Dishwasher: Why is my dishwasher leaking?

Replace the door seal, or tub gasket, if you find water leaking from the opening to the tub. Water usually leaks from the lower sides of the dishwasher door when the tub gasket is leaking. The tub gasket can be damaged or worn out and is usually visibly damaged if it needs to be replaced.

Replace the drain line--also called the drain hose--if it develops a hole or tear. Holes in the drain hose cause the dishwasher to leak, especially when the dishwasher is draining.

Replace the dishwasher heating element if it's visibly broken or not heating properly. If the heating element isn't visibly broke, check for a wiring failure, control failure or a blown fuse in the heating circuit before replacing the heating element--those issues could also be responsible for the heating element not working properly. You’ll also need to replace the heating element if broken element water seals allow water to leak through the bottom of the tub.

Several situations can require the replacing the circulation pump and motor assembly in a dishwasher. If the motor on the circulation pump fails, then the dishwasher pump won't run at all. Sometimes the motor runs but doesn't generate water pressure through the spray arms, because the damaged impeller or pump housing is damaged. The pump housing and/or the seals could also deteriorate or become damaged, causing the dishwasher to leak. Problems inside the pump and motor assembly can create abnormal noises in the dishwasher. In all these situations, the pump and motor usually must be replaced.

The water inlet assembly is an apparatus that is mounted to the side of the dishwasher tub near the water inlet valve. It receives water from the water inlet valve and directs it into the dishwasher tub through a vented opening. If the vent or the connecting hose is clogged, then the inlet assembly will need to be repaired or replaced.

The dishwasher door hinge is attached to a spring. It pivots on a pin to allow the door to open and close in a controlled manner. If the door hinge is damaged, it won't allow the door to open and close properly. In that situation, replace the door hinge.