water in dishwasher

[idonkey]

I'm renting a townhouse that has a strange dishwasher. It slowly fills with water when it's not running. Eventually, the water overflows onto the kitchen floor. We prevent the overflowing by occasionally opening the dishwasher to check the water level. If it looks high, then we turn on the dishwasher to the Rinse cycle. Doing this triggers something that drains the water out. The source of the draining noise seems to be around the sink area.

I'm not too familiar with how dishwashers work, so please forgive me. I assume that water shouldn't randomly fill with water when it's not running. How do I prevent water from getting in there in the first place? I'm afraid to take it apart and get electricuted since it's always wet inside.

Thanks for anyone's help!

Chris.

[LazyPup]

If the dishwasher is overfilling when not running the problem is a defective solenoid water valve in the dishwasher that is not turning off completely.

Some fill valves can be rebuilt, but normally the solution is to change the valve.

Changing the fill valve is not at all difficult and should not be beyond the ability of an intermediate DIY'er.

Before you begin, look under the sink cabinet and locate the plug for the electrical supply, and unplug the cord.

Locate the dishwasher water line and turn the valve off. (Should be attached to a side port on the kitchen sink angle stop valve, or a separate valve on the hot water line under the kitchen sink.)

On most dishwashers the water fill valve is located behind the kick plate on the lower left side of the machine.

Remove the kick plate and locate the valve.

Disconnect the rubber water line attached to the valve outlet.

Disconnect the two electrical wires. (There are slip on spade connectors and will pull off easily)

Disconnect the water Line at the valve inlet. - The dishwasher valve has a 1/2" female pipe thread, but you will most likely have a 1/2"MIP x 3/8" compression fitting attached to the valve and the water line will be connected by means of a 3/8" compression fitting. First disconnect the 3/8" compression nut and pull the water line out of the fitting.

Remove the mounting screws and pull the old valve out.

Examine the new valve. You may need to remove the 1/2" MIP x 3/8" compression adapter from the old valve and install it on the new valve. (You should apply teflon tape or pipe dope to the male pipe threads before screwing it into the new valve.)

Slip the new valve into location and install the mounting screws.

Connect the rubber supply line to the valve output.

Slip the end of the copper water line into the valve inlet compressino fitting and tighten the compression nut. (Do not apply teflon tape or pipe dope on the compression fitting.)

Slip the two electrical wires onto the solenoid electrical connectors.

Under the sink, turn on the water supply and check all fittings for leaks. (tighten as necessary)

Plug the dishwasher in.

Replace the kick plate.

Mission accomplished...

[idonkey]

Wow, with pictures, too! Amazing. Thanks for your help! I'll let you know how it turns out.

Chris.

[Troy]

Yep, LazyPup is amazing!

Try