How to Install a Dishwasher Pan

How To Install a Pan Under Your Dishwasher

The only thing better than the convenience of a dishwasher is the peace of mind that comes from a dishwasher leak pan. Dishwasher leak pans protect your floors against water damage caused by unnoticed leaky dishwashers. 

Best of all, dishwasher leak pans are easy to install. Read on to learn everything you need to know about installing your dishwasher leak pan.

Why Dishwashers Leak

You may be wondering why you would use a dishwasher leak pan, especially with a brand-new dishwasher. Unfortunately, there are many reasons your dishwasher could spring a leak, all of which can cause severe damage to your floors if left unnoticed. 

While there are many reasons your dishwasher may be leaking, here are a few of the most common:

Door issues: The most common cause of a leaky dishwasher is a leaky door gasket. Fortunately, you can fix this yourself by replacing ripped or worn gaskets. However, you also may have a dishwasher leak due to a faulty door latch. If you notice your appliance opening a little too easily, you may need to replace the door latch.

Faulty valves or hose connections: Often, if water is leaking from the underside of your dishwasher, you have a water hose or valve problem. Loose connections and corrosion on the bottom of your dishwasher cause many of the undetected leaks that leak pans can alert you to.

Leaky pump seal: Another common underside leak is caused by a worn seal around the water pump. Replacing the rubber seal is an easy fix, but the problem can often go unnoticed and cause more serious issues. 

Why You Need a Dishwasher Leak Pan

While nobody expects their new dishwasher to leak, accidents happen, and such leaks can often go weeks unnoticed. The aftermath of a dishwasher leak can be catastrophic. A dishwasher drip pan is an easy solution to prevent water damage to your floors and even the ceiling below. 

These simple trays can even save you thousands in insurance deductibles. Water damage from a leaky dishwasher is not only a pricey fix but an expensive one! Investing in a disaster leak pan is a small investment to prevent a big headache in the future. 

Without a pan under your dishwasher to catch leaks, you are at risk of water seeping into your flooring or sitting stagnant under your dishwasher. Either outcome can result in mold, mildew, and rot damage. A dishwasher leak pan prevents these severe problems from occurring. 

Metal Dishwasher Leak Pans vs. Plastic

The two primary materials used to make dishwasher drip pans are plastic and metal. While both do the job of preventing the spread of dishwasher seal leaks, metal is a better investment. A metal dishwasher leak pan is sturdier, longer-lasting, easier to clean, and more attractive.

Preparing to Install a Dishwasher Leak Pan

It’s best to install a dishwasher drip pan before the installation of a new dishwasher. In this case, you can move directly to installing your dishwasher leak pan. However, if you already have a dishwasher, it’s still not too late to add a drip pan. 

Existing dishwashers will have to be completely uninstalled before installing a drip pan. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for specific details on this process. The general steps to uninstalling your dishwasher are as follows:

1. Turn off the power and water supply leading to your dishwasher

2. Remove the water supply line 

3. Detach the dishwasher from the countertop

4. Remove the panel at the bottom of the dishwasher

5. Carefully slide the dishwasher out - This may sometimes include loosening the dishwasher’s front legs, then the back legs

Where To Place a Dishwasher Leak Pan

To install a drip pan for a brand new dishwasher placement, identify the location where your future dishwasher will live under your cabinets. Then measure the widths and depth of the cabinet opening to fit the dishwasher drip pan. 

For existing dishwashers, be sure to safely uninstall your dishwasher. Then, carefully slide out the appliance to access the area for the drip pan. 

You can use a level to identify if potential leaks will run in a particular direction. Your floor should be level enough to avoid this step in most cases, but it may be necessary for some older homes. If necessary, you can use adhesive felt pads on the underside of your leak pan to ensure water can only run towards the front of your dishwasher. 

Installation of a Dishwasher Leak Pan

Once you’re sure your leak pan fits properly, position the pan so that the raised edges are against the rear wall and along the sides of your cabinets. The downward slanted side should face the front so any leaks can’t get trapped under your dishwasher but instead flow to the front of the appliance where you can spot them. 

You may also choose to apply a line of clear silicone sealant to the front edge of the drip pan to seal it to the floor. This will hold it in place and prevent any leaks from seeping back under the pan. Wait for the sealant to dry before fully reinstalling your dishwasher.

Once your drip pan is in place, reposition your dishwasher by sliding it on top of the pan. 

Then reinstall your dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s directions. Be sure to attach all proper appliance connections.

Dishwasher Leak Pans by Killarney Metals

A high-quality dishwasher leak pan will save you time and money in the long run. At Killarney Metals, we offer sleek and functional leak pans that can serve as a notification for dishwasher leaks for years to come. 

Available in two finishes, galvanized steel and flat black, our dishwasher leak pans match any kitchen design. Both are resistant to corrosion and rust with hemmed walls to minimize sharpness and enhance structural integrity. 

Killarney Metals Dishwasher Leak Pans are 24” x 20.5” x 1” with a 20 gauge thickness. This standard size fits most dishwashers. For the best protection against unnoticed dishwasher leaks, install a dishwasher leak pan today!