Reasons Why Your Dishwasher is Leaking or Overflowing

open dishwasher after a cycleFinding a puddle of water or suds on your kitchen floor is never ideal. Since clean-up is tedious and water damage to your floor can become expensive, it’s important to schedule a repair or dishwasher installation in Maryland as soon as possible. In the meantime, the following causes below can help you better understand why your dishwasher may be malfunctioning.

A Worn Door Gasket
The door of your dishwasher has a rubber seal around it that prevents water from escaping. If it is worn down or damaged, water can leak from the dishwasher. To prevent further leaks, you will need to replace the gasket.

Misuse of Detergent
If the mess on your floor includes suds, you may be using too much detergent or a soap that is incompatible with your dishwasher. The owner’s manual of your unit should state how much detergent should be used, as well as recommendations for compatible soaps.

Faulty Float Assembly or Switch
As the water level in your dishwasher increases, the float rises. When the float reaches a certain level, it signals the float switch to turn off the water flow. However, if the float becomes stuck, the switch will not be activated, causing your dishwasher to overflow. If the float is moving freely, but your appliance is still overflowing, the float switch may need replacing.

Defective Water Inlet Valve
The inlet valve is what delivers water to your dishwasher. If it is working properly, it will provide your appliance with the proper amount of water and then shut off. If it malfunctions, your dishwasher may overflow, and the inlet valve will need to be replaced.