Among all appliances in the kitchen, the dishwasher is notorious for requiring more repairs. It damages frequently and paying for its repair can set you back. It’s no wonder a leaking dishwasher is a terrifying sight for homeowners. Dish washer leaks can lead to mold and parts of your kitchen may need to be restored if a leak occurs. Here are some common causes of dishwasher leaks and how to tackle or prevent them from happening.
1. Loose Dishwasher Door Gasket
The dishwasher door gasket is a runner material that is designed to create an airtight seal to prevent leakages. As time goes on, the airtight seal can become brittle and dry out, allowing moisture to seep out of the dishwasher.
2. Clogged Filters
The dishwasher filter, located beneath the dishwasher, prevents bits of food from landing on newly washed dishes. It also prevents it from clogging the drain. If your filter is clogged with debris and other food materials, the wastewater from washing will leak out instead of going down the drain.
3. Using the Wrong Detergent
Yes, you read that right, using the wrong detergent can clog your dishwasher. If you have ever replaced the dishwasher-specific powder or liquid for a traditional dish soap, then you understand the implications.
4. Wrong alignment
Leveling your dishwasher is as important as following the manufacturer’s operating manual. Alignment issues can cause leaks as the wastewater may pour out of the machine instead of flowing into the drain.
5. Faulty Drain Hose
A faulty drain hose is yet another cause of dishwasher leaks. The hose removes water from the dishwasher to the drain, but if it gets damaged, the water could spill out. You can check the state of your drain hose by removing the kickplate with the dishwasher and looking for any leaks.
How to solve dishwasher leaks
Now that you know why your dishwasher leaks, here are simple ways to solve the leakages:
Replace the gasket seals
If your dishwasher leakage is due to the gasket seal, you can replace the seals or clean the existing gasket to get rid of dried-on food or debris.
Clean clogged filters
If your dishwasher filter is clogged, rinse it with water to get rid of soli deposits. You can also use a soft brush and dish soap to remove calcium deposits and other hard food deposits
Get the right detergent
Read your dishwasher label to know the appropriate detergent to use.
Realign the dishwasher legs
Align your dishwasher properly and ensure it does not slant to any of its sides. You can adjust the fore or rear legs to make sure it’s properly aligned.
Repair faulty hose
If you find signs of a damaged hose, such as cracking or splitting, replace the hose entirely. However, if you don’t, fasten or tighten the hose tightly to prevent water leaks.
Mold Cleanup and Restoration Services
When your kitchen leaks, Moldguys Restoration can help restore the area and remediate any mold that has grown. Contact us today to get started!
