My Kenmore Dishwasher Leaks in the Lower Left Corner

Water Inlet Valve

• The water inlet valve on your dishwasher is located on the lower-left portion of the front of the dishwasher. The inlet allows water to enter the dishwasher and regulates the amount of water allowed in. To access the valve, you must remove the bottom front panel of the dishwasher, which is secured using two to four screws.

Water Supply Line

• The water supply line connects the water supply valve, located in the cabinet below your kitchen sink, to the water inlet valve. The line is made of either braided steal or a heavy rubber compound. If the water supply line itself is damaged, water may leak from the line, especially near the connector. In this instance, you must remove the water supply line and install a new one.

Plumber's Tape

• Old-style water inlet valves have threading located on the inside of the valve. To connect the water supply line, you must connect a brass elbow to the valve, which joins the valve to the line. The threading on the elbow must be wrapped clockwise with plumber's tape to ensure a watertight seal. If the tape is missing or has broken down, a slow leak will eventually form. To repair the leak, you must disconnect the water supply line and brass elbow from the water inlet valve, remove the existing tape if necessary, and then wrap all connections with plumber's tape.

New-Style Inlet Valve

• New-style water inlet valves have the threading located on the outside of the valve and do not require a brass elbow to connect. Instead, a rubber washer is inserted into the end of the water supply line, which forms a watertight seal. Over time this washer will deteriorate, which may lead to a leak. If a leak is found, you must remove the washer and replace it with a new one to restore the watertight seal.