The Left Side Vent of the GE Dishwasher Is Leaking

Too Much Dishwasher Detergent

• If water and suds are leaking from the left side vent of your GE dishwasher, you might be using too much dishwashing detergent. Soft water requires less detergent than hard water. Fill the main dispenser cup -- the one that closes -- about a quarter of the way full of detergent if you have soft water. Fill both dispensers -- the one that’s opened and the one that closes -- with detergent if you have very hard water. Additionally, GE recommends that you use a detergent product that’s formulated for automatic dishwashers to avoid over-sudsing and leaks. Stop the dishwasher if it over-suds and leaks. Let the dishwasher sit idle for an hour, possibly longer to give suds time to dissipate. Restart the dishwasher only after most suds are gone.

Door Seal Hasn’t Conformed Yet

• Water will sometimes accumulate trickle from the left side of a GE dishwasher that’s brand new and even bubble from the vent. The dishwasher’s rubber door seal needs time to conform to the door frame and create a water-tight seal. The seal should compress to fit the door properly after about the third or fourth dishwasher cycle at which point the leaking will stop. Contact GE if the vent still leaks after several weeks of using your dishwasher.

Damaged Door Gasket

• Any time you discover water leaking from the left side vent of your GE dishwasher, you should inspect the dishwasher’s gaskets for damage. The gaskets on older GE dishwasher models are attached to the tub and are often black in color. On newer dishwasher models, the gaskets are grey and wraps around the door near the bottom. Visually or manually examine each gasket, especially the one on the left side of the tub for wear. A gasket could crack, harden or tear from normal use of your dishwasher.

Clogged Sprayer

• If there is food, soap scum or mineral deposits blocking the spray arm’s holes, it could cause the arm to spray water toward the door, which might seep out of the door’s side vents. Check the holes for obstructions. Also, review the spray arm to verify it’s not cracked, as a split in the arm also could make a dishwasher leak. Contact GE to have your dishwasher serviced if the spray arm is damaged or not working properly.