For a leak from the KitchenAid KDTM604KPS, KitchenAid's help article gives three checks: is the water supply connected correctly (seat the rubber washer, hand-tighten the 3/4 inch elbow fitting and then check with pliers, sometimes needing another 1/4 to 1/2 turn), is the drain line installed correctly and are there suds. The manual's Problem Solver adds the overfill protection float: if the Clean light flashes, check that the float can move up and down freely and press it down to release. Stop the dishwasher, mop up and check the float and connections.
Differential
Likely causes of “KitchenAid dishwasher is leaking water”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A loose or badly seated water supply connection
What separates it Water drips at the fill valve area at the front left of the unit
How to confirm Seat the rubber washer, hand-tighten and check with pliers, then a further 1/4 to 1/2 turn
- 2
A drain line connection problem
What separates it Water at the rear or under the sink during draining
How to confirm Verify the drain hose is properly connected and clamped
- 3
Suds from the wrong soap or too much detergent
What separates it Foam pushes out around the door and the tub overflows
How to confirm Cancel, clean up, and run the oil method with no detergent
- 4
The overfill protection float is stuck up
What separates it The Clean light flashes and the dishwasher will not run
How to confirm Press the float down so it moves freely, and check the water supply and suds
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the water first appears and when in the cycle
- Whether foam was present and what soap or detergent was used
- Whether the Clean light is flashing
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop and mop up
ReversibleCancel the cycle or open the door and mop up overflow. Remove the dishes. Do not let water sit and seep into cabinets.
Check the supply fitting
ReversibleBe sure the rubber washer is seated at every connection point. Slide the 3/4 inch fitting of the 90 degree elbow up to the valve and hand-tighten it without cross-threading; sealing may need another 1/4 to 1/2 turn with pliers.
Check the drain line
ReversibleVerify the drain hose is properly connected, looped or connected to an air gap and not kinked.
Free the overfill float
ReversibleIf the Clean light flashes, check that the overfill protection float can move up and down freely and press it down to release.
Remove suds
ReversibleAdd 1/4 cup of cooking oil to the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run a Quick or Rinse cycle with no detergent; repeat if suds remain.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Winter and vacation care
- When the dishwasher will not be used in summer, turn off the water and power supply and protect the supply lines from freezing, because ice can raise water pressure and damage the dishwasher or home; damage from freezing is not covered by the warranty. In winter, have it winterized by authorized service personnel.
- Parts for this problem on the KDTM604 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- tub gasket, part number W11768589, at $22.35; water inlet valve assembly, part number W11434044, at $55.29; six feet, part number W11414944, at $28.37.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the KDTM804 dishwasher, KDTE204 dishwasher, KDTE304 dishwasher, KDFM404 dishwasher.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If water keeps appearing after the connections are tightened and the float moves freely, contact KitchenAid service
- !If a door seal is cut or displaced, stop using the dishwasher until it is replaced
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
KitchenAid's own manual for this model, English pages 1 to 8: operating, cycle guide, options, care and the Problem Solver table.
KitchenAid's own help articles for its dishwashers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
KitchenAid's own help articles on drying, cleaning, spotting, cycle length, sounds and interior cleaning.
KitchenAid's own page for this model's manuals and support.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does the flashing Clean light mean?+
In the manual's Problem Solver it points to an interrupted cycle, the overfill protection float and suds; check each.
What is the overfill protection float?+
A float that stops the dishwasher filling if there is too much water. It must be able to move up and down freely.
How do I tighten the fill fitting?+
Hand-tighten the 3/4 inch elbow fitting, check with pliers and give a further 1/4 to 1/2 turn if needed.
What causes suds?+
Laundry detergent, hand soap, hand-dishwashing liquid, a missing rinse aid cap or too much detergent.
Is standing water in the filter area a leak?+
No, a small amount is normal.
What if the water supply is off?+
The manual says be sure the supply is on, especially after a new installation.
Should I keep running the dishwasher?+
No. Stop, find the cause and fix it first.