My Dishwasher Is Leaking Copper Into the Water Supply

Older Models

• Most modern dishwashers feature all plastic and rubber tubing, hoses and connectors. If your machine is leaking copper, chances are you own an older model, as, initially, copper was used as the material of choice for water supply lines feeding into the washer. Copper is lightweight but is also prone to tarnishing, which will lead to leaking into your water supply. This, in turn, affects your dishes and glassware. The problem doesn't lie only with spent copper tubing; it’s also about the connections.

Connection Lines

• Your dishwasher’s water line – the copper tubing – is connected to the unit via a compression fitting. The fitting should be a small brass or plastic ring, but it could be copper, as well. If it’s copper, it’s prone to tarnishing like the supply line. The very root of the problem lies in the fitting: It’s either aged or wasn’t properly installed. Over time, this can lead to the threads giving out, which, in turn, creates the leaking problem itself.

Remedy

• Simply put, both the copper supply line and the connectors need to be replaced. To do this, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the sink, unplug the dishwasher, pull it out from the wall or from underneath the counter, and disconnect the water line. It’s best to have some towels on the floor underneath the connection to sop up water that’s sure to spill out. Trace the copper pipe to the main water line, then disconnect. That frees up the copper pipe for disposal or recycling.

Finishing Touches

• Replace the line with flexible plastic hose or a rubber hose that’s the same length as the copper pipe. A replacement can be purchased at any plumbing, hardware or home improvement store. Generally, a replacement line will have plastic dual end connectors that will fit over the connecting point of the main water line and washer’s intake valve. Instructions are usually pictured on the packaging. After screwing on the replacement, all you have to do is turn on the water supply to the kitchen and plug in the dishwasher. Run the washer through a cycle to check for leaks. If there are none, slide the washer back into place.