My Dishwasher Leaks Around the Float

Valve Issues

• One common float problem is with the water inlet valve. If this valve becomes stuck due to sediment or age, it will stay open no matter what the float switch signals. This will quickly fill your dishwasher up with water past its limitations and cause leaks or flooding. Replacing the water inlet valve often solves the problem.

Seal Issues

• Your dishwasher has a seal or a gasket that allows you to close the door safely and trap all the water inside. However, these seals can age and eventually crack, split or fail. This leads to leaks, with water typically seeping from the bottom of your dishwasher around the float switch (most float components are either on the right or left bottom section of the dishwasher). This does not mean the float itself is broken, but that water is leaking from somewhere else.

Door Issues

• The seal on your dishwasher may be fine, but the door can still malfunction. This problem occurs when the door latch becomes misaligned and does not close properly. The seal is not activated, yet the dishwasher senses that the door is closed. This can lead to leaks around the float and, over time, failure of the dishwasher entirely as the latch failure is sensed by internal controls.

Hose Issues

• The hose in your dishwasher can also malfunction. The hose leads water up to the water inlet valve and forces water into the dishwasher when the valve is open. If the hose loosens or cracks it will start to leak whenever you use your dishwasher. This leak will often spread from the area where your float switch is located. You can solve the leak by tightening or replacing the hose.