Finding a puddle of water in front of your dishwasher door is never good. Not only is it dangerous, but it also means extra work for you.
Thankfully, fixing this is quite simple if you know how. So let’s talk about why your dishwasher leaks from the bottom of its door and how you can fix it.
Why is your dishwasher leaking from the bottom of the door?
A dishwasher leaks from the bottom of the door if the seals are damaged, the nozzle is clogged, or the door is unlatched. Leftover detergent and wastewater can also be the issue.
To fix this, open your dishwasher and verify that the seal is aligned. Clean the nozzle and fix the door latch assembly.
If the problem persists, try the following steps:
- Clean the interior walls of your dishwasher and make sure to use the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent in your next cycle.
- Fix the draining issue that’s causing the standing water at the bottom of your tub.
Keep reading below to learn more about how to perform these repairs step-by-step.
Important note: Unplug your dishwasher first to avoid electrocuting yourself while you’re trying to troubleshoot the issue. Make sure that the panel no longer lights up when you press the power button.
Causes and Solutions
There are 5 reasons your dishwasher is leaking from the bottom of the door.
- The door’s rubber gaskets are damaged.
- The dishwasher door is open.
- There is too much detergent residue.
- The water nozzle is clogged.
- There’s a draining issue.
Here’s a quick overview of how to resolve these issues.
| Causes | Solution |
| Damaged Door Gaskets | Open the dishwasher door and inspect the rubber seals along its edges. Push the gaskets if they are misaligned. Replace the door gaskets if they are worn out or damaged. |
| Unlatched Dishwasher Door | Check the door latch and make sure that it is aligned properly. Verify that the striker plate has no irregular bends or clogs. Also, push the racks all the way into your dishwasher so they don’t bump against the door. Inspect the door hinges for damage and replace them if necessary. |
| Excessive Use of Detergent | Clean the interior of your dishwasher and wipe off any excess detergent suds. Read the manufacturer’s guide and make sure to use the recommended amount of detergent. Avoid using dishwasher liquid for your appliance. Consider using a different brand of dishwasher detergent if the right amount still produces too much residue. |
| Clogged Water Nozzles | Remove the water nozzle and make sure to clean the opening of the nozzles. Soak the nozzle in distilled white vinegar overnight and wash it in running water before reinstalling. |
| Draining Errors | Look for clogs in the filter assembly and drain hose. Make sure that the hose has a high enough loop or is connected to an air gap. Also, test the drain pump and verify that the impeller, motor, and solenoid are working correctly. Replace the drain pump assembly if it’s damaged. |
Now, let’s talk about why these issues happen and dive deeper into how to troubleshoot them.
Damaged Door Gaskets
Door gaskets are the black rubber seals you see when you open your dishwasher door. They run along the perimeter of the tub and prevent the water from escaping during the cycle.
If you see water leaking from the bottom of your dishwasher door, a damaged door gasket is the most likely culprit.
Since the gasket is made of rubber, it is vulnerable to wearing out over time due to heat and friction. If your dishwasher is new, it may have simply been pushed out of alignment.
Solution: Open your dishwasher door and inspect the condition of the rubber gaskets. Push the gaskets back in place if they are loose or misaligned.
Look for signs of damage on the door gaskets such as breaks or cracks. Replace them if necessary.
If you want to replace your dishwasher rubber seals, follow the steps below:
- Step 1:Unplug your dishwasher and turn off the water supply valve.
- Step 2: Wear proper work gloves to protect your hands.
- Step 3: Open the door and remove the door seal from the channel on the edge of the door.
- Step 4: Take note of which side of the door gasket faces the outside of the channel.
- Step 5: Pull out the rest of the door seal.
- Step 6: Clean the channel that holds the seal using a cotton swab and a mild dishwasher detergent.
- Step 7: Wait for a few minutes to let the channel dry. You can also wipe it with a cloth to aid the drying process.
- Step 8: Remove the creases on the new door gaskets by warming them first. Use a blow dryer or a heat gun and set the temperature low to avoid damaging the seal.
- Step 9: Find the midpoint of the rubber gasket by folding it in half.
- Step 10: Press the seal’s midpoint to the center of the channel. Make sure that the correct side of the gasket is facing outwards.
- Step 11: Press the rest of the rubber seal into the top channel. Also, make sure that you install the rest of the seal evenly on both sides.
- Step 12: Press the seal as much as you can into the channel without stretching it.
- Step 13: Extend one or two inches of the seal beyond the bottom of each side. This helps in sealing the door’s opening.
- Step 14: Close the dishwasher door and press it firmly against the newly installed gasket. Open the door and check if the gasket is properly aligned.
- Step 15: Remove and reinstall the rubber gasket as much as necessary to ensure a tight seal.
- Step 16: Close the door for a few hours to help the new rubber gasket set in the channel permanently.
Unlatched Dishwasher Door
Another likely reason water is leaking from the bottom of your dishwasher door is that the door isn’t properly closed during the cycle.
If your dishwasher door won’t close properly, it may be because the door latch is faulty or the door hinge is malfunctioning.
It is also likely that the racks inside your dishwasher aren’t pushed all the way, bumping against the dishwasher door and accidentally opening it during the cycle.
Solution: Open your dishwasher door and check the door latch. Inspect the latch assembly and make sure that it is aligned properly.
Look for clogs or deformities in the latch that may be causing the door to unhook unintentionally. Check the striker plate in the dishwasher door and verify that it isn’t loose or crooked.
Replace the latch assembly or the striker plate if they are damaged. Inspect the door hinge, lubricate it, and repair the damages.
Make sure that the leveling legs on your dishwasher are not damaged. Adjust the legs correctly so that your dishwasher isn’t tilting forward.
Excessive Use of Detergent
Using too much detergent causes more harm than good for both your dishes and your dishwasher.
Not only do they leave a white film on your stemware and other transparent dishes, but they also leave soapy residue at the bottom of your tub.
This also happens when you use liquid soap to wash your dishes instead of a dishwasher detergent.
Once these leftover suds dissipate, they will slowly leak into the bottom of your dishwasher door.
Solution: Unplug your dishwasher, remove all the dishes, and pull out all the racks and baskets. Wipe the interior walls of your dishwasher and remove any detergent residue.
Wash the racks and baskets before putting them back inside your dishwasher.
Read the manufacturer’s manual and make sure you’re using the recommended amount of detergent.
If you are already using the right amount but are still getting the same issue, consider using a different detergent brand.
Clogged Water Nozzle
Your dishwasher’s water nozzle needs to be cleaned regularly. If you leave the nozzle dirty for too long, it will affect its cleaning performance and spraying pattern as well.
The water nozzle or spray arm may be clogged by leftover food or detergent suds. When this happens, the water streaming out of the nozzles will likely be redirected to the dishwasher door itself.
If the water is strong enough, it will leak from the bottom of the dishwasher door if it’s unlatched, the tub is bowed, or the rubber seals are worn out.
Solution: Clean your water nozzle by performing these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug your dishwasher and turn off the water supply valve.
- Step 2: Remove the bottom rack and baskets to access the water nozzle.
- Step 3: Uninstall the nozzle cap by turning it counterclockwise.
- Step 4: Use a dishwasher brush or an old toothbrush to clean the water nozzle.
- Step 5: Soak the nozzle in distilled white vinegar overnight then rinse it in running water.
- Step 6: Test if the water can pass through all openings of the nozzle.
- Step 7: Reinstall the nozzle and lock the cap by turning it clockwise.
- Step 8: Spin the water nozzle to make sure that you installed it correctly.
Draining Errors
One of the most common causes of leaks on the bottom of your dishwasher door is standing wastewater left in the tub.
This is commonly caused by draining issues such as a clogged sink drain, drain hose, or filter assembly. A faulty drain pump can also cause the problem.
When your dishwasher is not draining correctly, you may see an error code or blinking lights in the panel.
Here’s a quick list for your reference.
For Models with Digital Display
For Models That Use Blinking Lights
| Code | Meaning |
| DelicateQuick+ | Drain Error |
| Heavy (models with Express 60)Heavy and QuickHeavy and Smart Auto | Over-Level Water Error |
Solution: Inspect all the draining components in your dishwasher and locate the source of the problem.
Once you find it, apply the right troubleshooting steps below.
| Cause | Solution |
| Clogged Sink Drain or Garbage Disposal | Inspect your sink drain or garbage disposal and clean it if it’s clogged with too much food waste or debris. If your dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal, check that the cap has been removed. |
| Faulty Drain Hose | Disconnect the drain hose from both ends and test it for blockage. Clean the drain hose and ensure it has a high loop and is tightly reconnected. Straighten the hose if it has irregular kinks or bends. Replace it if it’s damaged. |
| Clogged or Damaged Filter Assembly | Remove the filter assembly and clean it in running water. Make sure not to poke any holes in the screen of the fine filter. Reinstall the drain hose correctly to avoid deforming it. |
| Faulty Drain Pump Component (Impeller, Motor, Solenoid) | Test all drain pump components for continuity. If any of these parts are damaged, you’ll need to replace the entire assembly. |
With a little handyman skill, you’ll be able to DIY the repair on your leaking dishwasher by following the suggestions above.
But if you’re having a hard time following some of these steps, don’t hesitate to call the Samsung Support Center or hire a professional to undertake them for you!
