Home Garden

The Dishwasher Is Overflowing From the Front of the Unit During the Rinse Cycle

Your dishwasher's little problem of overflowing during the rinse cycle can quickly turn into a huge problem that causes thousands of dollars in damage to your floors and bottom cabinets from water seepage. Quickly diagnose the problem so you can provide a solution to fix your dishwasher and prevent future leaks.
  1. Oversudsing

    • The detergent used during the washing cycle may be responsible for the overflowing. If the detergent causes a lot of suds, the suds could prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. When this happens, too much water remains in the dishwasher tub during the rinse cycle, causing the extra water to leak. Make sure you use only the amount of detergent indicated by the manufacturer. Use dish detergent that is only intended for dishwashers. Using too much rinse aid can also cause this problem.

    Seals

    • Your door may not provide an effective seal during the rinsing process. Check your dishwasher seal and door gasket for any leaky areas after the cycle is finished. In addition, check for any tears in the door gasket that could cause the leak. Replace these parts if necessary. If the door hits the adjacent cabinet when you open or close it, the door may not have a secure seal when the door is closed. Move the dishwasher so that it is flush between the cabinets.

    Drainage Problems

    • Check to see if drainage problems could be causing the overflow. Inspect all the hoses that run to and from your dishwasher for holes or kinks. Inspect your drain valve for any indications of a leak. In addition, check the main tub seal under the drain impeller for leaks.

    Other Problems

    • Your dishwasher may not be set level. Try reinstalling it, and make sure all four legs sit securely on the floor. The small hinge on the dishwasher cap could be too loose, letting the soap out before the appropriate time. A crack in the tub could also be the culprit, in which case, you'll need to order a replacement part. Check the air gap if you have one installed. This piece is attached to the top of a sink and prevents backflow into the dishwasher. Remove the cap and any clogged food or debris inside.