Dishwasher Leaking? This One Seal Could Be the Culprit

Dishwasher Leaking? This One Seal Could Be the Culprit

Article for PRS Parts Inc.

A puddle under your dishwasher can feel like the start of a major repair bill—but it might actually be a quick and affordable fix. One of the most common reasons dishwashers start leaking is a worn-out door gasket or door seal.

What Is the Door Gasket?

The door gasket is the flexible rubber or vinyl seal that runs around the inner edge of the dishwasher door. It’s designed to keep water inside the unit during the wash cycle. Over time, this seal can:

  • Crack or become brittle due to heat and age

  • Collect buildup that prevents it from sealing properly

  • Pull loose or become misaligned

If your dishwasher is leaking from the front or along the sides of the door, the gasket is the first part you should inspect.

How to Know If the Door Seal Needs Replacing

Here are a few telltale signs the seal is the problem:

  • Visible cracks or deterioration

  • Water pooling at the base of the door

  • Steam escaping during a cycle

  • An uneven or loose seal when you close the door

You can run a quick test by closing the door on a thin strip of paper. If the paper slides out easily, your seal may no longer be doing its job.

Replacing a Dishwasher Door Gasket

Replacing the gasket is a simple repair that most DIYers can handle:

  1. Turn off the power to the dishwasher.

  2. Open the door and gently pull out the old gasket.

  3. Clean the channel with a cloth and warm soapy water.

  4. Push the new gasket into place, starting at the center and working your way around.

  5. Let the new gasket settle (it may need a few hours to form a tight seal).

Make sure you’re using an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part for the best fit and performance. PRS Parts Inc. stocks a wide variety of dishwasher gaskets to match most major brands.

Don’t Want to Deal With It?

If the idea of fixing your dishwasher isn’t appealing—or if your unit is older and giving you other problems—it might be time to upgrade. At PRS Appliances, you can find brand-new dishwashers starting as low as $199.99.

Visit PRS Parts Inc. at 540 Lagoon Dr. for authentic appliance replacement parts and expert repair assistance.

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