What to Do if Your Dishwasher Leaks – And Other Leaky Appliance Tips

Dishwasher leaks can come out of nowhere and take you by surprise. For example, you’re making dinner, cleaning up, or maybe just walking into the kitchen when you notice it: water is pooling under your dishwasher, and suds are everywhere. Appliance leaks are more common than most people realize, and if you don’t act fast, they can become significant problems, including damaged floors, mold, and even structural issues.

Once you see the leak, knowing what to do next makes all the difference. While Colorado is known for flash floods outdoors, flood damage in Denver often starts inside, with leaking dishwashers, washing machines, or refrigerators.

In this post, we’ll cover exactly what to do when your dishwasher starts leaking, and how to catch early signs of trouble with other appliances before the damage spreads.

Which Appliances Tend to Leak

Not all appliances have the potential to create significant damage. Some are more prone to slow drips, while others can lead to substantial water damage if a hose bursts or a seal fails. Here are the usual suspects:

• Old washing machines will get leaky over time. Rubber hoses wear out and can suddenly burst, and front-load models are known to leak right at the door if the seal’s even slightly off.
• Your refrigerator’s water line that feeds your ice maker or dispenser might be out of sight, but it’s not out of mind. That skinny tubing can crack, loosen, or split with age, leaving leaks behind or beneath the fridge.
• Water heater corrosion is the biggest issue. Over time, the tank can rust and leak without warning.
• Central AC units produce condensation that should drain away. However, water can back up and spill into your home if the drain gets clogged.
• Dishwashers often leak at the door gasket, float switch, or along the drain line. A small drip can turn into warped flooring before you even notice it.

Set up an appliance maintenance schedule and keep to it. Many homeowners do a weekend check every six months. Staying on top of a schedule can prevent significant problems down the road.

Why Your Appliances Might Start Leaking

Your appliance likely won’t​​ start with a spontaneous flash flooding event. Instead, it starts small and builds over time. Worn-out seals, clogged drain lines, or simple wear and tear can all lead to unexpected water damage. Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and even water heaters are prone to slow leaks that can go unnoticed until real damage is done.

In many cases, leaks happen because:

• Rubber seals and gaskets degrade over time, especially with daily use.
• Drain hoses and pipes get clogged with food particles, lint, or sediment.
• Appliance connections loosen due to vibrations or poor installation.
• Older units corrode or crack, allowing water to escape.

Even newer appliances can leak if improperly installed or aren’t maintained. The key is spotting the signs early, like pooling water, mildew smells, or warped floors, before a small drip turns into costly water or flood damage.

What to Do If Your Dishwasher Is Leaking

Your leaky dishwasher can be a problem, and, of course, it happens at night when you can’t call a plumber during regular business hours. You might be able to handle the problem yourself with a bit of DIY flex:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water 

Look under the sink for the shut-off valve and quickly shut it off. If you can’t find it quickly, go to the house’s primary water supply. It might be in the basement. Don’t waste any time finding the water supply because once the leak starts, you need to shut it off. 

Step 2: Unplug the Appliance (If Safe)

If water hasn’t reached the power source and you can safely reach the plug, go ahead and disconnect it. Electricity and standing water are a dangerous combo — don’t take chances. If in doubt, wait for a professional.

Step 3: Mop Up The Water

Mop up the water using anything you can quickly grab, such as a towel or a mop. 

The faster you remove the standing water, the better your chances of saving your floors or cabinets from water damage. 

Step 4: Find the Leak

Count yourself lucky if the leak is small and noticeable. For example, a loose clamp might be the culprit, and you can grab a screwdriver and tighten it up. Also, check the door seal, which is a well-known leaking point. 

Step 5: Professional Help

Your leaking problems might have gone beyond simply sopping the excess with towels or a mop. The leak might have been going on for weeks or even months. If this is the case, you might have structural damage, or pipes or cables hooked into the plumbing and electrical systems might be compromised. Don’t try to fix these issues by yourself. It can be dangerous and cause more trouble than you already have. 

What To Do When Other Appliances Leak

While your dishwasher is the number one culprit for leaks, other appliances leak as well, including the following:

• Leaks from washing machines usually come from old hoses, loose connections, or a clogged drain. If you notice dripping or pooling near the back, inspect the hoses and consider replacing them if they’re over five years old.
• A common refrigerator leak point is the water line that feeds your ice maker or dispenser. If you find water under your fridge, remove it from the wall and check for drips or cracked tubing.
• Slow leaks around the base of a water heater often signal corrosion or a failing pressure valve. This isn’t something to ignore; it can quickly go from a trickle to a significant flood.
• If your air conditioning system’s condensation lines or drip pans are blocked, they can overflow. Check the drain line for clogs if you spot water around your indoor unit.

Any of these appliances can leak, so keeping an eye on them can pay off in the future. 

Flood Damage Restoration Services in Denver

No one wants to discover a leak, no matter how big or small, but it’s one of those things that can’t be ignored. For example, some leaks are apparent, and you might be able to fix them by tightening a cable. However, other leaks might mean opening up drywall or digging deeper into your plumbing.

If you have an out-of-control appliance leak you can’t fix alone, you’ll likely need flood damage restoration experts. In some cases, you’ll need them immediately to prevent further damage. At Advance 24/7, we respond fast to emergency flooding 24/7, whether a broken appliance or heavy weather causes it. When water’s pouring in, you need help now. Contact us or call us directly at (720) 722-4777 anytime, day or night.