A Dishwasher Leaking at the Hinges

Door Gasket

• One possible reason that the dishwasher may leak around the door hinges is if it has a faulty door gasket. The gasket is the rubber lining that goes around the edge of the door and forms a seal between the dishwasher's shell and the door itself when the door is closed. Check underneath to see if this is coming off or if there are any signs of mold and mildew there; this may indicate that moisture has gotten through and remained in between the door and the gasket while the dishwasher was idle. Repair this problem by simply buying and replacing the gasket.

Shell

• While it is unlikely to occur, it is possible that the shell or the case of the dishwasher is cracked somewhere on the inside near the hinges. Dishwashers are fairly durable and are made to withstand the stresses and strains of the dish-washing process with all of its temperature fluctuations. However, in the unlikely event that it cracks, you will likely need to replace the entire dishwasher because this will be a recurring problem.

Door Alignment

• Your dishwasher may also leak around the hinges if your door is misaligned and not centered directly in place where it belongs. The door must make a complete seal when its gasket connects to the dishwasher's shell. If it is even slightly off kilter, this can cause water to start to come out from below the door, around the hinges. Take the door off the hinges and check for any undue wear and tear on the hinges. These may need to be replaced. It is possible that you will be able to simply pull the door off and realign it for a better fit. Balancing the door may also be necessary. This can be done with a level and an adjustment of the hinge screws with the door half open.

Spray Arm

• The spray arm of your dishwasher may also cause water to leak from around the hinge area. Many dishwashers have vent holes near the bottom of the dishwasher on the right-hand side. If the holes of the dishwasher spray arm are clogged or if they become misaligned and blocked, this will create a wave action in the bottom of the dishwasher as the arm turns and moves the water. This can cause the water to splash up through the vent holes. Replacement will be required.