Leaky Dishwasher? These Are the Most Common Causes (Calgary Homeowners Guide)

A leaking dishwasher is more than a minor annoyance — it can damage floors, warp cabinets, and rack up serious repair bills if left untreated. In Calgary, where many homes have hardwood or laminate kitchens, even a small leak can become a big (and expensive) issue fast.

If you’re seeing puddles under the door, drips from underneath, or water stains near the cabinets, don’t panic. Here are the most common causes — and what to do before calling a repair tech.

1. Worn or Dirty Door Gasket

What it is:
The rubber seal (gasket) around your dishwasher door keeps water inside during a cycle. Over time, it can crack, dry out, or trap debris — leading to leaks.

Fix:

• Inspect the gasket for cracks, mold, or debris buildup
• Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap
• If damaged, replace the gasket (affordable DIY or service call)

Calgary tip: Our dry winters can accelerate gasket wear — especially in older homes or with infrequent dishwasher use.

2. Overloading or Poor Loading Technique

What it is:
Packing your dishwasher too tightly or placing large items incorrectly can block spray arms or force water toward the door, causing splashes and leaks.

Fix:

• Follow rack guidelines in your manual
• Keep large items away from the door and spray arms
• Avoid stacking items that block water flow

This is the #1 cause of “intermittent” leaks in Calgary households with busy family kitchens.

3. Damaged Spray Arm

What it is:
The spray arms rotate and spray water at high pressure. If cracked, loose, or blocked by food debris, they can spray in the wrong direction — toward seals or vents.

Fix:

• Remove and inspect the arms
• Clean out clogged holes with a toothpick or brush
• Replace if damaged or warped

Pro tip: Spray arms are easy to replace and can often be ordered for same-day local pickup in Calgary.

4. Clogged or Backed-Up Drain Hose

What it is:
A kinked, clogged, or improperly installed drain hose can cause dirty water to back up and leak out mid-cycle.

Fix:

• Check for kinks or blockages (often near garbage disposal or under the sink)
• Run a short rinse cycle and monitor for overflow
• Call a pro if hose needs replacement or rerouting

Some Calgary homes have outdated drain setups — if your dishwasher was a retrofit install, have a tech inspect the routing.

5. Faulty Water Inlet Valve or Float Switch

What it is:
If the dishwasher overfills, the water may spill out the bottom. This can happen due to a stuck float switch (which controls water level) or a leaky inlet valve.

Fix:

• Listen during fill — if water doesn’t stop flowing, the float switch may be the culprit
• Check under the unit for signs of a slow valve leak
• Requires professional diagnosis and replacement

💡 Happy Protection Tip: These are common in dishwashers over 8 years old — especially in hard water areas like parts of Calgary.

‍When to Call a Calgary Dishwasher Repair Tech

While cleaning and checking the gasket is DIY-friendly, internal leaks or electrical parts should be handled by a pro. Our Calgary appliance repair technicians can help with:

✅ Leak diagnosis and same-day fixes
✅ Replacement of gaskets, valves, and pumps
✅ Flat, transparent pricing with free first service for Happy Protection members
✅ Trusted repairs for all major brands: Bosch, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, KitchenAid & more

Final Thoughts

A leaky dishwasher might seem minor — until water damage adds up. Whether it’s a simple gasket replacement or a deeper plumbing issue, the best fix is fast action.

If you’re dealing with a leaking dishwasher in Calgary, don’t wait. Book trusted appliance repair with Happy Protection today.