Why Is My Dishwasher Leaking From Underneath? Troubleshooting and How to Fix It

1. Damaged Door Gasket

A frequent culprit behind leaks at the base of a dishwasher is a worn or faulty door seal. This flexible strip lines the inside edge of the door, forming a barrier that keeps water contained during operation. With age and regular use, the seal can become brittle, split, or otherwise deteriorate, allowing water to escape in a way that appears to originate from beneath the appliance.

How to Fix It

The most effective fix is to install a new door seal. You can order a replacement directly from the dishwasher’s manufacturer, pull out the worn seal, and press the new one into the groove. This simple task can be done at home without any specialized equipment.

2. Leaking Supply Line

Another frequent cause of water pooling beneath a dishwasher is a faulty supply hose. This hose delivers water from the plumbing behind the wall to the appliance’s base. If its internal seal is damaged or the connection is loose, water can seep out and collect under the unit.

How to Fix It

Take off the dishwasher’s lower front panel to access the water supply hose. You’ll find it attached to a brass elbow fitting connected to the inlet valve. After shutting off the water, disconnect the old hose, replace it with a new one, and make sure the threads align correctly before securing the connections firmly.

3. Damaged Inlet Valve

The plastic inlet valve, where the supply hose attaches, is another frequent trouble spot—particularly if the connection has been misaligned during installation. Leaks can develop at either end when the internal seals become brittle or crack due to age or temperature fluctuations.

How to Fix It

Get a replacement inlet valve from the manufacturer of your dishwasher. Turn off the water supply, then detach both the supply hose and the old valve. Fit the new valve in place, ensuring all fittings are snug and properly aligned to prevent cross-threading.

4. Loose Hose Clamp on the Drain Line

The drain hose carries wastewater from the base of the dishwasher to a drain pipe, often located beneath the kitchen sink. If the hose clamps securing it wear out or break, water may escape and end up pooling beneath the appliance.

How to Fix It

Turn off the dishwasher, remove the existing drain hose, and replace it with a new one secured by fresh hose clamps.

5. Faulty Float Switch

Inside the dishwasher is a float switch that controls the water level during operation. If this component malfunctions, the appliance may take in too much water, causing it to overflow and leak from underneath.

How to Fix It

Replacing a malfunctioning float switch is the only reliable solution. Although these parts are reasonably priced, installation involves electrical wiring, so hiring an SD Appliance Repair technician is recommended. To check the switch, lift the float located at the bottom of the dishwasher; if no clicking sound occurs, the switch is not activating and likely needs to be replaced.

When to Call a Pro

Since dishwashers operate with water and electricity, certain repairs can pose safety risks. If your problem requires fixing plumbing or electrical parts, it’s safer to rely on a skilled SD Appliance Repair professional unless you’re confident handling such work. Additionally, errors may cause persistent water leaks, potentially resulting in costly damage. For anything beyond basic tasks—such as changing a door seal—engaging a local dishwasher repair expert is often the best investment.