How to Change the Door Bottom Seal of a Dishwasher

A dishwasher gasket is a rubber element that is used to keep water inside your dishwasher when it is running. The door seal seals the dishwasher and prevents water splashes.

Over time, this gasket can move, loosen, wear out, or become damaged, causing leaks around your appliance door.

The door seal is therefore damaged if there is a leak on one of the two sides of the dishwasher and therefore a puddle of water at the bottom.

It also happens that the seal fills with water and swells causing an overflow of water at the bottom of the device. A fault code will appear on the display or flash and the unit will not start.

The door seal is located behind the front of the dishwasher.

The door bottom seal, also known as the door gasket or door seal, is an essential component of a dishwasher that prevents water from leaking out during a wash cycle. Over time, the seal can become worn out or damaged, leading to water leakage and poor cleaning performance. If you notice water leaking from the bottom of your dishwasher door, it may be necessary to replace the door bottom seal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the door bottom seal of a dishwasher.

1. Safety Precautions

Before you begin replacing the door bottom seal, ensure that the dishwasher is completely disconnected from its power source. This will prevent any electrical accidents and ensure your safety during the procedure.

2. Access the Door Bottom Seal

The door bottom seal is located at the bottom of the dishwasher door. To access the seal, follow these steps:

1. Open the Dishwasher Door: Fully open the dishwasher door.
2. Inspect the Door Bottom: Take a close look at the bottom of the dishwasher door to identify the existing door bottom seal.

3. Remove the Old Door Bottom Seal

Follow these steps to remove the old door bottom seal:

1. Locate the Retaining Clip: In some dishwasher models, the door bottom seal is held in place by a retaining clip. Locate this clip on the inside of the dishwasher door.
2. Remove the Retaining Clip: Use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to carefully remove the retaining clip. Take caution not to damage the clip or surrounding components.
3. Peel off the Old Seal: Once the retaining clip is removed, you can peel off the old door bottom seal from the dishwasher door. Start from one corner and gradually work your way along the edge.
4. Clean the Door Bottom: Before installing the new seal, ensure that the door bottom is clean and free from any debris or residue.

4. Install the New Door Bottom Seal

Follow these steps to install the new door bottom seal:

1. Align the New Seal: Take the new door bottom seal and align it with the bottom edge of the dishwasher door. Make sure it is centered and matches the dimensions of the door.
2. Press the Seal in Place: Starting from one corner, press the seal firmly against the door, ensuring it adheres securely. Work your way along the edge until the entire seal is in place.
3. Install the Retaining Clip: If your dishwasher model uses a retaining clip, reattach it to secure the new door bottom seal. Make sure it holds the seal tightly against the door.

5. Test the Door Bottom Seal

With the new door bottom seal installed, it’s important to test its functionality:

1. Reconnect the Dishwasher: Plug in or restore the power supply to the dishwasher.
2. Close the Door: Gently close the dishwasher door and ensure that it latches securely.
3. Run a Test Cycle: Start a dishwasher cycle and monitor the bottom of the door for any signs of water leakage. If you notice any leaks, turn off the dishwasher and recheck the seal’s alignment and tightness.

6. Reassemble the Dishwasher

Once you have successfully changed the door bottom seal, it’s time to reassemble the dishwasher:

1. Ensure the Seal is Properly in Place: Double-check that the new door bottom seal is securely attached and properly aligned.
2. Close the Lower Access Panel: If you removed the lower access panel during the process, close it and secure it with the appropriate screws.
3. Restore Power Supply: Reconnect the power supply to the dishwasher by plugging it back into the electrical outlet.

By following these steps, you can successfully change the door bottom seal of your dishwasher, preventing water leakage and ensuring optimal performance. Remember to consult your dishwasher’s manual or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific guidelines or recommendations. If you are unsure about changing the door bottom seal yourself or encounter any difficulties during the process, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional appliance technician. They have the expertise and tools necessary to safely and effectively replace the door bottom seal.