How to Replace the Water Inlet Assembly in a Leaky Whirlpool Dishwasher

There are several malfunctions that can cause your Whirlpool dishwasher model GU2400XTPS3 to leak. Oftentimes, the issue is an easily replaced part or an operational mistake. Finding the culprit behind the problem and fixing it doesn’t have to be a complicated process. To learn more about the most common reasons behind your leaky dishwasher and how to resolve them, keep reading.

Why Is My Whirlpool Dishwasher Leaking?

• An Uneven Dishwasher. If your dishwasher isn’t sitting level, water can accumulate at the front of the appliance, meaning water is potentially leaking out of the dishwasher door. Luckily, this issue is an easy fix that simply requires adjusting the legs of your dishwasher. If you think an uneven appliance is a cause behind your leaky dishwasher, use a leveler to check.
• The Door Gasket. A damaged or worn door gasket can lead to water leaking out of your dishwasher. The gasket creates an airtight seal, which stops water from seeping out of your appliance. If the gasket, which is made out of rubber, becomes torn or cracked it will no longer hold water in, meaning the water inside your dishwasher will end up on your floor. Replacing the faulty gasket with a new one is a simple repair that you can do yourself.
• The Hoses and Clamps. Over time, the drain and fill hose can wear down and crack, leading to a wet kitchen floor. However, if the hoses are intact, you should check the clamps that secure their connections. A loose clamp can cause a leak. Fortunately, both issues are easy to correct.
• Detergent Problems. Using the wrong type of detergent or using too much detergent can lead to excessive soap suds. When those extra suds have no place to go they’ll force their way out your dishwasher door and onto your kitchen floor.
• The Water Inlet Assembly, which is connected to your dishwasher’s fill hose and located on the side of your appliance’s tub, allows water to enter your dishwasher. Unfortunately, if the inlet is faulty, you’ll end-up with a puddle on your kitchen floor. Replacing a defective water inlet assembly is fairly simple. If you would like to attempt the repair yourself, we’ve provided step-by-step directions below.

How to Replace the Water Inlet Assembly in Your Dishwasher

Safety First

• Always unplug your dishwasher and turn off its water supply before starting a repair job.
• Gloves and safety goggles should be worn at all times while you repair your appliance.
• If at some point during the repair you feel as though you cannot safely finish the job, please stop what you’re doing and contact a professional appliance repair technician.

How to Uninstall Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

Before you replace your dishwasher’s water inlet assembly, you’ll need to remove the appliance from under your kitchen cabinet. To do so, use a wrench to loosen the nut securing the fill line to the hot water valve, then disconnect the line from the valve. Next, detach the drain hose from your sink’s garbage disposal or air gap. Some water is bound to leak out of the hose and fill line, so have a towel nearby to wipe the mess up.

Now open your dishwasher door and take out the bottom dish rack. After the dish rack is removed, use a Phillips screwdriver and unthread the screws securing the dishwasher to your kitchen counter-top. Next, carefully pickup the dishwasher door and pull the appliance out from underneath the counter. Once you’ve moved it forward a few feet, close the door and grab the dishwasher frame to finish moving the appliance forward.

How to Remove a Faulty Water Inlet Assembly From Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

Open the dishwasher door and locate the locking nut that secures the water inlet assembly to the tub’s sidewall. Using a pair of pliers, unthread the nut by rotating it counterclockwise. Once the nut is loose enough, finish unscrewing it with your hand, and then remove the nut from the water inlet opening.

Next, close the dishwasher door and head to the left side of your appliance. Lift-up the insulation covering the water inlet assembly and lay it on top of your dishwasher. With the insulation out of the way you finally have a clear view of the faulty water inlet.

Remove the water inlet assembly by simply pulling it off the side of your dishwasher. Then, take the drain hose off the part. Finally, using a pair of pliers, slide the clamp up the fill hose and remove the hose from the water inlet. Have a towel handy to wipe up any water that may leak out of the hoses.

How to Install a New Water Inlet Assembly in Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

The new water inlet assembly does not come with a gasket, so take the gasket off the old water inlet and examine it. If the part is in good shape, install it on the new assembly, however, if you find any cracks in the gasket it’s best to order a new one; otherwise, you may end up with another puddle on your kitchen floor.

After installing the gasket, reattach the fill hose to the water inlet nozzle. Make sure you secure the connection by sliding its clamp back down the hose. Next, clip the drain hose onto the water inlet assembly, and then carefully insert the assembly into the small opening on you dishwasher.

Lay the dishwasher insulation back down and move to the front of your appliance. Open the dishwasher door, and reattach the locking nut that secures the water inlet assembly to the dishwasher. You’ll need to use your pliers to fully tighten the nut.

How to Reinstall Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

With the dishwasher door closed, push the appliance underneath your kitchen cabinet. Next, open the door and insert the lower dish rack. Then, using a Phillips screwdriver rethread the screws that attach the dishwasher to your counter-top. Once the appliance is secure, head under your sink to reinstall the fill line and the drain hose. Attach the drain hose to the air gap and tighten the hose clamp to secure it to the air gap nozzle. Grab the fill line and reinstall it to the hot water inlet valve.

Finish up your repair by plugging your dishwasher back into the wall and turning on the appliance’s water supply.

If your dishwasher is leaking and none of the solutions above are the cause, please contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you diagnose the malfunction.