[jumpeeman]

Hello! First, thanks in advance for your help with this. Our dishwasher is in good shape, looks good, washes good, just started leaking about a month ago. Since the water seemed to be coming from the front, I repalced the front door seal. After that didn't fix the problem, I removed the kick panel and side of the cabinet to get a better look. It's not leaking from a hose, seal or anywhere else that I can see but appears to be leaking from just a few inches to the left of the big housing that's attached to the bottom of the dishwasher through the "eggcrate plastic" bottom of the dishwasher (just a bit down and left of the tip of the red arrow in the picture).


If I'M correct, that would mean the bottom of my dishwasher has a crack in it or something and most likely can't be fixed (unless maybe some fiberglass and epoxy could patch it?). Is there anywhere else this leak could be coming from? What should I check next? If I pull the dishwasher out to get a better look, then I won't be able to run it with water to re-check the leak source, right? Thanks in advance!

[Joe / APP Team]

Originally Posted by jumpeeman

Hello! First, thanks in advance for your help with this. Out dishwasher is in good shape, looks good, washes good, just started leaking about a month ago. Since the water seemed to be coming from the front, I repalced the front door seal. After that didn't fix the problem, I removed the kick panel and side of the cabinet to get a better look. It's not leaking from a hose, seal or anywhere else that I can see but appears to be leaking from just a few inches to the left of the big housing that's attached to the bottom of the dishwasher throught the "eggcrate plastic" bottom of the dishwasher (just a bit down and left of the tip of the red arrow in the picture).


If I'M correct, that would mean the bottom of my dishwasher has a crack in it or something and most likely can't be fixed (unless maybe some fiberglass and epoxy could patch it?). Is there anywhere else this leak could be coming from? What should I check next? If I pull the dishwasher out to get a better look, then I won't be able to run it with water to re-check the leak source, right? Thanks in advance!

Jumpeeman,
Based on the photo and your description, you're probably correct. But, check and make sure there is at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch clearance between the floor and the lowest point of the pump assembly, and the dishwasher is level in both directions.
You don't have to remove the dishwasher, it is possible to remove the pump assembly from the tub, with the appliance still in the cabinet.
" The entire pump assembly can be removed from inside the dishwasher tub.
1. Remove the access and toe panels from underneath the dishwasher door by removing the two (2) screws securing it to the dishwasher frame. 2. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the drive motor and pump motor terminals, the soil sensor and the thermistor. 3. Disconnect the drain hose from the drain hose connector on the pump outlet. 4. Remove the pump motor. 5. Remove the three (3) sump tabs that secure the sump assembly to the dishwasher tub. 6. From inside the tub, lift the front of the sump up approximately ½ inch. Push the assembly back and then lift it out. Removing the Wash Motor 1. Remove the bolt securing the wash motor and drip shield in place on the pump assembly. 2. Once the bolt and drip shield are removed,
turn the wash motor until it stops (approximately ¼ turn). 3. Pull the motor straight back from the sump assembly. Some effort may be necessary to dislodge the motor. The volute will remain attached to the motor". Once you remove the pump assembly, you can check the tub for a crack, and the pump seal for damage or wrinkles, etc. Don't forget to remove power to the dishwasher before you start any repairs or checks.

[jumpeeman]

Hey Joe! Thanks for the quick reply and for the detailed instructions. Before I went through all of that, I saw a small "indentation" on the inside bottom of the dishwasher that seemed to be right above where the leak coming out of the bottom was. It didn't look like there was any kind of crack but I figured what the heck. . seemed like too much of a cooincidence to have a "dent" directly above where the leak was. .so I dried the area well, cleaned it with rubbing alcohol then put a piece of duct tape over it and did a "test run" with no heat as the tape is directly under the heating element and would probably melt. And guess what ~ no more leak!

So now I just need to figure out the best way to patch the inside of the dishwasher. I don't know exactly what material the inside bottom of the shell is made out of or what would best stick to it. . do you have any idea? I'm guessing fiberglass with epoxy? Any kind of high-temp application adhesive? High-temp silicone? Hot glue gun? Thanks again and look forward to your reply.

[Joe / APP Team]

Originally Posted by jumpeeman

Hey Joe! Thanks for the quick reply and for the detailed instructions. Before I went through all of that, I saw a small "indentation" on the inside bottom of the dishwasher that seemed to be right above where the leak coming out of the bottom was. It didn't look like there was any kind of crack but I figured what the heck. . seemed like too much of a cooincidence to have a "dent" directly above where the leak was. .so I dried the area well, cleaned it with rubbing alcohol then put a piece of duct tape over it and did a "test run" with no heat as the tape is directly under the heating element and would probably melt. And guess what ~ no more leak!

So now I just need to figure out the best way to patch the inside of the dishwasher. I don't know exactly what material the inside bottom of the shell is made out of or what would best stick to it. . do you have any idea? I'm guessing fiberglass with epoxy? Any kind of high-temp application adhesive? High-temp silicone? Hot glue gun? Thanks again and look forward to your reply.

Jumpeeman, how about "tightening" the pump housing retainers, a tap or two might be enough to stop the leak ? The dishwasher tub is an "ABS" composition so you'd want to use an epoxy that's compatible to that, we'd expect silicone, or other type sealers, adhesives or other compounds to eventually fail or wash off. You could probably pick something up at the local hardware/home improvement center or auto parts retailer.

Thanks,