Is your GE dishwasher leaking? No need to stress; it could be something simple causing it. Simply check each of the components listed in this article, and you should be able to find the cause and fix it.
This guide covers most major GE dishwasher models, including:
DDW550B-45
DDW550B-48
DDW550B-55
DDW650B-45
DDW650B-48
GSD3100N00BB
GSD3100N00CC
GSD3100N00WW
GSD3115F00AA
GSD3160N00SS
GSD3260J00SS
GSD3410Z07AA
GSD3420Z07BB
GSD3430Z07WW
GSD3810Z07AA
GSD3820Z07BB
GSD3830Z07WW
HDA3400GB
HDA3400GC
HDA3400GW
SD4920X66BB
Water Inlet Valve
The first component to check is the water inlet valve. The purpose of the water inlet valve is to let water into the dishwasher. When the valve doesn’t close properly, water will keep flowing into the dishwasher, which can cause a leak to occur due to overflowing.
Here’s how to check the water inlet valve:
- Locate the water inlet valve.
- Inspect it for any signs of wear and tear, and check if it can close properly.
- If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If it is working correctly, move on to checking the next component.
Center Wash Arm
The second part to check is the center wash arm. Most GE dishwashers have three wash arms (center, lower and upper). The wash arms are how water is distributed around the dishwasher. Sometimes they can get cracks in them or the housing that holds them in the dishwasher can become worn out. When they become faulty, water will be sprayed toward the dishwasher door, which can cause a leak to occur.
To check the center wash arm, you need to:
- Locate the center wash arm and then remove it from its housing.
- Inspect the housing/support to ensure the wash arm sits correctly in place and that there are no signs of damage to the support/housing.
- Inspect the wash arm for any signs of wear and tear – specifically cracks in it.
- Make sure that the screws in the wash arm support are securely in place.
- If you find any signs of damage to any of the wash arm parts, they will need to be replaced (don’t attempt to fix them, as gluing them back together will not provide a long-term fix).
- Once replaced, turn the dishwasher on and check if the leak has stopped.
Lower Wash Arm
If the center wash arm was fine, you should then check the lower wash arm. When the lower wash arm or the housing that holds it in place gets damaged, water can spray out through the lower part of the dishwasher door.
To check the lower wash arm:
- Locate the lower wash arm and then remove it from its housing.
- Inspect the housing/support to ensure the wash arm sits correctly and firmly in place. You also need to inspect the housing for any signs of cracks.
- Check the lower wash arm for any signs of cracks and general wear and tear.
- Check that the screws in the wash arm housing are securely in place. When they become loose, it can cause a leak to occur.
- If you find any signs of damage to any of the wash arm parts, you will need to replace the whole wash arm unit, as it is difficult to repair any of the individual parts.
- Once replaced, turn the dishwasher on and check if the leak has stopped.
Upper Wash Arm
The third and final wash arm to check is the upper wash arm. Like the other wash arms, when it gets damaged it can cause water to spray toward the door, which causes leaks over time.
To check the upper wash arm:
- Locate the upper wash arm and remove it from its housing.
- Inspect the housing/support for any signs of wear and tear and that the screws in it are tight.
- Check that the wash arm sits firmly in place in the housing.
- Inspect the wash arm for any signs of wear and tear – specifically cracks in it.
- If you find any signs of damage to any of the wash arm parts, you should replace the whole unit. Don’t attempt to fix any of the parts by gluing them back together, as this will not provide a long-term solution.
- Once replaced, turn the dishwasher on and check if the leak has stopped.
Door Gasket
If you still haven’t found the cause of why your GE dishwasher is leaking, the next component to inspect is the door gasket. When the gasket gets damaged, leaks can occur.
To inspect the gasket:
- Locate the gasket.
- Inspect the gasket for any signs of tears, cuts, or gaps in it. Also, check the door hinges for any signs of damage.
- If the gasket or hinges are damaged in any way, they will need to be replaced.
- Once replaced, turn your dishwasher on and check if the leak has stopped.
Door Seal
The final component to check is the door seal. The door seal helps to ensure water cannot leak out through the door. When the seal is broken, a leak can occur.
To check the door seal:
- Place a thin piece of paper between the dishwasher and the door. Close the door and then see if you can pull the piece of paper out easily without it ripping. If you can, this means the seal is not working correctly, as it should be airtight.
- If the door seal is not working correctly, you need to replace the seal.
- Once replaced, turn the dishwasher on and check if the leak has stopped.