I have a basic used Kenmore dishwasher that I've had for about four years. It's been great, but recently, it started leaking from the front corner. After cleaning and replacing the front seal, we still had a leak, so we placed a bowl underneath and kept using it. Then it stopped cleaning the bottom rack effectively; only half of the dishes were getting clean. Last night, I noticed it wasn't level, so I adjusted it, which fixed the front leak, but this morning, my downstairs neighbor texted me about water dripping from her ceiling! Now I'm worried there's a new leak in the back and it still doesn't clean properly. Should I get a repair person to take a look, or is it better to just replace it? I hesitate because I've heard stories of problems with cheaper dishwashers and this one has been so reliable until now. Is there anything more I can do to diagnose the issue myself?
2 Answers
It sounds like you're in a tough spot! I had a similar issue last summer with my dishwasher leaking and eventually had to replace it after the motherboard seemed to fail. If it's leaking and not cleaning well, I’d lean toward the new unit. You might end up spending more on repairs than if you just bought a new one. Just a thought!
You might want to check a specific part that's often the culprit. There’s a small bushing that sits on the lower wash arm that can wear out and lead to leaks and poor cleaning. It's cheap to fix and can make a big difference! Also, keep in mind older dishwashers can leak if you're using pod detergents, so that could be a factor too. Good luck!