Dishwasher Leaks and Water Damage

Kitchen Appliances

Our kitchens: The most popular room in our home. As such, the appliances in a kitchen receive wear-and-tear faster than any other appliances. While we attempt to keep them in tip top working condition, all things do wear out eventually. Thankfully there are steps can we take to prolong their life.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers have the potential to back up and overflow if debris is not regularly cleaned out from the filter or food trap. To access your dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. The filter can be found in either a back corner of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm. You can then clean it. If you see that it is worn it will need to be replaced.

A dishwasher that will not drain can ultimately become a dishwasher that floods. This issue is often the result of a problem with the check valve in the dishwasher’s drain sump. If the valve is not moving properly, it should be replaced.

Loose connections in the drain hose or supply lines can mean water leaking out from beneath the dishwasher. The leaks can also be caused by cracks or damage to the dishwasher’s drainage hose or gaskets in its heating element. A leak can also stem from a hole caused by an aging heating element. Problems with the dishwasher pump or pump seal can also result in dishwasher leaks. If any of these components appear defective, they should be replaced as soon as possible.

Sometimes dishwasher leaks can go unnoticed until they cause a larger problem to surrounding materials such as flooring, cabinets, and drywall. Long term, that leak can lead to mold growth which will need to be remediated by a certified professional.

Another common problem is one we would rather not discuss, but here we go: Mice! These pesky furry squatters can squeeze through a hole the size of a ballpoint pin. They make themselves at home while carelessly spreading disease causing bacteria in their wake. They can cause leaks by chewing through your dishwasher hose, and a leak no matter how small, can eventually be damaging to your kitchen space.

Call Water Extraction Experts 24/7! We work directly with your insurance.

With proper maintenance the average life of a dishwasher is 10 years, however, when the unexpected happens, you have a trusted company you can call on to help you. Water Extraction Experts trained and certified technicians will be there to quickly repair the water damage resulting from any of the issues mentioned above so you can get back to enjoying your kitchen space.

 Call for an inspection with our local technicians 505-250-6500