What Would Cause a Kenmore Elite Dishwasher to Overflow?

Oversudsing

• One mistake that may cause the Kenmore Elite dishwasher to overflow is the use of too much dishwasher detergent or the wrong type of detergent. The use of other types of detergent or too much automatic dishwasher detergent can cause excess soap to build up in the dishwasher and overflow. If there is soap and water in the bottom of the dishwasher tub, run a drain cycle to remove the soap and water. Use less detergent if you have soft water or detergent specifically formulated for hard water if necessary.

Overfill Protection Float

• Another potentially simple reason why a Kenmore dishwasher may overflow is if the overfill protection float is stuck. The overfill protection float is located on the bottom of the dishwasher floor and looks like a little plastic cone and may not regulate water in the dishwasher as needed if the float gets caught. Firmly tap the cone until the cone slides up and down easily and then restart the dishwasher.

Drain Hose

• If the drain hose is loose, water may leak and overflow. Find the drain hose connection, usually behind the dishwasher or behind the lower kick panel on the front. There may be a couple of screws that must be removed to lift off the kick panel and access the drain hose. Tighten the drain hose with a pair of pliers and ensure the hose is not trapped or caught in a way that may prevent water from flowing through the hose correctly.

Water Inlet Valve

• Another possible source of overflowing is a broken water inlet valve. Some skilled homeowners may be able to access and replace this part but owners who are not comfortable with taking apart and attempting to fix the dishwasher should not try this task and should contact a service professional for assistance. Those who wish to attempt the repair themselves should disconnect the power at the breaker, turn off the water valve and then pull the dishwasher out from under the counter. Remove the lower access panel and tilt the dishwasher back to access the inner bottom of the dishwasher. You may need to have help with this step. Disconnect the inlet water valve assembly, which looks like a blue plastic piece, and replace the old water valve with a new one.