Dishwasher Leaking Water: Causes and Fixes
Dishwasher leaks usually trace to a worn door gasket, oversudsing from the wrong detergent, an overfilled or tilted unit, or a loose hose connection. Many leaks trip a base-pan leak sensor (LC, AE, i30, E15, FL depending on brand) that disables the machine until dry.
What to Check First
- 1
Inspect the door gasket for tears, food residue, and proper seating all the way around.
- 2
Use only dishwasher detergent — never dish soap, which oversuds and pushes water past seals.
- 3
Confirm the unit is level; a tilt sends water to one corner and past the door seal.
- 4
Check hose clamps and the fill/drain connections under the sink.
- 5
If a leak code appears, dry the base pan — the float/leak sensor blocks operation until it's dry.
Error Codes for This Problem, by Brand
If your dishwasher is showing an error code along with this symptom, find your brand below — each code links to its full fix guide.