A dishwasher leak. The floor under it is the real problem.
The leak stops when the cycle stops, but the water that ran under the cabinets and flooring does not.
What is probably happening
- A failed door gasket, a cracked drain hose, or a loose supply fitting under the sink.
- Wash water is Category 2 (gray) under IICRC S500, and it has been running under a kick plate you cannot see behind.
- Swollen toe kicks, a soft spot in the floor, or a laminate seam that has lifted mean the water has been going on longer than tonight.
Do this in the next five minutes
- Cancel the cycle and turn off the breaker for the dishwasher.
- Close the small valve under the sink that feeds the dishwasher.
- Pull the kick plate off the bottom front and look with a flashlight. Towel out what you can reach.
- Empty the cabinet under the sink and dry it.
- Aim a fan at the opening and leave it running.
- Photograph everything before the repair visit.
Do not
- Do not run it again to see if it still leaks. Find the cause first.
- Do not assume a dry surface means a dry subfloor. Ask for a moisture reading before you close it up.
Who to call
A water damage restoration company
The appliance repair is small. The question is whether the subfloor and cabinet bases are wet, and that is a moisture-meter job.
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What it should cost
$100 to $250 for the leak repair; $200 to $3,000 if flooring must be dried or replaced
Dishwasher leak repair range, plus water-damaged flooring repair range.
Source: Angi, dishwasher repair cost, updated April 2026 and Angi, water damage restoration cost, updated September 2026. View source
National published range, not a quote for your job. The full cost table for this trade is on the water damage page.
Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out
Tap each one as you ask it.
- Will you meter the subfloor and the cabinet bases, not just the visible floor?
- Is the flooring dryable in place, or does it need to come up?
- How many days of drying, and will you leave a log of readings?
- Is the appliance repair included, or do I need a separate appliance technician?
End the call if
- A quote to replace the kitchen floor with no moisture readings to justify it.
- A large deposit before any drying equipment is set.