Having a dishwasher is such a convenient way to keep dishes clean without spending time hand washing. But when you notice the GE profile dishwasher leak detected error code on the screen, it can be frustrating.
Now your dishwasher won’t run its cycle, leaving you with a sink full of dirty dishes. Seeing the error code can make you panic. However, there are fixes for this common issue that don’t require calling for expensive repairs right away.
In this article, I’ll walk you through several possible causes of the leak detection error. I’ll also provide actionable steps to diagnose the source of the leak in your GE dishwasher and advice on how to properly fix it.
What is the leak detection in the GE dishwasher?
Leak detection is an error code that appears on GE Profile dishwashers when there is a water leak somewhere inside the appliance. The code may simply read “LD.”
Dishwashers have an internal pan that collects minor leaks, allowing water time to evaporate. But substantial leaks overwhelm this pan – water leaks into internal parts, triggering the leak detector code. This built-in feature halts the wash cycle to prevent water from overflowing and leaking onto the floor.
The dishwasher won’t start again until the underlying leak is fixed and the appliance is reset. Potential causes include a faulty door gasket, broken spray arms, a defective inlet valve, drainage issues, improper detergent use, and door alignment problems. Identifying and repairing the source of the leak is key to resolving the issue and using your dishwasher again.
What are the causes of GE profile dishwasher leak detection?
Issue with door gasket/rubber flap
The rubber gasket runs along the bottom edge of the dishwasher door, sealing it shut during operation. Over time, the high heat and moisture degrade the gasket material, causing warping, cracks, or tears. Damages like cuts or holes allow water to escape during the wash cycle.
Prolonged use also stretches and misshapes the gasket, preventing a tight door seal. The intense temperature changes inside the dishwasher repeatedly expand and contract the rubber, leading to warping. Any gaps or damage along the gasket provide an opening for water leaks to form as the dishwasher runs.
Fix:
Unfortunately, the entire door assembly usually needs replacement when the gasket and flap show signs of leaking. The rubber components are integrated into the door and cannot be separately replaced. You’ll need to swap out the entire door to also get a new sealing gasket and flap.
However, check for any small cuts or nicks in the gasket first. Carefully clean the area and use a waterproof silicone sealant to patch minor damage. Apply a thin layer across the length of the cut and let it cure overnight.
Damaged float valve
A malfunctioning float valve can also lead to dishwasher leaks. The float valve controls the water level inside the tub by shutting off the incoming water flow when the proper fill level is reached.
If the float valve becomes stuck open or unable to rise with the water level, the dishwasher will overfill past capacity. With too much water inside, it can leak out of the tub through small openings like the door gasket or ventilation gaps. The excess volume overwhelms outlets like the drain pump as well.
Fix:
Replacing the malfunctioning float valve is the solution if it is causing your dishwasher to leak.
Check this video provided below to learn the steps needed for float replacement:
Faulty water Inlet valve
This valve controls water flow into the dishwasher from the supply line. If the inlet valve fails to close completely after the float valve is satisfied, excess water will continue flowing into the tub.
The open inlet valve overwhelms the float valve shut-off and allows too much water to enter the dishwasher. Just like with a faulty float valve, the excess volume has to go somewhere, so it leaks out of the tub.
Fix:
Replacing a malfunctioning inlet valve is necessary to stop leaks caused by uncontrolled water flow into the dishwasher.
Broken/blocked spray arm
The spray arms distribute water jets throughout the tub to clean the dishes. If an arm develops cracks or splits, the pressurized water sprays in the wrong direction. Instead of targeted sprays at dishes, water shoots wildly around the interior, including at the door.
Blockages within the spray arms also prevent proper water flow. Debris, food particles, or hard water buildup can obstruct the spray arm nozzles. This again leads to misdirected water outside the normal wash pattern.
Off-target sprays directly hit the door and leak through imperfect seals. The leak detector code appears as water leaks past the inner door and onto the floor.
Fix:
Carefully inspect spray arms for damage and clear any clogs. Replacing broken spray arm assemblies ensures water sprays correctly during washes, preventing leaks.
Overloaded racks
Stacking too many dishes or improperly loaded items will block water spray in certain areas. The blocked water then finds alternate pathways out of the tub.
Excess dishes prevent water jets from reaching all surfaces. The backed-up water seeks openings along the door gasket, tub seals, and internal hoses. Overfilling the racks also puts extra pressure on the door, preventing a tight seal.
Incorrect detergent selection
Many hand dishwashing liquids produce thick, long-lasting suds. But dishwashers require detergent formulated specifically to avoid sudsing.
If regular detergent is used, copious bubbles will accumulate inside the enclosed dishwasher tub. The foam has nowhere to dissipate and eventually pushes water out through seals and openings. Improper detergents cause continuous production of suds that seep past gaskets, hoses, and pumps.
Malfunctioning drain pump
A faulty drain pump can also lead to water leaks, although this is less common. It is responsible for draining the dishwasher wastewater from the tub and directing it out to the home’s plumbing system. If the seals around the drain pump mounting loosen, gaps form where water can escape.
Leakage occurs if the drain pump’s mounting bolts become loose over time. This enables water to seep past the pump instead of pumping down the drain line.
Fix:
Tightening all the mounting bolts until snug will close any leaks around the loose pump. Replace any degraded pump seals as needed to prevent seepage.
How to reset the leak-detected error on the GE profile dishwasher?
Resetting the leak-detected error on a GE Profile dishwasher involves more than just power cycling the appliance. The underlying leak causing the error must be repaired first.
However, resetting can clear the error code if it’s a false alarm or control board issue. To reset a GE dishwasher showing a leak detection error:
- Unplug the dishwasher or turn off power at the circuit breaker for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, restore the power to reset the control board.
Another way to do this is:
- Press and hold the Start button for several seconds until the indicator light above the Start button flashes.
- This will drain out the remaining water and clear the error codes.
Keep in mind that just resetting will not fix the leak itself. The source of the leak needs to be identified and repaired. Only after properly fixing the leak should you reset the dishwasher.
For more information about LC (leak detected) code error, you can watch this video:
FAQs
How can I tell where my dishwasher is leaking from?
To identify a dishwasher leak, unplug it and remove the toe kick. Feel along hoses for water and check for loose connections or corrosion. Examine the water inlet valve, recirculation hose, and drain hose. Detecting issues in these components can help pinpoint the source of the leak.
Can a clogged drain cause a dishwasher to leak?
Yes, a clogged dishwasher filter can cause leaks. When the filter is neglected and becomes clogged, water can’t drain properly, leading to puddling inside the dishwasher. Regularly cleaning the filter is crucial to prevent blockages and subsequent leaks from occurring underneath the appliance.
Why does my dishwasher leak sometimes but sometimes it doesn’t?
Inconsistent dishwasher leaks may be linked to detergent choices. Using dishwashing soap instead of dishwasher detergent can cause excessive sudsing, leading to leaks during wash cycles. Ensure you’re using the correct detergent in the appropriate amount to prevent this intermittent leakage issue.
Where is the dishwasher gasket located?
To locate the dishwasher gasket, visually inspect the black or light gray gasket depending on the model. Some are mounted onto the tub, while others wrap around the bottom of the door. Check for any visible damage or wear, and run your hand along the gasket to ensure its proper condition, preventing leaks.
Conclusion
Seeing a leak-detected code on your GE Profile dishwasher can be worrying but is usually fixable with some troubleshooting. Inspect the door gasket and hinges, and replace them if worn out or damaged. Test the float valve, inlet valve, and drain pump – replace any defective valves allowing excess water flow. Check spray arms for cracks and clear out any blocked nozzles. Avoid overloading dishes or using the wrong detergent it can lead to leaks.
Thoroughly examining your dishwasher components and identifying the source of the leak is the first step. Follow instructions to properly replace any faulty part like the gasket, valves, or spray arms. With some handy work, you can repair your GE dishwasher and prevent future leak detector error codes from showing up. Just be patient, take time to diagnose the issue, and correct the problem component. Your dishwasher will be back washing dishes in no time.
