Brand: Whirlpool
Model Number: WDT720PADM1
Main Symptom: Leaking through lower door vents
What happens & when: Water leaks out the middle of the front door through the vents during the rinse cycle (I think). This is not when the arms are spinning, but usually a bit after. Usually leaks 3-4 times during a regular 2.5 hour wash and all told, it’s nearly a quart of water that we are catching in a 9x13" baking pan under the door.
Error Code (if any): none
Parts or tests already tried: door seal replaced, sump assembly replaced, water inlet valve replaced, drain float mechanism moves freely and drain switch tested with a continuity meter. Drain hose is clear.
Photos / video link:
Open the door in the middle of a cycle when this is happening and see if the tub seems to be overfilled and look for suds. If you’ve got suds try running a cleaning cycle by starting a regular cycle with the unit empty, allowing it to fill, then add a cup of white vinegar, close the door, and resume the cycle, this will get rid of detergent residue that may be causing issues with the float switch. Suds can cause a lot of issues in dishwashers.
If that doesn’t seem to be the case make sure the leveling legs in the front are raised so that the front of the dishwasher is higher than the rear, not to an extreme amount, but so that water will trend toward the back of the tub. If you’re still having an issue after that you might be looking at something with the tub itself.
Thanks for the advice Rory. To start with, that was an older video before I had gone through the de-sudsing procedure you mentioned. For several weeks now, it’s just been murky dishwater.
To your point about the leveling of the machine, I proceeded with trying that. Nothing too crazy on the level (see pic) - just nipping the “line,” which was probably about 1/8-1/4" lowering in the rear of the machine. The amount of water that came out was less, but still significant. Maybe about a 8-10 oz. all told. The next obvious solution was to tilt it back even further at which point my wife says, “This thing is ten years old. Let’s get a new one.”
By this time, the DIY’er in me was spent and I agreed with her. I’ve saved my furnace, clothes dryer, refrigerator, pool pump, air compressor and even a stand mixer from retirement and this time, I am ready to throw in the towel - especially since I nursed the dishwasher along with a few other repairs before it started leaking.
Thanks again for your assistance. This forum has been a good experience.
