Dishwasher That Constantly Runs and Leaks: What to Do?
A dishwasher is a great appliance to have in your home, as it can save you time and effort in cleaning your dishes. However, if your dishwasher is running constantly and leaking from the drain, it can cause a lot of frustration and inconvenience. In this article, we'll discuss some troubleshooting steps you can take to identify the problem and potential solutions.
Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose is responsible for carrying the water out of the dishwasher and into the drain. If the hose is clogged or kinked, water may not be able to flow through it properly, causing the dishwasher to keep running and potentially leak from the drain. To check the hose, you can inspect it visually for any damage or blockages. If you suspect that it's clogged, you can try to clear it with a long, flexible brush or call a professional technician to take a closer look.
Check the Drain Pump
The drain pump is responsible for removing the water from the dishwasher. If it's faulty, it may run continuously, causing the dishwasher to think it needs to keep running. To test the drain pump, you can use a multimeter to measure the electrical resistance. If you're unsure how to do this, it's best to seek professional help.
Check the Float Switch
The float switch is responsible for detecting the water level in the dishwasher. If it's faulty, it may signal the dishwasher to keep running even if the water is already drained. To test the float switch, you can use a multimeter to measure the electrical resistance. Again, if you're unsure how to do this, it's best to call a professional technician.
Check the Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. If it's faulty, it may allow water to leak and cause the dishwasher to keep running. To test the water inlet valve, you can use a multimeter to measure the electrical resistance or seek professional help.
Call a Professional Technician
If you've checked all of the above and still experiencing issues with the dishwasher running constantly and leaking, it's time to call a professional technician to assess and repair the problem. As the model and serial number of the dishwasher is unknown, it may be difficult to determine the specific cause of the issue. However, a professional technician can help you diagnose the problem and provide you with a repair estimate.
Consider Repairing or Replacing
If the dishwasher is under 5 years old, it may still be worthwhile to repair it rather than replacing it. However, if the repair cost is too high, or if the dishwasher is already past its lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to replace it instead. When contacting a professional technician, be sure to provide as much information as possible about the issue and the location of the dishwasher. If it is located in a rental unit, it may be the responsibility of the landlord to repair or replace the appliance.
Conclusion
A dishwasher that is running constantly and leaking from the drain can be a frustrating problem. However, by checking the drain hose, drain pump, float switch, and water inlet valve, you can troubleshoot the issue and potentially resolve it. If the problem persists, calling a professional technician is your best bet. By providing as much information as possible about the issue, you can receive a repair estimate and determine whether repairing or replacing the dishwasher is the best course of action.
