At a Glance:
What to do When Your Dishwasher is Leaking from the Bottom
Common Causes of Dishwasher Leaking from Bottom
How Much Does a Dishwasher Repair Cost?
Should You Repair or Replace Your Dishwasher?
Top Dishwashers to Upgrade Your Kitchen Experience
Most people run their dishwashers around five times a week. Washing your dishes regularly is an important part of food safety. If you wait to run the dishwasher, bacteria, and mold can grow on your cookware. You also might notice a foul odor from your plates and utensils before the cycle starts.
This is such an important appliance that most people panic when something goes wrong. They need to be able to quickly identify the problem and make repairs so it can run again. If you notice your dishwasher leaking from the bottom, take steps immediately to stop the water and fix the issue. Use this guide to restore your dishwasher or decide whether you need a replacement.
What to do When Your Dishwasher is Leaking from the Bottom
The first step to take when your dishwasher is leaking is to catch the water to prevent damage to your floors. Immediately grab towels and a mop to stop the spread of the water. The last thing you want is to have a dirty, soggy carpet because the leak spread into your living area. If you have wood flooring in your kitchen, the water could warp the panels.
Depending on the severity of the leak, you can decide whether you want to stop the dishwasher cycle. If the leak is minor, you might clean up most of the water and then grab a flashlight to see where the water is coming from. There might be a minor hole or broken seal that is easy to fix – and the best way to find it is to follow the water.
However, if there is a lot of water, take steps to stop your dishwasher leaking. If the cycle has started, cancel the program so your dishwasher turns off. If the dishwasher should be draining and drying, you can see whether the appliance can complete these tasks. A dishwasher not draining is a common problem faced by many homeowners.
Unfortunately, the cleanup process is just beginning. Once you clean up the water on the floor, you will need to check on your cookware. You might need to handwash and dry your plates and other items until you can repair your appliance.
Common Causes of Dishwasher Leaking from Bottom
There are multiple water elements that need to work correctly for a dishwasher to operate at its best. When just one thing goes wrong, you could start to notice your dishwasher leaking from the bottom. Here are a few common causes of this issue for you to troubleshoot the problem on your own.
- The water supply is leaking. The hose that provides clean water to your dishwasher could be broken or it has a leak.
- The drain line is leaking. The line that removes dirty water and food particles is broken or has a leak.
- There is an issue with the seal. A broken seal on your dishwasher door can cause water to drip out from the bottom.
- The dishwasher isn’t level. Something could be causing the water to pool in a different part of the appliance.
- The dishwasher is not draining. There could be a buildup of water because the filter or drain line is clogged.
Fortunately, your dishwasher should provide clues as to what is going wrong. Is the water dirty or clean? This tells you whether it has been through the appliance or not. Is there a lot of water in the bottom of the dishwasher? This highlights how something isn’t draining correctly.
If you call someone to repair the appliance, they will likely ask questions about the water and the leak to learn more about the issue.
How Much Does a Dishwasher Repair Cost?
If you have a broken dishwasher, you can expect to pay between $160 and $300 to get it fixed. The cost to repair it will depend on a variety of factors. First, the plumber or handyman will consider the severity of the issue. If the problem is a quick fix (like reattaching a hose) then the repair should be cheap. More complex repairs cost more.
Next, the plumber will consider the brand. More high-end dishwashers have more expensive parts that are harder to find. This will factor into their pricing.
Additionally, it is important to look at the flooring below your dishwasher after you discover the leak. If your dishwasher has been leaking for a long time, water could have damaged or destroyed the flooring underneath. You will need to repair this as well.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Dishwasher?
Your dishwasher leaking from the bottom doesn’t necessarily mean it is broken beyond repair. There could be a quick, affordable fix that could restore your appliance to its former glory. However, if you notice that the repair bill is higher than you want, it may be time to consider a new unit.
For example, it is possible to buy a dishwasher for less than $600. If your repair bill is $300 then you are already paying half of what a new dishwasher would cost. Furthermore, these repairs will only extend the life of your already aging appliance. The more repairs you make, the more you could have paid off a new model.
If your dishwasher is more than five years old, evaluate the cost of repairing versus replacing it. If your leaking dishwasher is more than 10 years old, it might be time to replace it.
Top Dishwashers to Upgrade Your Kitchen Experience
If you discover that the leaking dishwasher has major problems that need serious repairs, consider replacing it entirely. Check out the promotions and rebates offered by Spencer’s TV & Appliance then look at a few top models on the market.
Whirlpool® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Start your search with this base model by Whirlpool. It has everything you want from a dishwasher – including a bottom that doesn’t leak. Along with Quick Wash, Normal, and Heavy Cycles, you can also select a special Boost option to thoroughly remove grease and grime from your dishes.
There is also a Sani-Rinse option that washes your dishes at 155°F. This kills 99.99% of germs so your plates are safe to use. This dishwasher can fit up to 12 place settings.
Bosch 100 Series 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Bosch is a great place to start in your search for a new dishwasher. This brand is reliable and considered durable. This model comes with an EcoSilence™ motor system that is designed to suppress noise and run quietly. There are also PrecisionWash™ intelligent sensors that determine exactly what needs to be cleaned.
Investing in a Bosch dishwasher means choosing an appliance you can trust. More than 90% of customers would recommend this product. One reviewer writes, “Bought the 100 series that has the third (top) drawer. Super quiet, with very clean dishes coming out. And was easy to install myself, good instructions.”
KitchenAid® 24" PrintShield™ Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
If you want a more advanced cleaning system, check out this dishwasher by KitchenAid. The FreeFlex™ third rack is one of the largest racks on the market and can hold 6” glasses and mugs. You will also love the Fan-Enabled ProDry™ system that wicks away water for a better drying experience.
This is another highly-rated model with a 95% approval rate by customers. One person writes, “I have always skeptically read in dishwasher manuals that one does not need to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, BUT this is so true of this dishwasher! Sparkling clean outcomes every time. And it is so quiet!”
FAQ
Why is my dishwasher leaking from the bottom?
There are several causes of a leaking dishwasher. There could be a broken hose that brings water into the appliance or issues with the hose that drains dirty water and waste. You also could have a simple leak. Try to figure out the source of the water before you call a repair professional.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Dishwashers at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop dishwashers online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you solve the problem of your dishwasher leaking from the bottom. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: 3 Stylish GE Monogram Dishwashers on the Market