How to Fix Your Dishwasher Door

Before you begin repairs, be sure to read your owner’s manual for specific instructions and diagrams for your particular model to make sure you have all the right dishwasher door repair parts and materials on hand.  Here are some common problems that can often be resolved with a DIY approach:

 Faulty Door Seals

If you notice your dishwasher door leaking water from the front of your dishwasher, it could be because of a faulty door seal. 

Open your dishwasher’s door, and check the gasket around the edge for signs of cracking or corrosion. If you don’t see any damage, try cleaning the gasket with a brush or cloth to remove any debris or detergent buildup.  When the gasket shows signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace it.  On most models, you can simply pry the gasket out of the narrow groove that houses it and replace it with a new seal.  Be sure to wipe down the new gasket regularly to keep it in good working condition.

 Dishwasher Door Springs

Dishwasher door springs get a lot of wear and tear because the door is opened so frequently by you and the family. If you notice that your door seems to open unevenly, or if it drops down suddenly and with force, the springs on one or both sides may need replacing.  Like the door seal, broken springs may eventually cause leaks, so it’s best to take action as soon as you notice a problem.  Even if just one spring is broken, it’s best to replace both at the same time so the door opens and closes evenly.  Before you begin work, you’ll have to disconnect electricity to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker or fuse box, and turn off water to the machine.

Whether your model’s springs are attached to the door with a hook or to a cable, you’ll have to get access to them.  Refer to your owner’s manual for a diagram of your particular model and instructions on how to remove the panel.  You may need to use a screwdriver or set of pliers to detach the old springs.  Attach the new ones, adjusting the tension as needed, and replace the door panels. 

 Dishwasher Door Latch 

Keep in mind that if your dishwasher’s door latch isn’t closing properly, it could cause the door seal to not fit tightly or it may even prevent the machine from starting, and we certainly don't want that. So If the door seems loose when it is latched, or if your dishwasher gets quieter while it is running when you push the door in, you may need to adjust the latch plate (see your owner’s manual for a diagram).  You can tighten the latch plate, or you may need to adjust where the latch is striking the plate to close by lightly tapping it with a hammer or the handle of a screwdriver.

Regular dishwasher maintenance can help you prolong the life of your appliance as well as help troubleshoot potential problems.  Be particularly careful with your dishwasher door.  Open and close it carefully, and avoid letting it slam shut.  Don’t allow your children to play with it or on it, and never stand or sit on the opened door.  Avoid resting heavy dishes or other items on the door while you’re loading the machine.  We hope that these steps do the job with helping you fix your broken dishwasher door, but in the case that you have leaks or other problems that you aren't able to resolve, call a qualified AHS dishwasher repair technician who'd be happy to assist you.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.