Though your dishwasher is supposed to make life easier, leaks and puddles certainly make for some difficult moments. Why is my Whirlpool dishwasher leaking water? A damaged door gasket won’t create a watertight seal, resulting in leaks during wash cycles. Try these DIY tips to diagnose the problem when your Whirlpool dishwasher leaks water.
Why Is My Whirlpool Dishwasher Leaking Water?
When puddles of water are everywhere it can be hard to pinpoint the source of a leak. We’ll narrow down the most common reasons for a Whirlpool dishwasher leaking water and specify the right fix.
1. Defective Water Inlet Valve
If you find your Whirlpool dishwasher leaking from bottom it could indicate a defective water inlet valve. The valve uses a solenoid to open and close, allowing water to flow from your home supply to the dishwasher during wash cycles. Over time, the inlet valve can become corroded, clogged, or worn out so that it no longer functions properly.
How can you tell if your Whirlpool dishwasher water inlet valve is defective? Open the door while the dishwasher is filling. If it continues to fill even if the door is open, the water inlet valve is likely defective and requires professional replacement.
2. Dishwasher Door Gasket Damaged
A damaged door gasket is a common source of dishwasher leaks. This rubber seal around the dishwasher’s door creates a watertight closure when the door is closed, preventing leaks. However, food particles, mildew, cracks, and gaps can all interfere with the gasket’s closure, resulting in door leaks.
A Whirlpool dishwasher door seal that has loosened or cracked can’t be repaired and must be replaced. However, if the seal is dirty, cleaning it with a damp cloth can restore function. If you notice that your dishwasher leaves dishes dirty we suggest cleaning the tub, filter, and spray arms as well to improve performance.
3. Problem With Dishwasher Spray Arm
Cracks or holes in either of the dishwasher’s spray arms can cause water to spray out of them forcefully in many directions. This spray can result in a Whirlpool dishwasher leaking water from the bottom of the door. If the screws in the spray arm support are loose, it can also cause water to spray out in waves that cause leaks.
To assess the spray arms, remove each arm and inspect it for holes or cracks. If there’s any visible damage, the spray arm requires replacement. However, if the spray arms aren’t damaged, replace both arms and make sure the screws in the support are secure. If necessary, use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws.
4. Dishwasher Detergent Issue
While detergent is essential to a dishwasher’s performance, improper use can result in leaks.
The following detergent issues can result in a Whirlpool dishwasher leaking water:
- Using a poor quality detergent: A low quality or expired detergent can lead to malfunctions that may cause leaks. Refer to your user manual to determine the recommended brand of detergent for your model dishwasher.
- Too much detergent: Adding too much detergent can cause an excess of suds that push water out of the dishwasher, resulting in leaks. Always refer to the package instructions when adding detergent and measure liquids and powders accurately.
- Adding anything other than detergent: Adding dish soap or other cleaning solutions to the detergent dispenser will also result in excessive suds. In a worst case scenario, it can cause part malfunctions that require a professional dishwasher repair service. To avoid these outcomes, refrain from adding anything other than dishwasher detergent to the dispenser.
The team at Sharper Service Solutions can help when your dishwasher won’t start or suffers from leaks. Schedule your expert repair today!
