Causes of Leaks Around the Motor on a Kenmore Diswasher

Impeller Seal

• The most likely cause of a water leak near the motor is the drain impeller seal. Above the motor in the dishwasher is the drain impeller, which helps control the flow of water and is meant to keep the water away from the motor. If the seal on the impeller is bad or broken, water can leak around the motor and cause serious problems. If you are confident in your ability to perform the repair, disconnect power to the Kenmore dishwasher and remove the lower rack, followed by the spray arm and spray arm support. Unscrew and remove the wash and drain impellers, which look like small fans, and then lift the seal out of the assembly and replace it.

Drain Pump

• Another potential leak source is the drain pump, which is connected directly to the motor. If the pump is broken or damaged, water may not pump effectively out of the dishwasher and can reach the motor. The pump is comprised of the wash and drain impellers, which can be accessed by removing the bottom rack and the spray arm and support. Look at the wash and drain impellers and check that both impellers can spin freely. If there is any damage or either impeller will not work, the components need to be replaced.

Drain Valve and Solenoid

• When the dishwasher is operating and water is moving through the unit, the drain valve opens automatically and moves the water through to the drain. If the solenoid that receives the electricity gets stuck or dry, the drain valve may malfunction. In addition, if the drain valve itself is damaged or broken, the water may get through to the motor. Disassembling the dishwasher to access and repair the drain valve or solenoid is usually a task better left to professionals.

O-Rings

• There are two O-rings that are located beneath the pump motor that can crack or leak over time. Accessing these rings requires removing the pump and motor assembly, followed by the wash motor. While skilled owners may be able to perform this job, calling Kenmore for service is advisable for this task.