Door Leaks in a GE PDW Dishwasher

Safety Precautions

• Whenever performing repairs to any appliance, including your dishwasher, the first step is always disconnecting the power source running to the appliance. Dishwashers are typically hard-wired to your home's electrical system, and the only way to turn off the power is your home's service panel.

Tub Seal

• The tub seal is visible whenever the dishwasher door is open. This seal is black and wraps around three sides of the washtub opening. When the door is latched, it compresses this seal, forming a watertight barrier. Because of the seal's rubber composition, it breaks down over time, allowing water to escape from the sides of the dishwasher door. The tub seal is secured using pressure rather than screws or clips, and it fits snugly into the tub seal gasket.

Short Seal

• The dishwasher door has a gasket on the bottom called a short seal or door wiper gasket. The seal prevents water from escaping from the washtub at the bottom of the door. If water is leaking from the center of the bottom of the door, it is indicative of a faulty short seal. To remove the old short seal, you must remove the outer door panel, which is secured using screws. With the panel removed, the short seal easily is removed from the door.

Tub Seal Formation

• Because the tub seal is secured using pressure, it is important to properly prepare the new tub seal to be formed to the gasket chamber. To make the seal more pliable, soak it in hot water for several minutes prior to installation. Once the seal is installed, close and latch the dishwasher door and allow it to remain latched for several hours -- overnight if possible.