Kitchen & laundry

Dishwasher leaking water

A dishwasher leak usually comes from one of a few places: suds from the wrong soap, a worn door seal, a dishwasher that isn't level, or a loose hose connection. Where the water shows up tells you which one. Start with the easy checks before you pull anything apart. Put a flashlight on the floor and run a short cycle with the kick plate off. Watching the drip start is usually faster than guessing.

Checking the rubber door gasket of an open stainless dishwasher next to a small puddle on the floor
A nicked or dirty door gasket is a common source of dishwasher leaks.
Quick answerFind where the water comes out. Use only dishwasher detergent, clean or replace a damaged door gasket, level the dishwasher, and tighten the hose connections under the sink.
Worth checking firstNotice where the water shows up. At the front bottom corner usually means the door seal or too many suds. Under the machine or behind the kick plate points to a hose connection. Check that you're using dishwasher detergent, not dish soap, first.

Good to knowRepair or replace?Water emergency? Start here

Mike TurnerWritten and reviewed byMike TurnerUpdated Sources and safety notes
Easy20–60 min$0–40
A dishwasher under a kitchen counter with its door gasket, leveling feet, kick plate and, under the sink beside it, the drain hose clamped to the disposal and the hot water supply valve.
The usual leak spots: the door gasket (1), a dishwasher that isn't level on its feet (2), the drain hose clamp at the disposal (3) and the supply valve under the sink (4). The supply connection itself sits behind the kick plate (5).

Where dishwashers leak

Water at the front, along the bottom of the door, points to the door seal, the soap or the level. Water that seems to come from underneath points to a hose or connection, or a part inside the base.

Dishwashers only use a few gallons per load, so even a slow drip can soak into the floor and the cabinet over time. It's worth finding quickly.

Common causes of a dishwasher leak

Wrong soap or too much of it

Suds push water out past the door.

A worn door seal

Water gets past the gasket.

Not level

Water runs toward the door.

A loose or cracked hose

Drips under the sink or under the dishwasher.

Where is the water?
Where it shows upLikely causeFix
Along the bottom of the doorSuds, seal or levelCheck the soap, gasket and level.
At one front cornerNot levelAdjust the feet.
Under the sinkDrain hose or supply valveTighten the clamp or fitting.
From under the dishwasherSupply connection, pump or tubCheck the connection; call a tech for the pump.
Power and water off firstTurn off the dishwasher's breaker and close its water valve before you remove the kick plate or loosen any connection. Water and wiring sit close together under there.

Find the leak, then stop it

0 of 6 done
  1. Find where it leaksDry the floor and the front of the dishwasher, then run a short cycle and watch with a flashlight. Note whether water shows up at the door, at one corner, or from underneath.
    Flashlight shining on the bottom corner of a dishwasher door with water dripping onto the floor
  2. Check the soapOnly use detergent made for dishwashers. Regular dish soap makes a mountain of suds that pushes out past the door. If that's what happened, run a rinse cycle or two with no soap to clear it.
    Bottle of regular dish soap crossed out next to a box of dishwasher detergent marked with a check
  3. Look at the door sealOpen the door and run your fingers along the rubber gasket. Wipe off food and grease. If it's torn, flattened or pulled out of its channel, press it back in or replace it with the part for your model.
    Open dishwasher door with a finger running along the rubber gasket around the tub opening
  4. Check that it's levelSet a level on the door opening, side to side and front to back. A dishwasher that leans forward or to one side can let water reach the door. Adjust the front feet, usually with a wrench, until it sits level.
    Bubble level laid across the top of a dishwasher door opening, with a wrench adjusting a front foot
  5. Check the hoses under the sinkLook at the drain hose where it connects to the disposal or sink drain, and at the water supply valve. Tighten a loose clamp and snug a dripping fitting gently. Replace a hose that's cracked.
    Something went wrong?
    • The hose connection still drips after tightening Turn off the water, take it apart and check for a cracked hose or a missing washer. Replace the part rather than overtightening.
    Drain hose clamp at the garbage disposal being tightened with a screwdriver, next to the dishwasher's supply valve
  6. Look under the kick plateIf it still leaks from underneath, turn off the dishwasher's breaker and its water valve first. Remove the kick plate and check the supply connection with a flashlight. A leak from the pump or motor area needs a technician.
    Something went wrong?
    • You see water pooled inside the base Leave the power and water off. A leaking pump or valve inside usually needs a repair tech.
    Dishwasher kick plate removed with a flashlight showing the water supply connection underneath, breaker marked off

Watch it done

Top 5 Reasons a Dishwasher LeaksBy RepairClinic.com on YouTube. Their method may vary a little from ours.
Watch on YouTube
How you'll know it's fixed
  • The floor stays dry through a full cycle
  • No suds or water at the door
  • Hose connections under the sink stay dry

Still leaking from underneath? Call a technician.

If it still leaks

If it won't start at all, we have a guide for a dishwasher that won't start.

If water only appears after long cycles, check that the dishwasher isn't overfilling. The float switch in the tub, a small dome on the floor, should move freely; clean around it.

If you see water from the bottom corner, check the spray arms and filter. A clog can send water sideways toward the door.

Easy on the detergentUse the amount of detergent your dishwasher's manual calls for. Too much can leave film and suds, and rinse aid can't fix a soap problem.
Renting?If you rent, checking the soap and level is fine. Report leaks from underneath to your landlord.
Call a technician ifWater comes from the pump, motor or inside the base, the tub itself is cracked or rusted through, the floor under it is soft or stained, or the leak continues after you've checked the seal, level and hoses.Fix it yourself or call? Compare the cost →

What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A dishwasher repair call typically runs $150–$350. A door gasket you replace yourself usually costs $20–$60.

Find appliance repair near you

Something else going on?

Dishwasher leak questions

Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom of the door?

Usually suds from the wrong soap, a worn door gasket, or a dishwasher that leans forward.

Can I use regular dish soap in a dishwasher?

No. It makes too many suds, which push water out past the door.

How do I know if my dishwasher is level?

Set a level on the door opening, side to side and front to back, and adjust the front feet.

Is a leaking dishwasher dangerous?

It can damage the floor and cabinet, and water near wiring is a risk. Turn off the breaker and water before looking underneath.

Why is there water under my dishwasher?

Common causes are suds from the wrong soap, a worn door seal, a dishwasher that isn't level, or a loose hose connection. Where the water shows up tells you which one.

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GrabTheHammer Team

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We're a small team of writers and editors who check every guide against manufacturer instructions and common code requirements. Our goal is to help you understand the problem, tackle what you safely can and know when to call a pro.

Checked against: Manufacturer instructions for the parts and products involved.

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A helpful next stepDishwasher won't startMake sure the door is latched, turn off the control lock and delay start, reset the power, check the breaker, GFCI and wall switch, read any error code, then test the door switch.