[jakepallgin]

thanks for the post - i did check that the dishwasher is level (in fact it might be tilted a bit back at this point). It also appears to be pumping correctly as i don't see water in the tub after various cycles. jake

[DocRock]

I had an identical problem with my Kenmore/Kitchen Aid knockoff. After replacing the float, standpipe and switch assembly (with no change), the repairman looked at the washer arm for cracks. No solution there either. However, while the washer arm was off, both he and I discovered that the pump outlet seal was bulging out of place just beside where the float is located. Also, one of the eight screws that hold down the top of the outlet pump was missing. He adjusted the seal so the bulge was on the other side of the machine, tested a cycle and low and behold -- no more leak. We are guessing that the screw has been missing since installation, and that over time the seal blew out from the water pressure. A new seal is on order.
I wonder if there would be any recourse to the manufacturer? The machine was purchased in 1999 and didn't show signs of this problem until 2007. Oh well,....
Hope this post helps someone else with the same problem. Here's a picture.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Good thing to know, thanks.

[jakepallgin]

Thanks, I'll check it and see if that works. Jake

Originally Posted by DocRock

I had an identical problem with my Kenmore/Kitchen Aid knockoff. After replacing the float, standpipe and switch assembly (with no change), the repairman looked at the washer arm for cracks. No solution there either. However, while the washer arm was off, both he and I discovered that the pump outlet seal was bulging out of place just beside where the float is located. Also, one of the eight screws that hold down the top of the outlet pump was missing. He adjusted the seal so the bulge was on the other side of the machine, tested a cycle and low and behold -- no more leak. We are guessing that the screw has been missing since installation, and that over time the seal blew out from the water pressure. A new seal is on order.
I wonder if there would be any recourse to the manufacturer? The machine was purchased in 1999 and didn't show signs of this problem until 2007. Oh well,....
Hope this post helps someone else with the same problem. Here's a picture.

[NoProblem]

I, too have been afflicted with a dripping standpipe. I've covered the little breather holes on the float to see if the water was entering through them, but it still dripped. So I now assume that SOMEHOW the water is splashing from underneath the float, up and into the standpipe. This is hard to believe as the standpipe rises a good 1-1/2 to 2" above the waterline, and, while I'm not a hydrologist, I can't see how there could be such a big "wave action" under the float cap.
The lower spray arm has no splits or cracks, but it does sort of "wobble". The screw holding the spray arm cannot be tightened any further, and all washers & gasket are in place, so I assume thes "wobble" is deliberate.
I've seen the post to check the air vent on the opposite side of the DW...visual inspection from inside the DW shows it unobstructed. Do I need to pull out the DW from under the counter to check this more fully? How do I remove the air vent grill inside the DW?
Thanks...

[NoProblem]

Well, I have to admit, I initially discounted DocRoc's blown seal on the upper housing...just couldn't see how that would cause my float to leak, but...I found the exact same problem; one missing screw (the one closest to the float mechanism) and the rubber-band-like seal protruding. After several attempts to see what was happening inside by quickly opening the door while it was running, I finally figured out how to bypass the door switch. It took only a quick spray in the face to see the jet of water escaping from where the seal had been compromised and forcefully shooting directly at the float, causing water to be pushed up, and into the float's standpipe. Wow..who'd a thunk it? The lost screw was found under the plastic grill.
New seal...no leaks!
Thanks for the forum.

[rp3]

Originally Posted by jakepallgin

Hi - I have a Kitchen Aid dishwasher that has a leaking float assembly. The leak is not coming from the gasket/seal on the standpipe, but rather water is traveling down the inside of the standpipe. The leak only occurs during certain times of the wash cycle (rinse), and the water does not seem to be too high in the tub - it does not reach the top of the heating element. When I look at the switch during operation, the stem of the float seems to be bobbing up and down on the switch - as it does this, water drips down the float stem on the inside of the standpipe.

So the question is, what needs to be replaced - the float? the switch? or should I be looking at something else - like what is causing the float to bob up and down during the rinse cycle. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you. Jake

Did you ever get this fixed? I have the same problem. Thanks.