Kenmore Dishwasher Leaking From Door? – Complete Fix Guide

Dishwashers are very convenient, but a few troubles might happen as appliances that use water. Is your Kenmore dishwasher leaking from the door?

Such a thing can happen if a component responsible for sealing the door is not well adjusted.

If your Kenmore dishwasher is leaking through the door, the possible causes include a faulty gasket, damaged door hinges, a malfunctioning water inlet valve, or clogged water spray arms.

All of the situations will require you to disassemble some components. If anything is broken or defective, you must buy replacements and install them properly.

So grab your toolbox and read the instructions with attention.

Kenmore Dishwasher Leaking From Door – Reasons

Is your Kenmore dishwasher leaking from the bottom of the door? That will cause a headache since the floor will get all wet.

The causes could be different in every situation, so let’s check what the main culprits usually are:

✅ Water Inlet Valve

If the water inlet valve is malfunctioning and fails to shut, too much water will fill the dishwasher, resulting in leaking.

✅ Water Arm Assembly

When this portion of the dishwasher is damaged, water will seep into the incorrect sections of the device.

✅ Door Gasket/Seal

A damaged door gasket may allow water to seep out as it can’t shut the door appropriately.

✅ Door Hinges

Perhaps the issue is with the hinges instead of the gasket. The hinges can prevent the door from shutting all the way.

Fix The Leak On The Kenmore Dishwasher Door

Now that you know what is happening behind the issue, it is time to move to the solutions for the Kenmore dishwasher leaking bottom.

Below we will help you identify which part is defective and what you should do.

Some components might require replacement or fixing; we will help you in each situation.

1. Examine The Door Hinges

After many years of usage, the screws holding the door to your dishwasher may become loose or even fall off.

Additionally, water will seep from the tub and onto the floor next to your appliance if the door doesn’t seal firmly. 

1. Take a good look at the hinges;
2. Inspect if there is a missing or loose screw.
3. Grab a screwdriver and tighten any loose screws. 

On the other hand, if a screw is missing, you should look about your home to see if any spares fit.

If there aren’t, go to the closest shop and get a replacement and other items for future requirements.

Replace The Hinge

Worst case scenario, you discover the hinge is damaged or flawed. In such a situation, you must replace it.

You must shut off the electricity before servicing any device, including the dishwasher. 

1. Grab a hex socket or nut driver measuring 1/4 inch in diameter;
2. Remove the bottom screw holding the hinge;
3. Slide the hinge out;
4. Replace the door hinge by installing it;
5. Change the lock;
6. Door and hinge pins should be reinstalled;
7. Reconnect the door wiring and secure the cables before closing the door;
8. Hook the wires.

Just put all the components you had to remove back together after that. Once everything is in place, switch on the dishwasher to ensure the new door hinge is properly attached.

2. Check The Door Gasket

Check to see whether the gasket is dusty before presuming it is faulty. As it endures too many cycles of dishwashing, the gasket that seals your dishwasher becomes dirty. 

1. Inspect all of the gasket’s length;
2. Check for damages;
3. Tighten it where it might be loosened;
4. Wash it with warm water and soap;
5. Try closing the door again.

Replace The Gasket

If the door won’t close correctly, even if the hinges are in good condition, there is a problem with the gasket. If the gasket has just started to fail, you must carefully examine it.

Any little hole in the gasket might be letting water through.

1. Start with one end of the old gasket and pull it away from the channel;
2. Grab the replacement gasket;
3. Keep a portion of the new gasket extending beyond the channel’s bottom;
4. Six inches of the new gasket should be pressed into the channel;
5. Ensure that its lip is facing outward;
6. Repeat on the other side, securing the ends;
7. As you place it in the remaining channel, stretch the gasket.

Ensure the door is shutting correctly; the gasket is already in place. Next, if it is, start the dishwasher to see whether the problem has been resolved.

Note: The seal and gasket refer to the same part in the dishwasher. They might be distinct components for some appliances, but they are the same here.

3. Check The Spray Arms

To see whether the leak has anything to do with the spray arms, remove the bottom dish rack from the GE dishwasher.

Next:

1. You may use your hand to turn the dishwasher’s lowest spray arm. 
2. Check to see whether the arm can move naturally. 
3. Carefully raise the spray arm’s other end. 
4. Examine the seams where the spray arms are attached closely. 

Leakage is not the only problem. Also, the water pressure may not be sufficient to thoroughly wash the dishes if they are damaged or cracked. 

Note: If you removed washers, first put them back on the spray arm in the opposite order that you took them off. 

How To Replace The Spray Arm

You need to replace the component after getting your hands on a fresh spray arm and opening the dishwasher as described above.

1. Remove the securing components of the damaged spray arm;
2. Remove the spray arm;
3. Discard it;
4. Set the new one in place;
5. Secure it well;

Once all is in place, you must close the dishwasher and check if the new spray arms leak or not.

4. Replace The Inlet Valve

As the name says, the inlet valve is responsible for allowing water into the dishwasher.

Its being defective can cause many different problems, leakage being the worst by far.

Here is how you can start inspecting:

1. Locate the kickplate;
2. Remove the two screws on the top or bottom of the panel;
3. Disassemble the kickplate.

The position of the water inlet valve will be indicated by the hoses coming into it.

It’s time to test the inlet valve when you’ve located it:

1. Pull the connectors to release the wires.
2. Check for continuity with a multimeter.
3. Opt for ohms x 1.

An endless reading indicates a damaged valve. Its second set of terminals must also be tested.

What you have done with the valve should be repeated here. Here, endless reading also indicates a problem. 

Alert: If any tests provide values that are infinite, the valve must be replaced.

How To Replace The Valve

The valve is typically fastened to the dishwasher with at least two screws.

Using a Phillips screwdriver and a fresh intake valve, do the following:

1. All screws holding the valve in place should be removed.
2. Remove the valve.
3. Put the replacement intake valve in place with care.
4. To secure the new valve in place, use the screws.
5. Reattach all wires and tubes.
6. Replace the kickplate;
7. Ensure the panel is also well positioned.

Once everything is back in place, it is time to reconnect the appliance to the power and water supply. After it, run a test cycle and see how it goes.

Tip: Pliers will help you when handling the wires. But be careful not to damage wires on the dishwasher or the new component.

What We Learned

A Kenmore dishwasher leaking from the door requires immediate attention. After all, the water could damage internal components or keep your kitchen wet for too long.

You will likely need to replace components, but the guide above has all the info you need for that!

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