Maytag Dishwasher Leaking? Top 5 Reasons Why

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Flamingo
May 4, 2021
Dishwasher Repair

Maytag is well known for making high-quality dishwashers. However, over time, dishwasher parts can become worn and cause water to leak from the dishwasher. To diagnose the issue, look first at where the leak is coming from. If the water is leaking from the dishwasher door, you should first check the door seal and spray arms. If the water appears to be leaking from underneath the dishwasher, check where the leak is coming from by removing the service panel at the bottom front of the dishwasher.

Follow this guide for a more detailed description of how to fix your leaking Maytag dishwasher.

This guide applies to the following models:

DC24B6R

DC24D6

DC24H6

DC24H6B

DC24J6

DC24J6A

MDB4949SHB0

MDB4949SHW0

MDB4949SHZ0

MDB6709AWQ1

MDB6769AWB0

MDB6769AWQ0

MDB6769AWS0

MDB6769AWW0

MDB7959SHZ0

MDB7979SHZ0

MDB8979SEZ0

MDB8979SFZ2

MDB8989SHB0

MDB8989SHW0

MDB8989SHZ0

1. Door Seal/Gasket

When working correctly, the seal around the edge of the dishwasher door prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher during a cycle. However, over time, the rubber seal can erode and tear, causing water to leak from the dishwasher. If you have noticed water leaking from the sides of the dishwasher door, the door seal probably needs replacing.

The Fix:

  1. Inspect the door seal for gaps or cuts and make sure it is firmly secured to the dishwasher door. You can try closing the dishwasher door on a piece of paper and then checking if it is easy to pull the paper out, which would indicate a faulty door seal.
  2. If you find an issue with the door seal, it is reasonably easy and affordable to take the old door seal off and replace it with a new one.

2. Spray Arms

Dishwasher spray arms distribute water and detergent around the dishwasher during a wash cycle. Maytag dishwashers may come with either one, two, or three spray arms. Over time, cracks may appear in a spray arm, or the screws supporting the spray arm can become loose. Cracks in the spray arm or loose screws can cause waves of water, which can cause water to leak out the bottom of the dishwasher door. If the support screws are not tight, water can also leak between the spray arm support and the lower pump housing.

The Fix:

  1. Remove the dishwasher racks to access the spray arms.
  2. Check that spray arm support screws are not loose and possibly causing the leakage problem.
  3. Remove the spray arms. On most models, the spray arms can be removed by twisting them counterclockwise or by using a screwdriver.
  4. Check the spray arms for cracks. You can run a flat-edge screwdriver or knife along the seam to look for separations.
  5. Replace the spray arms if you find any cracks.
  6. Make sure the spray arm support screws are tight when you reattach the spray arms.

3. Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve controls the amount of water that fills the dishwasher. Over time, the valve can deteriorate and have trouble opening and closing to allow water into the dishwasher. The valve may also become stuck on open and cause flooding from the dishwasher. If the water inlet valve is defective, it will need to be replaced.

The Fix:

  1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
  3. Remove the bottom dish rack.
  4. Remove the dishwasher service panel from the bottom of the dishwasher.
  5. Pull the dishwasher out and lay it on its back. You will likely need to disconnect the water drain line and fill line from under the sink. Put a towel down to catch any water leakage.
  6. Locate the water inlet valve. The valve will be connected to a hose bringing water into the dishwasher and a hose that fills the dishwasher tub.
  7. Check the water inlet valve for wear and tear that has caused cracks or damage.
  8. If the water inlet valve is damaged, replace it.

4. Dishwasher Pump and Hoses

Depending on the model, your Maytag dishwasher may contain a single pump responsible for circulating and draining water from the dishwasher or have two separate drain and circulation pumps. Over time, the hoses connected to the pumps may become loose, or the seals may deteriorate. The hoses can also crack and cause water leakage.

The Fix:

  1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
  3. Remove the bottom dish rack.
  4. Remove the dishwasher service panel from the bottom of the dishwasher.
  5. Pull the dishwasher out and lay it on its back. You will likely need to disconnect the water drain line and fill line from under the sink. Put a towel down to catch any water leakage.
  6. Check for signs of where the water is leaking from.
  7. Check that the hose connections are secured tightly.
  8. Examine the hoses for tears or cracks.
  9. Check that the seals have not worn out.
  10. Replace any defective parts.

5. Float and Float Switch

The float is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. It is a safety device to prevent the dishwasher from overflowing with water. The float moves up and down in relation to the water level. When the dishwasher has filled with water, the float activates the float switch to turn off the water inlet valve. A problem with the float or float switch can cause the dishwasher to fill with too much water and cause water to leak from the dishwasher.

The Fix:

  1. Examine the float in the dishwasher tub to see if it can move up and down. You may need to unscrew the float cover to check the float. When you move the float, you should hear the relay switch click. If it doesn’t click, the float assembly will most likely need to be replaced.
  2. To access the float switch underneath the dishwasher, disconnect the dishwasher from the power source, and turn off the water supply.
  3. Remove the service panel from the dishwasher and pull the dishwasher out to lay it on its back. You will likely need to disconnect the water drain line and fill line from under the sink. Put a towel down to catch any water leakage.
  4. Locate the float switch beneath the float in the dishwasher tub.
  5. Remove the float switch assembly and test it with a multimeter to determine if it is faulty.
  6. If the float switch is defective, replace it.
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