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dishwasher leaking

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741 views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  lenaitch  
#1 ·
I have a GE GDT655ssj5ss. The serial number starts with HM. So I assume this is from 2019 (before we moved in). Otherwise its from 2007 and it doesn't look that old. Its leaking underneath and it looks to be coming from somewhere by the pump.

I'm wondering whether I should attempt to fix this or whether I should just buy a new one. Anyone know how long one of these units should last? I don't want to spend a lot of time learning how to repair dishwashers and have it die on me in the next couple of years.

If I decide to fix it, I do have a couple of questions. I found a lot of padding under the dishwasher. Seemed like it was masking the leak for a while as it looks like it can absorb water and probably dry in between uses. See attached picture. So did someone put that there to mask a leak... Or is it just sound proofing? Secondly, I will need to move the dishwasher out from its hole in the cabinets, is that advisable on this unit? I don't want to pull it out and then not be able to put it back. I think it just has a couple of screws on the sides.

If instead I go the replacement route, I am considering getting a Bosch 800, 500 or 300. I think the 500 seems nice since it auto opens to let steam out. But I don't really know if I need that or not. But most reviews I find are 300 and 800. Seems like 300 is more dependable with 800 having a lot of issues recently...maybe because of new model that came out recently. The main issue I saw with 800 is the door not sealing correctly.
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#2 ·
Whether it's worth fixing depends on what's leaking. I would wipe up all the water, and see if it leaks when it's not running. If not, then watch carefully while the DW is running to see as accurately as possible where the leak is coming from. Then pull the DW out, lay it on its back, and look for a crack, a worn through spot, or a seal that's out of position where the leak was.

Based on my experience, a worn-through pump housing would be my prime suspect, that's the area where the leak is coming from. If you shop around, most of the parts that would cause a leak can be found for under $100. I've replaced the the recirculation pump 3 times in 11 years of mostly heavy use it's seen. Each was about $65. (Amazon), but if I hadn't shopped around, I could have easily paid $200 for the same part.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I can agree with @HotRodx10 as it would be great to know where the leak really is.

I'd dry everything including the cookie sheet - then add nice flat toilet paper to the cook sheet. Toilet paper will act as a witness since it will pucker up when it gets wet. Slide the papered cookies sheet back under and run a load, pull the sheet out and inspect for crinkled paper to help find the leak.

If you're lucky it will be a loose connector or spring clamp on a hose - which means you can pull the unit and repair/replace fairly easily.

Let me point out that getting a new dishwasher will be far less expensive than re-doing your hardwood floor. I do commend the use of the cookie sheet - we commonly put them under every sink/vanity in the house - we all know they will leak eventually.

Bosch is very nice - you'll be nervous it's not running it's so quiet if you decide to get one.
 
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