If your dishwasher is leaking water through the front door, it’s crucial to find out why and fix it as soon as possible. A dishwasher that leaks can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time! This troubleshooting guide will outline some common causes of a dishwasher leaking through front door and how to diagnose and fix each one.
How to Troubleshoot a Dishwasher Leaking Through Front Door
Are you wondering, “How do I fix a leaking dishwasher door?” There are a few different reasons why your dishwasher may be leaking water through the front door. We’ll review some of the most common causes of a dishwasher leaking, and how to stop dishwasher from leaking successfully.
#1- Door Gasket Damaged
One of the most common causes of a dishwasher leaking through front door is a damaged or dirty door gasket. The door gasket is the rubber seal around the dishwasher door that helps keep water from leaking out.
If this gasket has an excess debris buildup, it can keep the door from sealing shut. If there is a lot of gunk on the door seal, use a wet cloth to remove any food particles, residue, or grime until the door can shut and seal to solve the leak.
If the door seal loosens, cracks, or tears, water can leak out the front door from these damaged areas. If your dishwasher is leaking due to a damaged door gasket, it must be replaced to stop the leak.
#2- Drain Clog in Dishwasher
If your dishwasher leaking through front door is occurring, it could be due to a clog in the dishwasher drain. Is there a smell coming from dishwasher, also? Over time, food particles and grease can build up in the dishwasher drain and cause a smelly clog. If there is standing water in the dishwasher or around the base of the dishwasher, this is likely the issue.
To clear a dishwasher drain clog:
- Unplug the power from the dishwasher and remove the bottom dishrack to locate the dishwasher drain.
- Remove the drain filter (make sure to consult your owner’s manual for proper removal)
- Rinse the filter under warm water, using a soft brush or cloth to remove debris.
- Inspect the drain inside the dishwasher’s filter compartment for clogs or buildup. Remove any visible blockages or grime.
- To clear deeper blockages, combine 1 Tbsp. baking soda and 2 Tbsps white vinegar in a cup, then pour it down the drain. After 10 minutes, flush with hot water.
- Reassemble the drain filter, replace the bottom rack, and plug the dishwasher back into its power source.
Run a test cycle to ensure the drain is clear and the dishwasher leaking from bottom of door has stopped.
#3- Blocked Air Gap
A blocked air gap is another common reason of a dishwasher leaking through front door. Your dishwasher and sink usually share a single drain. An air space also called an air gap, prevents any sink waste in the drain from back-flooding into the dishwasher and causing leaks from the sink. However, the air gap can become clogged over time, restricting water flow and causing a dishwasher leak.
To clear a blocked air gap:
- Locate your dishwasher’s air gap. It is usually located on the back of the sink or countertop, near where the dishwasher hose meets the sink drain.
- Remove any visible debris from around the air gap with a toothbrush or other small brush. If there is standing water in the dishwasher, this may be coming from a clog in the drain (outlined above).
- Detach the dishwasher hose from the air gap. Use a wet/dry vac to suction out any debris inside the dishwasher hose or the air gap. Rinse with hot water until clear.
- Reattach the dishwasher hose and run a test cycle. If the dishwasher leaking from bottom of door continues, you may need a professional dishwasher technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
If your dishwasher is still leaking or if a part needs to be repaired or replaced, make sure to call a professional at Dave Smith Appliance for dishwasher repair! We’re experts at dishwasher repair and can quickly fix any dishwasher issue you may be experiencing. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today!
