Preventing Overflow

One of the key reasons that a dishwasher overflows is that the dishwasher isn’t draining properly.

Proper maintenance and an occasional check can help prevent a leaking dishwasher. The easiest way to maintain your dishwasher is to clean the dishwasher’s filter system to help prevent clogging.

It also helps to check the condition of the drain hose on a monthly basis. Watch for kinks in the hose that can develop from the weight of the draining water pulling the hose down. The draining hose should sit at least half a metre above the floor of the dishwasher to keep the water flowing properly.

Common Causes of Overflowing Dishwashers

The first place to check isn’t even the dishwasher itself. It’s possible that the kitchen sink is clogged which can prevent the dishwasher from draining. If the kitchen sink has been backing up, try clearing the blockage and running the dishwasher again. This may solve the problem right away.

If it’s soap or foam overflowing from the dishwasher, the problem may be as simple as using too much dishwasher detergent. Follow the instructions on the package or buy detergent prepackaging in single doses to make adding soap quick and mess-free. Using inexpensive dishwasher detergent can also be a problem. Sometimes, inexpensive can equal poor quality soap that causes too much foam.

Over time, the gasket around your dishwasher door can wear down or tear. This is the rubber lining that ensures the opening is totally sealed so water can’t escape the dishwasher. Take a look at the gasket to see if the problem is obvious. It may be that some food has attached to the seal and is causing a small hole—a problem you can solve by just cleaning the gasket. If you see a tear or the door just doesn’t seem to be sealing properly, it’s time to call in the kitchen appliance repair experts.

A faulty float switch can also cause your dishwasher to overflow. The float rises with the water as your dishwasher fills. When it hits a certain water level, the float will signal the float switch, letting it know the dishwasher is filled. The water turns off. Sometimes the float can get stuck or caught and won’t rise with the water level. If the float doesn’t signal the float switch, the water will keep rising and the dishwasher will create a lake in your kitchen. A broken float switch can also be the problem. Since a float switch can’t be repaired, it will need to be replaced by an expert.

There are many reasons why your dishwasher may be overflowing—some you can fix as simply as changing dishwasher detergents while others may need to be repaired by an expert.