Whirlpool Dishwasher Leaking

[Littlefoot]

We've had a DU920PFGB3 for about 81/2 years. It just started leaking above the kick plate. We think it is overfilling during the rinse cycle. Is there a switch connected to the overfill float that might need replaced or is it time to look for a new dishwasher?

Thanks

[Dan O.]

The float is a safety only, not controlling the fill

It just started leaking above the kick plate.

When exactly does it leak? During fill, only while washing??

Any signs of sudsing in the leaking water?

We think it is overfilling during the rinse cycle.

Why? How high is the water in the machine at the time of the leaking? Over the front tub lip?

Is there a switch connected to the overfill float that might need replaced

Most dishwashers fill for a set amount of time. The float and corresponding switch is usually just a safety device should the control fail to stop the filling. Even if it were defective and not preventing an overfill condition (which has not been established yet) there is still the problem of the control not stopping the fill in the first place.

or is it time to look for a new dishwasher?

I very much doubt that drastic of measure is required at this point but someone will have to delve into the unit to try to determine exactly what is occurring.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[Littlefoot]

When the fill stops is when it starts leaking a little over the kick plate. It really starts leaking when the rinse cycle kicks in. There hasn't been any sudsing in the water that is coming out. If you open the door at this point the water level is to the very top of the tub lip.

Thanks

[Dan O.]

Filling too long or too much?

When the fill stops is when it starts leaking a little over the kick plate. If you open the door at this point the water level is to the very top of the tub lip.

Than it is likely the float switch that is preventing a flooding condition.

The dishwasher filling for too long (but still being stopped by the float switch) could only be caused by the control powering the fill for too long or possibly the water fill valve allowing too much water through during the alloted fill time.

As near as I can tell your machine should fill for 2 minutes. If it is filling longer than that, the control may be responsible for the overfilling. If it is filling for that amount of time and no more but still overfilling, the water valve's internal 'flow washer' may be allowing too much water to flow into the dishwasher. In that case the water valve may need to be replaced.

LINK > Whirlpool DU920PFGB3 Water Fill Valve

LINK > Whirlpool DU920PFGB3 Electronic Control

The only other thing that might cause overfilling when both the fill time and water valve are working as designed is maybe a problem with the water pressure to the dishwasher. Water pressure to the machine's water valve needs to be between 20 and 120 PSI for the valve's flow washer to work as intended.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[Littlefoot]

After further investigation, we noticed the vent was leaking. When the door panel was removed it had a lot of water inside. Looks like we'll start by replacing the door vent seal and go from there.

[Dan O.]

After further investigation, we noticed the vent was leaking. When the door panel was removed it had a lot of water inside.

The vent should be fairly high up on the door. It wouldn't account for leaking right when it stops filling as you reported nor for filling to the lip of the tub. Usually a dishwasher should fill to just below the heater element.

Looks like we'll start by replacing the door vent seal and go from there.

LINK > Whirlpool DU920PFGB3 Door Vent and Seal

Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

JFYI

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[Dan O.]

.
One other thought, make sure the tub is draining almost fully at the end of a wash. Too much water left behind could cause the next fill to get too high.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~