If the Whirlpool WDT970SAKZ leaks, Whirlpool's article for a dishwasher leaking underneath gives three checks: is the water supply connected correctly (a seated rubber washer, hand-tightened 3/4 inch fitting, then a further quarter to half turn), is the drain line installed correctly, and is the dishwasher overwhelmed with suds. The manual adds that a float switch under the unit stops the dishwasher if water reaches the drip tray, showing the code that comes with the tray water alarm, and that the drip tray must be empty and the switch wire reconnected. Stop the dishwasher and mop up water first.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool 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 or the 90 degree elbow at the front left of the unit
How to confirm Check the rubber washer seating and re-tighten by hand, then a further 1/4 to 1/2 turn with pliers
- 2
The drain hose is not connected properly
What separates it Water appears behind the unit or under the sink during draining
How to confirm Verify the drain hose connection and the clamps, and tighten them
- 3
Too many suds from dish soap or too much detergent
What separates it Foam or bubbles push out around the door and the unit overflows
How to confirm Stop the cycle, mop up and remove the suds with the oil method
- 4
Water in the drip tray tripping the float switch
What separates it The alarm sounds, the FAE5 pattern shows and the unit drains and refuses to start
How to confirm Remove and empty the tray, find the leak, reconnect the float switch wire and rerun the short cycle
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the water first appears: front, left, rear or under the unit
- Whether suds were present and what detergent was used
- Whether an alarm tone or a blinking pattern appeared
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop the dishwasher and clean up
ReversiblePress Cancel or open the door. Mop up overflow with a wet mop and do not let water seep into cabinets or floorboards. Remove the dishes.
Check the supply connection
ReversibleBe sure the rubber washer is properly seated in the fitting at every connection point. Slide the 3/4 inch fitting of the 90 degree elbow to the valve, hand-tighten it to avoid cross-threading and then check the coupling with pliers; sealing the gasket may take another 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
Check the drain connection
ReversibleVerify that the drain hose is properly connected and clamped to the waste tee or disposer inlet above the drain trap and at least 20 inches above the floor.
Remove suds if present
ReversibleCancel, clean up, remove the dishes, add 1/4 cup of vegetable or other cooking oil to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a Quick Cycle with no detergent or dishes. Repeat if suds remain.
Deal with the drip tray
ReversibleWith power off, check whether water is in the tray. Empty it, reconnect the float switch wire, check the inlet fittings for leaks and run the shortest installation cycle with the access panel off to watch for water.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Installation cycle for checking leaks
- The manual's check operation cycle is entered by pressing any three keys except Delay or Cancel in the sequence 1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3 within a second each, then button 2. All LEDs light, the cycle pauses when the door opens and resumes when it closes, and it exits after 10 minutes, on Cancel or if power is removed. Running it with the access panel off helps you see water, and the float switch wire must stay connected.
- Parts for this problem on the WDT970SAKZ (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 models WDT750SAKZ, WDT730HAMZ, WDT540HAMZ, WDP540HAMZ, WDTA50SAHZ, WDF520PADM.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If water keeps entering the drip tray after the connections are re-tightened, call Whirlpool service
- !If you cannot shut off the water, do not switch off power; keep the door closed and call for service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own article on a dishwasher that will not fill, including the Start/Resume indicator and the 3 second door rule.
Whirlpool's own manual for this model, English pages 1 to 29: maintenance, loading, care, setting menu, error codes, installation and the check-operation cycle.
Whirlpool's own help articles for its dishwashers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own product-assistance and cleaning articles for its dishwashers.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Where is the float switch?+
Under the dishwasher at the drip tray. If water reaches it, the dishwasher drains and will not run.
How tight should the water fitting be?+
Hand tight, then check with pliers; sealing the rubber gasket may need another 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
How do I run the installation cycle?+
Press any three keys except Delay or Cancel in the sequence 1-2-3 three times with under a second between presses, then button 2 and close the door.
Can I leave a leak until morning?+
No. Turn off the water and power if you can and clean up promptly.
Is a small amount of water in the filter normal?+
Yes, about half way up the filter area, which keeps the seals from drying.
Where must the drain hose loop?+
At least 20 inches above the floor, fastened under the counter, or connected to an air gap.