Fixing Dishwasher Leaks

If water is discovered on the floor under or in front of your dishwasher, the first question that needs to be asked is: Where is the water coming from – inside the appliance or from the plumbing attached to the appliance?

If water is leaking out of the dishwasher door seal while the appliance is in operation, then you may have a problem with the appliance. It may be that the door isn’t latching properly or that the seal has been compromised in some way. Liquid dish soap intended for use in a sink can affect the seal of a dishwasher if it somehow gets inside. Dish soap should not be used when rinsing dishes to place them into your dishwasher, for this reason. An appliance repairman may be needed to determine if the dishwasher is repairable or should be replaced.

If the water is coming from underneath your dishwasher, it is likely to be coming from hoses attached to your dishwasher or the water supply line or water inlet valve for your dishwasher. The seals or connections may have become corrupted and in need of repair or replacement. To determine the source of the problem, the dishwasher will need to be pulled out of its placement underneath the countertop to examine these water connections. This needs to be done carefully so as not to damage the plumbing or wiring connections for your dishwasher.

When the water appears to be coming from underneath the dishwasher, a call to a professional plumber would be in order. If repairs are needed to the connecting hoses, they will be able to handle these with ease and ensure that the leak will not be reappearing the next time you run the dishwasher.

Dealing With Low Water Pressure

Does the water pressure in your home does seem to be lower than it used to be? Low water pressure can be an indication of a plumbing problem sit it’s best not to ignore it. If the water pressure is low at a single faucet or showerhead but the rest of your fixtures have good pressure, the problem may be as simple as a buildup of debris or mineral deposits in the fixture.  Remove the showerhead or faucet aerator and clean out any debris.

If the pressure seems low at all of your faucets, you can test the water pressure in your home with a water pressure gauge available at most hardware stores.  Follow the instructions for use and contact your local water authority to determine if the water pressure in your home is the right pressure for your area.  If not, then you should call a good plumber and have the problem identified and repaired.

Possible problems include a faulty water pressure regulator, a broken water supply line, or a clogged water supply line.  Water pressure regulators are located near where the water supply line enters your home and maintains a constant pressure inside your home.  The pressure may need to be adjusted or the regulator may have malfunctioned and need replacing.

Depending on the type of water  line, it may be corroding in the inside which will constrict the water flow and reduce pressure inside your home.  A broken water supply line will also cause a drop in water pressure.  With a broken water supply line, you may notice a wet area in your lawn or a higher than normal water bill.

Best Pipe For Water Supply Line

If you are installing a water supply line at a newly built home or replacing a broken or leaking water line at your existing home, you have several types of materials to choose from.  Years ago, water supply lines were usually galvanized steel or polybutylene.  Neither of these types of materials are used today for water supply lines because they had a very high failure rate.

Instead, plumbers today usually use copper, PVC, or polyethylene pipe for water supply lines.  Copper is generally considered the best material for water supply lines.  It is easy to work with, durable, and strong.  Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive option.  Also, copper pipe is available as either rigid pipe sold in ten or twenty foot sections or a softer version that comes in coils.  Rigid copper pipe is put together will connectors and each connection is an opportunity for a leak to develop.  Flexible copper pipe is sold in coils and has far fewer connections where leaks can develop.

PVC pipe is less expensive than copper and also very easy to work with, but it is not quite as durable as copper.  In addition, like rigid copper, PVC is sold in sections and leaks can develop at the connections.

Polyethylene pipe is inexpensive like PVC, but has the advantage of being a flexible type of pipe that is sold in rolls.  Polyethylene pipe can be installed more quickly because it does not need to be joined every ten to twenty feet. Fewer joints means fewer spots where leaks can develop.  In addition,it’s flexibility also means that it can be routed around corners and obstacles easily.

Your plumbing professional can help you choose the right type of pipe to fit your needs and budget.