A dishwasher leaking from the bottom most often traces to a worn door gasket, a water inlet valve that does not fully close, a failing pump or sump seal, or a leaking hose connection. A cracked spray arm, a faulty float switch, and (rarely) a cracked tub are the other causes. Stop using the machine until you find the source.
Stop and shut off the water
Switch off the dishwasher’s water supply valve (under the sink) and cut power at the breaker or unplug it. Mop up water — standing water under a dishwasher can damage flooring and cabinets. If you cannot find the shutoff, see our guide to shutting off your water.
Work out where the water is coming from
| Where the water appears | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Around the front or bottom edge of the door | Door gasket or an overloaded or blocked spray arm |
| Pooling steadily even when idle | Inlet valve stuck open or a leaking supply connection |
| Underneath, during the wash or drain stage | Pump or sump seal, or the drain hose |
| Inside the base pan with an alarm code | A leak the sensor has caught — see our Whirlpool F8E4 guide or Samsung LC guide |
The door gasket
A damaged, dirty or loose door gasket is one of the most common leak sources, letting water escape during the rinse cycles. Wipe it clean and check for cracks or sections pulling away. See our door leak guide for the full inspection.
The water inlet valve
Mineral deposits can keep the inlet valve from closing fully, causing a continuous drip, overfilling and a leak. A dishwasher that keeps filling or leaks even when idle points here, and the fix is a replacement valve.
Pump and sump seals
The circulation pump and the drain pump both have shaft seals that wear with age; when a seal fails, water drips straight onto the base under the tub. This usually needs a technician, since the pump assembly is under the machine.
Hoses and connections
- Check the supply line and connection
Under the sink, look for drips or damp at the supply fitting.
- Check the drain hose
Look for cracks, loose clamps or a connection weeping at the disposal or drain.
- Tighten or replace the faulty part
A loose clamp is an easy fix; a cracked hose is a cheap replacement.
Spray arms, float switch and tub
A cracked spray arm throws water at the door seal, a faulty float switch can let the tub overfill, and in the worst case a cracked tub leaks anywhere. Overfill and drain problems often overlap with our dishwasher won’t drain guide.
When to call a technician
Pump seals, a leaking tub and an inlet valve you cannot reach need a professional. If the machine is old, compare the quote with a new one — see our dishwasher repair cost guide.
