Is your Kenmore dishwasher leaking from the bottom? This frustrating situation should be taken very seriously as it can result in slipping and falling. Also, in some cases, these leaks might get out of control and cause electric shocks.
No need to mention the risk of forming mold or corroding the dishwasher’s body if the leak is excessive and water is not constantly dried out.
If your Kenmore dishwasher has the same issue, panic is unnecessary. There are simple ways to handle this issue. However, the best thing you can do about this issue is to determine the cause of the water leak.
This blog post explains the causes behind this annoying problem. Moreover, we are presenting the possible fixes. So, keep reading for proper insight.
Why is your Kenmore Dishwasher Leaking From the Bottom?
When your dishwasher leaks water from the bottom, you will typically have concerns about the lifespan and efficiency of your washer. The good news is that dishwasher leaks are easy to fix, especially when addressed initially.
A Kenmore dishwasher can leak when its door gasket is torn. Also, overloading the dishwasher may cause leaks. Additionally, using an incorrect soapy detergent may make your Kenmore dishwasher leak from the bottom.
Now let’s dive deeper into all the possible causes:
1. Torn Door Gasket
A door gasket in any dishwasher is responsible for providing a seal. This seal fills the gap between the dishwasher tub and its door. A gasket becomes torn over time and will eventually prevent the door from closing properly. Moreover, the dishwasher will start leaking and won’t clean properly.
A dishwasher gasket is usually made of black rubber to provide versatility and flexibility. You can easily detect any deficiencies in the gasket with the naked eye. Also, you can perform a test to evaluate the condition of the seal.
You can place a dollar bill at the point where the gasket and the door meet. The gasket is not loose if the door closes tightly on the bill. If you manage to pull the bill, then the gasket needs to be fixed.
2. Damaged Dishwasher Door Latch
The door latch is another essential component in sealing a dishwasher’s door. This means that the latch contributes to the prevention of water leaks in Kenmore elite dishwashers.
A functional latch does not only shut the door but also allows for sending the proper voltage to the water inlet valve. This way, the dishwasher will draw the right water level.
Water leakage happens when the latch is bent or loose. Either way, dealing with this issue is very simple.
3. Using the Incorrect Soap
New dishwasher users may think their regular dishwashing soap can be used on automatic dishwashers. However, these appliances need soapy detergents entirely different from common sink detergents. Using the wrong type of soap results in the accumulation of suds, eventually leading to leaking.
4. Uneven Appliance
It may be irrelevant to this water leaking problem. However, an uneven dishwasher will give you many sorts of malfunctioning. For instance, it may shake, vibrate, improperly clean, and even leak.
5. An Overloaded Appliance
This is a common mistake that many appliance users make. They need to be aware that the washer is equipped with a max capacity of twelve places. Overstuffing the washer leads to problems such as leaking, improper cleaning, and eventually breaking down.
6. Malfunctioning Sump Seal
Before water enters the drain pump filter assembly, it is collected in the sump. This part is also sealed with a rubber seal. This seal prevents any overflowing in the wash tub. But as with any rubber seal, it is prone to wear and tear. With a torn seal, the appliance will start leaking continually.
7. Broken Float Switch
All dishwashers come with a float system. This component is responsible for the prevention of overflowing. As the name suggests, a dishwasher float is triggered once the tub is appropriately filled with water. So once this float is floating in the water, the switch is activated.
Then it gives an order to the drain pump to start a drain cycle. If the float switch is no longer functional, the water will keep rising, and leaking will eventually occur.
8. Problematic Spray Arms
A dishwasher spray arm is located right above the dishwasher filter. This component distributes the washing water all over the dishes so they can become desirably clean.
Every wash cycle increases the chance of becoming clogged with food particles. A clogged spray arm will leak water right under the Kenmore dishwasher.
How to Fix a Kenmore Dishwasher Leaking From the Bottom?
The complications of a leaking dishwasher should never be taken lightly. If the leak continues, several risks threaten your well-being and the appliance’s longevity—no need to mention that a simple leak will develop over time into a more complicated one.
So, taking fast action is the best thing you can do. The good news is that you don’t have to hire an appliance repair technician for these fixes. There are simple remedies that are easy for all DIY enthusiasts.
1. Replace the Gasket
Unfortunately, a torn or loose gasket is unfixable. The good news is a new gasket is not expensive, as it usually costs between $60 and $120 depending on the dishwasher model.
A helpful tip that makes the DIY installation more successful is to soak the new gasket in a mix of warm water and soap. This step increases the rubber’s flexibility.
2. Tighten the Latch
A loose door latch is not considered a defect. So, there is no need to call a certified service technician. You can manually readjust the latch’s tightness using a screwdriver. As for a bent latch, you will need a brand-new latch. This latch is not a costly component as it won’t cost over $50.
3- Use the recommended detergent
This is an easy fix if your dishwasher is leaking due to excessive suds. You can refer to the dishwasher’s manual for the recommended detergent. Also, ask the appliance dealer for recommendations on the right soap for a Kenmore Elite dishwasher.
4. Level the Dishwasher
If you want the optimum performance out of your Kenmore dishwasher, always keep it leveled. You can use a wrench to manipulate the washer’s legs level. Keep turning the adjustment screws in both directions until you get an even level of all the legs.
5. Avoid Overloading the Washer
Overstuffing the washer is not the answer to getting many clean cookware and dishes in every wash cycle. If you have too many dishes, the best thing to do is to make the most of the available place setting. Make sure that the larger objects do not stay inside the drawers.
Instead, it would help if you placed them on the top. Remember that fine and delicate glass objects won’t tolerate much weight above them.
6. Change the Sump Seal
Inspecting the sump seal is an easy task but can be overwhelming. This is due to the location of the sump at the bottom of the Kenmore dishwasher. Other than this diagnosing and replacing the seal is a straightforward issue.
While you are it, it is worth checking the condition of its lock. There is a lock ring keeping this seal in place. If this lock is not in good shape, it is recommended to replace it too.
7. Replace the Floating Assembly
You can quickly identify a malfunctioning float switch by visual inspection. If the washer’s tub is overfilled, the float must be fixed. Also, you can test it for continuity with a multimeter; if the test shows no continuity, head to a trusted appliance parts dealer.
8. Unclog the Arm
Unclogging a dishwasher spraying arm is an easy task. You must take it out of the washer and remove any stuck debris. You can use a knife to scrap out any stuck particles. If cleaning fails you, you can replace it with a new one.
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.
