Water coming from empty dishwasher?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Last week a significant amount of water appeared on my kitchen floor in front of the sink. The cabinets under the sink were dry, and there was no evidence of roof leakage dripping from the ceiling. I tried running the cold water and then the hot, but neither produced more puddles.

Then last evening I happened to see something shiny where the floor met the base of the cabinet's toe kick. It was water, seeping in from near the side of the dishwasher and past the double sink to the end of that section of counter where it connects at a right angle to the next--a distance of 4 feet.

Three weeks ago my dishwasher stopped working. I had pressed a button to start the quick rinse cycle, and a minute or so later the light started blinking and hasn't stopped. I looked up the problem and followed suggested fixes, but the blinking continues. Because the dishwasher is 18 years old, I decided to buy a new one.

Now I'm wondering if water got trapped in the line that runs into the dishwasher, and is now leaking. I'm not aware of such a line, but I assume there must be one. If I order a new dishwasher, the guys who deliver it will remove the old one and install the new one, but are they likely to identify whatever is causing the troublesome water?

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (5)

dadoes
5 years ago
Including the brand and model number when asking appliance questions is a huge help to finding specifics.

Dishwashers are connected to the hot water supply (typically) under the kitchen sink (unless there's a separate feed specifically for the machine).

There's an electric solenoid/valve that operates when the machine runs to allow water flow into the tub for the various wash/rinse periods that occur throughout the cycle. Could be the valve has failed to fully close when off and is dripping.

The inlet flume is typically on the side-wall of the machine's tub. Is that your reference "seeping in from the side of the dishwasher?"

Turning off the supply valve under your sink should stop the leaking. There's usually a separate shut-off valve for the dishwasher, although in some cases it's the same single shut-off for hot water to the sink faucet.

The dishwasher's inlet valve is a replaceable part and usually not an overly expensive part (other than calling-out a servicer, unless you or someone can DIY it). An 18yo unit ... depends on the overall condition whether repair is reasonable, or better to get a new dishwasher. Mine is 17yo and I would repair it unless a needed part is not available. Your choice in your situation.
Alisande thanked dadoes
Alisande
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you, dadoes! The dishwasher is a Kenmore Elite purchased in 2002. The only model number I find in the machine is 665.16594201.

Yes, I meant the water is seeping in from near the side of the dishwasher that abuts the sink cabinet.
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dadoes
5 years ago
Sears, as you may know, doesn't itself manufacture anything. The first three digits (before the period) on appliance model numbers is a code for the source manufacturer. Your dishwasher is sourced from Whirlpool.

The inlet valve is part number WP8531669. Ranges from approx $30 to $55 depending on the source.

Did you find the water supply valve? Did turning it off stop the leaking?
Alisande
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for looking that up for me, Dadoes. I see only two valves under the sink--one for cold water, and one for hot. I didn't turn either of them off. But the leak stopped last evening. as suddenly as it started, and was easily cleaned up with a microfiber cloth. I saw the water only twice, and the first time was at least a week ago. I don't know what triggers it.
HU-178658043
5 years ago
DW leaks can be caused by caked soap or other matter around the door seal, at the bottom, above the hinges. Simple cleaning of this area with a sponge and water, along with making sure the seal is properly in place and in good condition, will frequently solve the problem.
Alisande thanked HU-178658043