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How to fix a dishwasher hose leak

We'll locate the leak, tighten connections or replace the hose, and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement supply line (if needed)
  • Replacement drain hose (if needed, model-specific)
  • Hose clamp (if needed)
  • Two adjustable wrenches

At a glance

  • Shut off the water supply under the sink before working on the dishwasher hoses.
  • Locate the leak—supply line, drain hose, or connection under the sink.
  • Tighten loose connections a quarter turn; replace a cracked or worn hose.
  • Check the drain hose connection to the disposal or drain—clamp may be loose.
  • If connections will not seal or the leak is inside the dishwasher, call a plumber.
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Get started

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

Steps

Goal: Shut off water, locate the leak, fix the supply or drain hose, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Shut off the hot water supply under the sink. Confirm no water flows.
  • Good: No water flows. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Cannot shut off—turn off the main or call a plumber.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water is escaping.

  • Dry the supply line, drain hose, and connections. Run the dishwasher. Watch where water appears—supply connection, dishwasher inlet, or drain connection.
  • Good: You see the leak source. Proceed to Tighten supply or Check drain based on location.
  • Bad: Leak is inside the dishwasher—call a plumber.

Tighten supply

Goal: Stop leaks at the supply line connection.

  • Shut off the water. Use two wrenches to tighten the supply line nut a quarter turn. Do not overtighten. Turn the water on and run a short cycle.
  • Good: No drips at the supply connection. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks—replace the supply line.

Check drain

Goal: Stop leaks at the drain hose connection.

  • Check that the drain hose is fully inserted and the clamp is snug. Replace a loose or corroded clamp. Route the hose with a high loop under the sink. Run the dishwasher and watch the drain connection.
  • Good: No drips during the drain cycle. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Hose is cracked—replace the drain hose or call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • Connections will not seal after tightening.
  • The leak is inside the dishwasher (pump, tub).
  • You need to access plumbing behind the unit.

Do not force fittings—you can damage the pipes. For other plumbing fixes, see Fix a dishwasher that leaks or How to unclog a drain.

Verification

  • No drips at the supply or drain connection when the dishwasher runs a full cycle.
  • The drain hose is routed with a high loop.
  • No water on the floor under the dishwasher or sink.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my dishwasher hose leak?
Common causes: loose supply line connection under the sink, a cracked supply or drain hose, or a loose drain hose clamp at the disposal or drain. Dishwashers have a supply line and a drain hose; either can leak.
Can I fix a dishwasher hose leak myself?
Yes. Most hose leaks are fixable by tightening connections or replacing the hose. Shut off the water under the sink first. If the leak is inside the dishwasher or at the water inlet valve, call a plumber.
When should I call a plumber for a dishwasher hose leak?
Call a plumber if connections will not seal, the leak is inside the dishwasher, or you need to access plumbing behind the unit. Do not force fittings—you can damage the pipes.

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