A leaking commercial dishwasher is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a potential safety hazard, a health code risk, and a sign that your equipment may need urgent attention. If you’ve noticed puddles forming under or around your machine, don’t ignore it.
In fast-paced environments like restaurants, hotel kitchens, and school cafeterias, a commercial dish machine is essential. It ensures a constant flow of clean, sanitized dishes and helps maintain both operational efficiency and food safety standards. When that machine starts leaking, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a disruption that can slow down service and compromise hygiene.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of dishwasher leaks and show you exactly how to fix them—step by step.
4 Most Common Reasons a Dish Machine is Leaking
Here are the four most common reasons why your dish machine might be leaking:
- Cracked Hoses
- Broken Door Guides
- Blocked Drains, Scrap Trays, and Screens
- Malfunctioning Internal Components
Let’s look at how to diagnose and repair some of these commonly compromised components:
Cracked Hoses
Issue: If a hose has cracks, holes, or is visibly deteriorating,….
Fix: it needs to be replaced to prevent further leaks.
Check for loose, damaged, or kinked water supply or drain hoses and make sure they have solid connections.
Ensure that the connections where hoses connect to the dishwasher or drain are tight. If clamps are damaged or loose, they may need to be tightened or replaced.
Broken Door Guides
Issue: If water is leaking around the door guide,…
Fix: wipe down the seal with a cleaning cloth to remove any debris, then inspect it for cracks or gaps. If necessary, replace it with a manufacturer-approved replacement.
Worn-out door guides can cause water to escape.
The door guide, also known as the door seal, is a rubber or plastic strip that runs along the perimeter of the dishwasher door, creating a watertight seal when the door is closed. It is the primary seal to prevent water from escaping for the entire machine.
Over time, the door guide can degrade, wear out, crack, or become loose, allowing water to seep through during operation.
If water is leaking around the door, the door guide may be worn out.
Blocked Drains, Scrap Trays, and Screens
Issue: If water is backing up in the machine and spilling over,…
Fix: clear any visible blockages in the drain with a drain snake or brush and a bucket.
Clogged or blocked drains can cause water to back up and spill out.
Regularly check and clean the scrap trays and screens to ensure proper water flow. You can usually find these toward the bottom of the dish machine. Remove them by twisting or lifting them out, rinse off any debris, soak in warm, soapy water if needed, scrub with a soft brush, and then rinse thoroughly before reinstalling.
Use a dishwasher-safe drain cleaner occasionally to prevent clogs before they can happen.
Malfunctioning Internal Components
Issue: If your leak involves internal components,…
Fix: call in a repair expert or the manufacturer if your machine is under warranty.
Inspect the internal components like the pump, wash arms, or water inlet valve. Again, make sure the power and water are turned off. Remove the access panel and use a flashlight to look for cracks or signs of wear.
Water Pump
The water pump is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Check the pump itself as well as its housing, seals, and connecting hoses for any signs of damage, cracks or leaks.
Wash Arms
In most commercial dishwashers, the wash arms are located underneath the upper rack (top arm) and below the bottom rack (lower arm). Some models may also have a third arm on the ceiling of the dishwasher compartment.
Regularly cleaning the wash arms can help prevent mineral buildup and debris, ensuring proper washing performance.
Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is usually located near the water supply connection.
The water supply connection on a commercial dishwasher is typically located at the base of the machine, near the corner, or on the right-hand side under the booster.
Check the valve for any signs of leaks or damage.
If an internal component is faulty, contact a professional repair technician.
How to Fix a Leaking Commercial Dishwasher
If you notice a leak, follow this step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve the issue before it worsens. Before you start, gather the appropriate supplies:
Materials Needed:
Materials
- Caution signs or wet floor signs
- Towels
- Wet mop
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Cleaning cloth
- Bucket
Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Multiple Screwdrivers (depending on size)
- Drain snake or brush
- Flashlight
Replacement Parts
- Replacement hoses (if necessary)
- Replacement door guide (if necessary)
Ensure Safety First
Always begin any cleaning or maintenance procedure by putting on the necessary personal protective equipment. For a commercial dishwasher leak, safety goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes should be worn to protect yourself.
Now let’s dive into the steps you need to follow for a leaking dishwasher.
Step-By-Step Guide to Fixing a Leaking Dishwasher
Follow these steps if your dish machine is leaking to keep your kitchen in top shape:
Step 1: Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
Step 2: Identify the Source of the Leak
Step 3: Turn Off the Machine
Step 4: Repair or Replace Internal Components
Step 5: Test the Machine
Step 1: Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
Before taking any action, place wet floor signs around the affected area to prevent slips and falls. Wipe up standing water with towels or a wet mop to minimize the immediate hazard.
Step 2: Identify the Source of the Leak
It is important to determine the source of the leak before taking action. Commercial dishwashers are composed of many components that could potentially fault and cause leaks.
Examine each area we mentioned above closely to determine where the water is leaking from. If unsure, run a short wash cycle and observe where water escapes.
Step 3: Turn Off the Machine
If the leak is significant, power down the machine and shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. Most machines also have a dedicated water valve nearby that can be turned off.
Turn off the leaking dishwasher to prevent further water damage, potential electrical hazards, and to facilitate safe repairs.
Pro Tip: It’s important to turn off the dishwasher and water supply after you determine where the leak is coming from, because the running dishwasher itself can help you determine the source of the leak more quickly and easily.
Step 4: Repair or Replace Internal Components
Once you’ve determined where the leak is coming from and turned off the machine, it’s time to fix it. Depending on where the leak is, you may be able to easily repair or replace the affected component yourself.
Use the guide above to review the four most common causes of a leaking dish machine and which might be your issue.
For more extreme leaks or repairs involving internal components, we recommend calling in a repair expert or the manufacturer if your machine is under warranty.
Step 5: Test the Machine
Once repairs are made, run a test cycle to ensure the leak has been fixed. Keep an eye on potential problem areas and confirm everything is functioning properly.
Quick Tips for Handling a Leaking Dish Machine
- Act Fast – Address leaks immediately to prevent bigger issues.
- Keep Spare Parts on Hand – Having extra hoses and drain screens can save time.
- Know When to Call a Professional – If the leak persists, contact a service technician.
Why You Don’t Want Your Dishwasher Leaking
A leaking dish machine is more than a minor hassle—it can cause serious issues if left unaddressed. The excess water creates slippery floors, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents that could lead to injuries. Over time, standing water can also damage flooring, cabinetry, and surrounding structures, resulting in costly repairs.
Beyond physical damage, the moisture could promote mold and bacteria growth, posing sanitation and health risks. Additionally, the wasted water contributes to higher utility bills and may even lead to internal damage in the machine itself, potentially shortening its lifespan and leading to expensive equipment repairs or replacements.
Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Future Leaks
Preventative maintenance is key to ensuring your dish machine remains in top condition. Implement these best practices to avoid future leaks:
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections should be performed weekly to check hoses, seals, and door guides for signs of wear, while internal components should be examined monthly for leaks or cracks.
Keep Drains Clear
Keeping the drains clear is another essential step. Staff should be trained to remove food debris before placing dishes in the machine. Screens, scrap trays, and drain lines should be cleaned daily to prevent clogs.
Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the dish machine. Only approved cleaning chemicals should be used to prevent damage to seals or internal parts, and the recommended service schedule should be adhered to.
Train Staff Properly
Additionally, staff should be properly trained on the correct machine operation to avoid unnecessary strain on components. Assigning routine maintenance tasks to employees ensures consistent upkeep and reduces the likelihood of leaks and breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
A leaking commercial dish machine can quickly disrupt kitchen operations, creating hazardous conditions, potential health code violations, and costly repairs. If not addressed immediately, leaks can lead to slippery floors, water damage, mold growth, and increased utility costs.
Given that dish machines play a vital role in keeping kitchens running smoothly, ensuring they function properly is essential for efficiency and hygiene.
When a leak occurs, the first step is to prioritize safety by placing wet floor signs and wiping up excess water to prevent accidents.
Next, identify the leak’s source—common culprits include damaged hoses, worn-out door guides, clogged drains, or faulty internal components. If a hose is loose, tighten or replace it. If the door guide is cracked, clean or replace it with a manufacturer-approved seal. Checking the drain for blockages and inspecting internal parts like the pump or wash arms can also help resolve the issue.
After repairs, running a test cycle ensures the problem is fully fixed.
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding future leaks and costly downtime. Regular inspections of seals, hoses, and drains help catch issues early, while staff training ensures proper machine use and upkeep. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines, including using approved cleaning chemicals and scheduling routine servicing, extends the lifespan of the equipment.
If you are located in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico, there is an Imperial Dade facility near you with experts that can help you implement a preventative maintenance schedule for your kitchen. Keep your kitchen in top shape by reaching out to an Imperial Dade expert today.