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Fix a dishwasher that leaks

We'll pinpoint when and where it leaks, then check the door gasket, supply hose, drain hose, and pump seal—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home appliances
15–45 min
What you'll need
  • Adjustable wrench (for hose connections)
  • Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
  • Replacement supply hose, drain hose, door gasket, or pump seal (if tests show a fault)
Step 1 of 7

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Confirm when and where the leak occurs, then isolate the cause.

  • Run a cycle and watch when water appears—during fill, wash, or drain—and where it pools (back, door, or under the machine).
  • Good: You know the phase and location. Proceed to Supply hose path, Drain and pump path, or Door gasket path based on your findings.
  • Bad: The leak is constant or unclear—check all hose connections first.

Supply hose path

Goal: Fix leaks during the fill phase by checking and replacing the supply hose.

  • Shut off the hot water supply valve under the sink (or behind the dishwasher). Unplug the dishwasher.
  • Inspect the supply hose where it connects to the dishwasher inlet and to the wall valve. Look for cracks, bulges, or wet spots.
  • Confirm the connections are hand-tight. If the hose is cracked or the rubber washer is worn, replace the hose with an exact match.
  • Turn the water back on and run a fill. You should see no drips at the connections.
  • Good: Leak stops. Bad: Leak continues—check the drain hose and pump seal.

Drain and pump path

Goal: Fix leaks during wash or drain by checking the drain hose and pump seal.

  • Shut off the water and unplug the dishwasher. Pull the dishwasher out or access the back.
  • Inspect the drain hose. Confirm it has a high loop above the flood rim of the sink. Check for kinks, clogs, or a loose clamp. Replace or tighten as needed.
  • Access the pump per your model (often behind the toe kick or under the tub). Check your owner’s manual or search “[brand] [model] dishwasher pump seal” for disassembly steps. Inspect the pump seal for cracks or wear. Replace if faulty.
  • Good: Drain hose or pump seal fixed. Bad: Leak continues—call a pro.

Door gasket path

Goal: Fix leaks around the door by checking and replacing the door gasket.

  • Inspect the door gasket around the door edge. Look for tears, mold, or stiffness.
  • If the gasket is damaged, replace it. Order by model number; check your owner’s manual or search “[brand] [model] dishwasher door gasket” for the correct part.
  • Clean the detergent dispenser and confirm it is seated correctly.
  • Good: Door gasket replaced and leak stops. Bad: Leak is under the machine—check pump seal or call a technician.

When to get help

Call an appliance technician if:

  • The leak continues after you have checked and fixed the supply hose, drain hose, door gasket, and pump seal.
  • The pump seal requires disassembly you are not comfortable with.
  • You are unsure which part is failing.

Verification

  • No water appears during fill, wash, or drain.
  • Supply hose connections are dry when the water is on.
  • Drain hose has a proper high loop and no kinks.
  • Door gasket and pump seal (if replaced) show no leaks during a full cycle.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm when and where Pinpoint the leak—during fill, wash, or drain; at the back, door, or under the machine.
  2. Supply and drain hoses Check supply hose and drain hose for cracks, loose connections, and proper routing.
  3. Door gasket Inspect the door gasket; replace if torn, stiff, or cracked.
  4. Pump seal Inspect the pump seal for cracks or wear; replace if faulty.
  5. Call a pro Leak continues, pump seal needs replacement and you are not comfortable, or unsure—call an appliance technician.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • When the leak occurs (fill, wash, drain)
  • Where the leak appears (back, door, under machine)
  • Dishwasher model and brand
  • Steps already tried

Does the leak occur during the fill phase?

Run a cycle and watch when water appears. During fill, water enters through the supply hose. During wash or drain, water circulates or exits through the pump and drain hose.

Run a cycle and watch when the leak appears. During fill: suspect the supply hose. During wash or drain: suspect drain hose, pump seal, or door gasket. Good: you know the phase. Bad: leak is constant or unclear—check all hose connections first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Check supply hose

The supply hose connects the wall valve to the dishwasher inlet. Cracks, loose connections, or worn washers cause leaks during fill.

Shut off the water. Inspect the supply hose at the back. Look for cracks, bulges, or wet spots. Confirm connections are hand-tight. Replace any cracked hose or worn washer. Turn water back on and run a fill—you should see no drips.

Done

Does the leak occur during wash or drain?

If not during fill, the leak may occur when water circulates or drains. Check drain hose, pump seal, and door gasket.

If the leak happens during wash or drain, the fault is likely the drain hose, pump seal, or door gasket. If the leak is around the door, suspect the door gasket. Good: you know the phase. Bad: leak is unclear—check hose connections and door gasket.

Yes No (around door or unclear)

You can change your answer later.

Is the leak at the back (hoses) or under the machine?

Back leaks point to the drain hose. Under-machine leaks point to the pump seal.

Check where the water pools. Back: drain hose connection or routing. Under machine: pump seal. Proceed to the matching path.

Back Under machine

You can change your answer later.

Check drain hose

The drain hose must have a high loop and a secure connection. Kinks or loose clamps cause leaks.

Inspect the drain hose. Confirm it has a high loop above the flood rim. Check for kinks, clogs, or a loose clamp. Replace or tighten as needed. Run a drain cycle—you should see no water escaping.

Done

Check pump seal

The pump seal is at the bottom of the tub. A failed seal leaks from under the machine during wash or drain.

Unplug the dishwasher. Access the pump per your model (often behind the toe kick). Inspect the pump seal for cracks or wear. Replace if faulty. Reassemble and run a cycle—you should see no water under the machine. Good: seal replaced and leak stops. Bad: leak continues—call a pro.

Done

Check door gasket

A worn door gasket leaks around the door during fill or wash.

Inspect the door gasket around the door edge. Look for tears, mold, or stiffness. Replace if damaged. Order by model number. Good: door gasket replaced and leak stops. Bad: leak continues or is under the machine—check pump seal or call a pro.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a dishwasher leak?
Common causes: a worn door gasket, a cracked or loose supply hose, a kinked or disconnected drain hose, or a failed pump seal. Pinpoint when and where it leaks to narrow it down.
Can I fix a leaking dishwasher myself?
Yes, for supply hose, drain hose connections, and often the door gasket. Pump seal replacement is doable on many models. If the leak is from the tub or requires major disassembly, call a technician.
When should I call a technician for a leaking dishwasher?
Call a technician if the leak continues after you have checked and fixed hoses and seals, if the pump seal or tub seal requires disassembly you are not comfortable with, or if you are unsure which part is failing.

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