Shut off the power and the water to the dishwasher, in that order, before you do anything else. A dishwasher that keeps filling has lost its ability to tell when the tub is full, and it will keep pushing water onto the floor until the supply is closed. Whirlpool's leak guide gives the same first move for an active leak: switch off power at the breaker and shut the water supply (Whirlpool).
Do this first
- Turn off the dishwasher's breaker. It's often labeled "dishwasher" or shares a circuit with the disposal. Pressing Cancel may not close a stuck valve. Reach the panel from dry floor, and don't touch the dishwasher's controls or plug while you're standing in water.
- Close the water supply valve. In most kitchens it's under the sink, on a small line running toward the dishwasher, often off the hot water side.
- Get towels down along the door and toe kick.
- Bail out the tub if it's above the door seal. Use a cup and a bucket so the water doesn't pour out when you open the door fully.
In the next few hours
- Check the float. Most dishwashers have a small dome or cylinder on the tub floor, usually near the front. Whirlpool says the float should move up and down freely and that debris can prevent it from signaling the correct water level. Lift it gently and clean around its well so it doesn't stick.
- Look for a broken or missing float. If it's cracked, missing or won't move after cleaning, leave the dishwasher off.
- Dry the floor and cabinet base. Remove the lower kick panel if it unclips easily and check under the unit. Overfill water tends to soak into the subfloor and cabinet sides, which the EPA says should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to head off mold (EPA).
- Decide whether to try a test. If the float was clearly stuck and now moves freely, you can turn the water and power back on and watch a fill from start to finish. If water passes the bottom of the door opening, shut everything off again.
- Leave it off if you're unsure. A water inlet valve that sticks open will keep filling even with the dishwasher off at the panel, and only a closed supply valve stops it.
Before the technician arrives
Write down:
- The model and serial number. Open the door and check its inner edge and the sides of the tub opening, where most dishwashers carry the label.
- When the overfill happened: at the start of the cycle, mid-cycle or while the dishwasher was off. Filling while off points strongly to the inlet valve.
- What you found at the float: stuck, broken, or moving freely.
- Any error codes or flashing lights.
- Whether anything changed recently, such as plumbing work, a new disposal or a water shutoff in your neighborhood.
What not to do:
- Don't turn the water back on and walk away.
- Don't remove the float assembly by force or bend its switch arm under the tub.
- Don't open the lower panel to work on the inlet valve. It sits next to live wiring.
How to keep it from happening again
- Scrape plates before loading and clean the filter regularly so debris doesn't collect around the float.
- Keep large items from blocking the float. A pan lid or utensil lying on the tub floor can hold it down or prop it up.
- Know where the supply valve is and make sure it turns easily. A valve frozen open won't help in an emergency.
- Have a sticking inlet valve replaced promptly. Whirlpool notes that a sticking inlet valve can overfill the tub and recommends service if you suspect one.
- Put a leak alarm under the sink or beside the dishwasher toe kick.
If foam rather than plain water is spilling out, see what to do when the dishwasher overflows with suds. For valve and float repairs, our dishwasher service page has the details.
Sources
- Whirlpool: Dishwasher leaking troubleshooting guide
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Keep in mind: If the dishwasher fills while it's switched off, the problem is the water valve, and the supply should stay closed until it's replaced.
Call ProFix Dallas at (469) 886-1122 to have the float and inlet valve checked.