A dishwasher is meant to make your life easier, not have you mop the dishwasher leaks off the kitchen floor after every use because it is leaking.
A leaky dishwasher isn’t only a problem when cleaning up the leaks. It usually points to a much more complex issue with your Bosch dishwasher.
Luckily, a leaking dishwasher isn’t too hard to troubleshoot, and you should also be able to take care of each issue in no time.
Let’s discuss the most common causes and fixes for a leaky Bosch dishwasher.
Why is your Bosch dishwasher leaking?
It is only natural to start this guide with a few guidelines for troubleshooting your Bosch dishwasher.
What could potentially be why the excess water from your Bosch dishwasher ends up all over your kitchen floor?
Dishwasher detergent issue
If your dishwashing machine leaks, you may use too much dishwasher detergent.
In this case, the suds will build up gradually to the point where they will overflow from your dishwasher, causing it to leak.
Another possibility is that you’re not using adequate dishwasher detergent designed specifically for dishwasher use.
For instance, using regular dish soap instead of a dishwasher detergent will create excessive suds that will end up leaking out of the dishwasher.
Faulty water inlet valve
The role of the water inlet valve in your Bosch dishwasher is to manage the water flow and control the amount of water directed into the dishwasher.
If the water inlet valve is broken, clogged, or simply malfunctioning, it may create an inconsistent water flow that leaks from the dishwasher.
A broken water valve could even lead to water damage in your kitchen, as nothing stops the water flow when the system fails.
Leaky dishwasher hose
If the leak isn’t coming directly from the dishwasher, it could be from a leaky dishwasher hose.
If you notice the leaking water coming from the hose, it is probably clogged, damaged, or broken.
However, another possibility is that the dishwasher hose has slipped off or it hasn’t been appropriately mounted, causing the water to drip from this inlet.
Leaking door seal
In case the seal around the door has any gaps, holes, or defects, this could be the reason why your Bosch dishwasher is leaking.
If you notice the leak coming from the dishwasher’s front part, it is highly probable that the door seal is leaking.
Faulty dishwasher spray arm
Finally, the dishwasher leaks could be coming from a malfunctioning dishwasher spray arm, which is the main element that distributes the water during the wash cycle.
One possibility is that the spray holes on your dishwasher’s spray arm are clogged. They could be clogged with food particles, dirt, or heavy suds, making it impossible for the spray arm to distribute the water evenly.
Often, spray arms in the dishwasher get damaged due to improper dishwasher loading. Dishes and silverware sticking out from the racks can damage the dishwasher spray arm during the wash cycle.
Moreover, when loading the dishwasher, you may have positioned the dishes too closely to the spray arm, blocking its movement, which may have caused the leaks.
How to fix a leaking Bosch dishwasher
Now that we’ve gone through the most frequently encountered Bosch dishwasher problems, it is time to discuss the best methods of fixing a leaky dishwasher and preventing leaks in the future.
1. Choose the right detergent/add the adequate amount
Regarding dishwasher detergent, it is necessary to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations and never use a product that could create excessive suds.
You certainly want to avoid using regular dish soap for your Bosch dishwasher, as the suds could leak from the dishwasher.
If you’re unsure how much detergent to use to avoid a dishwasher leak, you can replace your liquid detergent with a dishwasher tablet.
A single tablet is enough for one wash cycle, so you’ll never have to stress the necessary amount of detergent again.
2. Fix or replace the water valve
A water inlet valve plays a rather important role in the functioning of any dishwasher – your Bosch dishwasher included.
If the water valve is clogged, you should use hot water and a cloth or a brush to eliminate any accumulated debris and food particles blocking the water flow.
In case of a damaged or broken water valve, it needs to be replaced to avoid leaks in the future.
If your Bosch dishwasher is still under warranty, you should contact their customer service and have the water valve repaired as soon as possible.
Avoid using the dishwasher until this problem has been taken care of since every wash cycle will cause a new leak until the water valve has been fixed.
3. Replace the dishwasher hose
If you notice water coming out of the dishwasher hose during the wash cycle, this is a clear indicator that the hose is leaking.
The first step would be to inspect the hose for any blockages or defects. While blockages can be removed, a defect on the dishwasher hose calls for a replacement – and we don’t recommend just patching it up.
Another possibility is that the dishwasher hose hasn’t been properly mounted. In this case, you should consult the user manual and ensure the hose has been attached according to the instructions and that there are no gaps.
4. Check the door seal
If you notice the leaks coming from the dishwasher door, this usually has to do with the door seal.
In this case, the door seal at the dishwasher’s bottom is cracked, warped, or worn out. Either way, the door seal should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid future leaks and potential water damage to your kitchen floor.
5. Inspect the dishwasher spray arm
The first thing you can do to avoid leaks due to the dishwasher spray arm issue is to load the dishwasher correctly.
There should be no dishes, forks, knives, or other elements sticking out of the racks or the silverware basket high enough to compromise the functioning of the dishwasher spray arm.
Not only can the dishes damage the spray arm, but they can also stop it from distributing the water evenly, causing the excess water to leak from the dishwasher.
You should also inspect the dishwasher spray arm for any clogs and blockages. The mineral buildup from the water could clog the holes on the spray arm, preventing it from spraying the water evenly.
It is also possible for food particles to clog the dishwasher spray arm and other elements in the dishwasher, jeopardizing the water flow – which often leads to leaks.
Since the spray arm holes are so tiny, it can be hard to get all the gunk out of them. Try using a toothpick or a similarly sharp, thin object to remove as much buildup as possible.
You should also add cleaning the dishwasher to your list of weekly household chores, as the accumulated food from the dishes can cause much more damage than you may think.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
