Kenmore Dishwasher: leaking

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dishwasher leaking water? This common issue can lead to puddles on your floor, often caused by a worn door seal, faulty spray arm, or loose hoses. Identifying the source of the leak is crucial for effective repair.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Many Kenmore dishwashers are manufactured by Whirlpool; a documented real-world case shows leaking through the float switch tube due to a small gasket/seal at the float switch tube connection. This can mimic a door leak but originates at the float assembly area.
  • Sears Home Services and Sears PartsDirect (Kenmore service ecosystem) emphasize door seal issues and spray-system-related splash-out as the first diagnostic targets for Kenmore dishwasher leaks.

Possible Causes

Worn, damaged, mis-seated, or dirty door seal (door gasket) allowing water to escape around the door perimeter

How to Identify: Leak tracks from the sides/bottom of the door; visible tears, flattening, gaps, or food residue on the gasket; dollar-bill test shows weak grip when door is closed around the seal; leak is worse during wash when spray pressure is high.

Part: Door seal / door gasket

Cracked/clogged/misaligned spray arm (or wash arm support) spraying directly toward the door, creating waves/splash-out at the bottom of the door

How to Identify: Leak occurs during wash (not when filling; visible cracks in spray arm; clogged spray holes causing jetting toward door; water splashing pattern hits the lower door area; improved or changed leak behavior after cleaning spray arms.

Part: Lower wash arm / upper wash arm / wash arm support

Overfilling due to float/float switch sticking, obstruction in float mechanism, or related sealing issue allowing excess water level

How to Identify: Water level appears unusually high; leak begins early in cycle after fill; float does not move freely up/down; debris under float; leak may come from float area or overflow path; intermittent depending on debris.

Part: Float, float switch, float switch tube/gasket (model dependent)

Loose, damaged, or deteriorated hoses (inlet hose, drain hose, internal circulation hoses) or loose clamps under the dishwasher

How to Identify: Water is found under the unit rather than only at the door; leak occurs during fill (inlet hose or drain (drain hose; visible drips from hose connections; wet insulation/pan beneath unit; leak may be steady drip rather than splash-out.

Part: Water inlet hose, drain hose, internal hoses/clamps

Pump seal, circulation pump, or motor area leak (shaft seal, gasket, or housing) allowing water to escape below tub

How to Identify: Leak appears mainly during wash/circulation; water drips from center underside area; evidence of mineral buildup or staining around pump; leak persists even with door seal confirmed good.

Part: Circulation pump/motor assembly, pump seal/gasket

Door not closing tightly due to worn door latch/strike, misalignment, or dishwasher not level (tilted forward)

How to Identify: Door feels loose; latch doesn’t pull door snug; leak is worse at the bottom; unit rocks or is tilted forward; water runs down the front corners; improved after leveling or adjusting latch.

Part: Door latch/strike, hinges, leveling feet

Excess suds from incorrect detergent (hand soap, non-dishwasher detergent) or overuse causing foam overflow through door vents/seams

How to Identify: Excess foam visible during cycle; leak is soapy/foamy; occurs shortly after detergent dispenses; strong soap smell; resolves after switching to proper dishwasher detergent and running rinse cycles.

Part: Detergent system / user detergent choice

DIY Solutions

Clean and inspect the door gasket (most common fix for door-edge leaks)

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft cloth or sponge, Mild dish soap, Toothbrush (optional), Flashlight
  1. Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker for safety before working around the door area.
  2. Open the door and wipe the entire gasket (especially bottom corners) to remove grease, debris, or buildup that can break the seal.
  3. Inspect for tears, flattened areas, or sections pulling out of the channel.
  4. Run a quick cycle and watch for seepage at the door edges; if still leaking and gasket is damaged/loose, replace it (next solution).
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid harsh solvents that can degrade rubber seals.

Replace the door seal / door gasket

Moderate 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: None or needle-nose pliers (model dependent), Towel, Flashlight
  1. Locate the correct replacement gasket using the Kenmore model number (typically found on the door frame).
  2. Remove the old gasket by pulling it from the channel (or releasing retaining sections if your model uses them).
  3. Clean the channel to remove residue so the new gasket seats properly.
  4. Press the new gasket evenly into the channel without stretching it; ensure corners are fully seated.
  5. Close the door for several minutes to help the gasket conform, then run a test cycle and check for leaks.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure the gasket is fully seated—an improperly installed gasket can worsen leaks.

Inspect and clean spray arms; replace if cracked or warped

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver (model dependent), Toothpick or small brush, Vinegar (optional), Flashlight
  1. Remove the lower rack to access the spray arm(s).
  2. Inspect spray arms for cracks or split seams; check that spray holes are not clogged with debris.
  3. Clean clogged holes with a toothpick/brush and rinse thoroughly; ensure arms rotate freely.
  4. If cracks are present, replace the spray arm with the model-correct part and re-test for leaks during a wash cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not run the dishwasher with racks removed unless necessary for inspection—avoid contact with moving spray parts.

Check the float for sticking/obstruction to prevent overfilling

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight, Soft brush
  1. Locate the float (usually a dome or cylinder on the tub floor).
  2. Lift and lower the float to confirm it moves freely without rubbing or sticking.
  3. Remove debris or buildup under/around the float and clean the area.
  4. Run a fill phase and verify the water level is not abnormally high; if it still overfills, professional diagnosis of the float switch/inlet valve may be needed.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off power before manipulating electrical switch components under the float (if accessible).

Locate under-dishwasher hose leaks (inlet/drain) by running a short cycle with the toe-kick removed

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Flashlight, Towels, Adjustable wrench (for inlet hose), Slip-joint pliers (for clamps)
  1. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher and turn off power at the breaker.
  2. Remove the lower toe-kick panel to access the underside.
  3. Restore water and power, then run a short cycle while watching for drips from the inlet hose, drain hose, clamps, or pump area.
  4. Tighten loose clamps or fittings carefully; replace cracked hoses or worn clamps if leaks are found, then re-test.
⚠️ Safety First: Risk of electric shock: keep hands clear of wiring and live components while powered.

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump, motor seal, or pump housing gasket (under-unit leak during wash)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

Replace water inlet valve (leak during fill or slow seep when off)

Estimated Cost: $180 - $450

Replace or adjust door latch/strike and align door/hinges

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Leak is coming from underneath the unit near the pump/motor area and not from door edges or hoses.
You see electrical components or wiring getting wet (stop using immediately and shut off power).
Overfilling continues after confirming the float moves freely (possible inlet valve or control issue).
The dishwasher tub is cracked/corroded or leak source is not identifiable after a controlled observation test.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Wipe and clean the door gasket and bottom corners to remove grease/food buildup that breaks the seal: Door-edge leaks and poor sealing
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect and rinse spray arms; clear clogged spray holes to prevent jetting toward the door: Splash-out leaks from misdirected spray and reduced wash performance
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Verify dishwasher is level and stable (not tilted forward): Bottom/front leaks caused by improper door closure and water pooling at the front
    Frequency: annually or after moving/installation
  • Inspect inlet and drain hose connections for moisture and clamp tightness: Under-unit leaks from slow hose seepage
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dishwasher leaking?
Common causes include a worn door seal, cracked spray arms, or loose hoses.
How do I fix Kenmore Dishwasher leaking myself?
Clean or replace the door gasket, inspect spray arms, and check for hose leaks.
How much does it cost to fix leaking?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $600 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for leaking?
If DIY fixes fail or if the leak persists, it's time to call a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Leaking from door gasket (2 mentions)
  • Drain hose disconnection (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the sump assembly after identifying the leak.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Reattach the drain hose, which may have popped off the disposal.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  3. Tilting the dishwasher up a little stopped the leak.

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Dishwasher: Can you tell me what part is leaking in this vid...
  2. Leaking Kenmore Dishwasher
  3. Old dishwasher gushing out water on rinse cycle.
  4. Help Kenmore Dishwasher leaking from centre of door

Community Discussions

leaking water

Replaced the sump assembly after identifying the leak.

DIY View on Reddit →

gushing out water on rinse cycle

Reattach the drain hose, which may have popped off the disposal.

DIY View on Reddit →

leaking from centre of door

Tilting the dishwasher up a little stopped the leak.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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