. Water that drips from the underside is not something to tolerate. A slow leak rots the cabinet floor and can ruin the subfloor.
Repair or replace
A gasket, valve, hose, clamp or pump seal is a good repair. A rusted or cracked tub is a replacement. Dishwashers last about 9 to 12 years. See the cost guide.
What it costs
| Fault | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Door gasket or latch | $130 to $250 |
| Inlet valve, hose or clamp | $140 to $260 |
| Pump or pump seal | $180 to $350 |
| Cracked tub | Replace the dishwasher |
How it works
- Call or send the brand, model and where the water appears.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule. Tell us if it is an active leak.
- Diagnosis and a clear price. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
More on the whole appliance: dishwasher repair. Related: dishwasher not draining. We come to Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
FAQ
Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom?
The inlet valve, a hose, the pump seal or a cracked tub.
Why is my dishwasher leaking from the door?
A worn or dirty door gasket, a door that does not latch, or too much suds.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking dishwasher?
Most repairs are $130 to $350. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Is a leaking dishwasher dangerous?
Water and electricity do not mix. Turn off the power, and stop the leak quickly to avoid floor damage.
Can I keep using a dishwasher that leaks a little?
No. Small leaks damage the cabinet and floor, and they usually get worse.