Why Dishwashers Leak

Most leaks come from worn door gaskets, loose hose connections, or cracked water supply lines. Gaskets dry out over time and lose their seal, allowing water to escape during the wash cycle. Hose clamps loosen from vibration, and plastic fittings crack from age and heat exposure. Some leaks only happen during certain cycles, which makes them harder to detect. By the time you see water pooling on the floor, gallons may have already soaked into the cabinet base and subfloor beneath the dishwasher.

Signs of a Hidden Dishwasher Leak

Look for warped cabinet floors, soft spots in front of the dishwasher, musty odors near the sink, or peeling finish on adjacent cabinet faces. If you notice any of these signs, pull out the dishwasher and inspect the area with a flashlight. You might find standing water, damp wood, or mold growing on hidden surfaces. Hidden leaks are especially dangerous because they create prolonged moisture exposure, which leads to mold and structural damage.

Professional Water Damage Mitigation

We pull the dishwasher and inspect the cabinet base, subfloor, and adjacent walls for moisture intrusion. Then we extract standing water, remove damaged cabinet materials, and dry structural components using air movers and dehumidifiers. Moisture meters tell us when wood framing and subfloor are dry enough to close up. If mold has started growing, we treat affected areas with antimicrobials and remove porous materials that cannot be salvaged. Once everything is dry and verified mold-free, we coordinate with your contractor to rebuild the cabinet base.

Insurance Coverage for Dishwasher Leaks

Dishwasher leaks are covered if they were sudden and accidental. Slow leaks from worn gaskets may be considered maintenance issues and excluded. We document the timeline, photograph all damage, and provide a detailed moisture map showing affected areas. Our team prepares a scope that meets insurance standards and works with your adjuster to ensure approval. We also provide moisture logs that prove mitigation was immediate, which protects your claim.

If your dishwasher is leaking or you've noticed signs of water damage near your kitchen sink, call for a free inspection. We'll assess the damage, dry the affected areas, and handle your insurance claim.