Dishwasher · Symptom guide

Dishwasher leaking from the door

Water drips or streams from the bottom of the dishwasher door during a cycle.

Severity: Medium · Typical repair cost: £10–£150 depending on whether the seal, hinges or internal parts need attention.

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Smart overview

This summary gives a quick feel for how serious this issue usually is and what to check before calling for help.

Appliance type Dishwasher
Risk level Medium
Typical repair cost £10–£150 depending on whether the seal, hinges or internal parts need attention.

Checks you can try yourself

  1. Check that dishes and trays are loaded so they do not push the door out of alignment when closed.
  2. Inspect the door gasket all the way around for splits, tears or flattened sections.
  3. Clean grease and debris from the door seal and mating surfaces with warm soapy water.
  4. Make sure nothing is trapped at the bottom of the door, such as utensils or large plates.

Always unplug the appliance and switch off the power at the mains before accessing internal parts, and do not work on gas appliances yourself.

Advanced checks

  • If the leak is worse on certain programs, the spray arms may be cracked or blocked and squirting directly at the door corners.
  • Loose door hinges or a bent inner door panel can prevent an even seal.
  • Foaming from the wrong detergent can raise the water level and push suds out of weak points.

How to prevent this problem

  • Regularly clean the door seal and lower spray arm so they are free from grease and debris.
  • Avoid over‑filling the machine or blocking the spray arms with tall items.
  • Use the recommended detergent and rinse aid levels to control foam.

When to call a professional

If the door gasket is obviously worn or the door does not close evenly, or if leaks continue after cleaning and reloading, a technician can replace seals, adjust hinges and check for internal tank or hose leaks.

Helpful tools & parts

The link below searches for tools and replacement parts commonly used when fixing this type of problem. Always confirm compatibility with your exact model before ordering.

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FAQs

What is the most common cause of "Dishwasher leaking from the door"?

In most cases it comes down to a blockage, a worn component, or a sensor/setting issue. Start with the quick checks, then move to the step-by-step fixes in this guide.

Is it safe to keep using the dishwasher with this symptom?

You can usually do basic checks safely, but stop if you notice leaks, burning smells, tripped electrics, or unusual grinding/banging noises.

What is the first thing I should check?

Check for the simplest causes first: filters, hoses/vents, door seals, obvious blockages, and any recent changes (new detergent, overloaded drum, wrong programme).

When should I call a professional?

If the door gasket is obviously worn or the door does not close evenly, or if leaks continue after cleaning and reloading, a technician can replace seals, adjust hinges and check for internal tank or hose leaks.

About this guide

This guide was created by the CodeSolveAI Appliance Help Team. We use manufacturer information, typical engineer reports and safe DIY practice to keep these pages up to date and practical.

Last reviewed: March 2026.