The dishwasher has a leak or electrical warning
Water outside the tub, a burning odor, smoke, sparking, or repeated breaker trips requires immediate shutdown and urgent building response.
Why this result fits
- Water is on the floor or under cabinets.
- There is a burning or electrical odor, smoke, sparking, or unusual heat.
- The breaker trips or the control panel behaves abnormally.
What to do now
Stop the appliance
Use the normal control only if it is safe and dry. Do not touch a wet appliance, plug, outlet, or panel.
Keep people away
Prevent slips and keep children and pets out of the area.
Call emergency maintenance
Report both the water and any electrical symptoms. Call emergency services for smoke or fire.
Document from safety
Photograph the affected floor and appliance without moving it.
Stop and escalate if
- There is smoke, flame, sparking, or a strong burning odor.
- Water is near a live outlet, cord, or panel.
- The floor or cabinetry appears unstable.
What not to do
- Do not touch wet electrical equipment.
- Do not reset a tripped breaker repeatedly.
- Do not pull out or dismantle an installed dishwasher.
Message you can send to maintenance
Urgent: the dishwasher is [leaking/smoking/sparking/smelling burned/tripping power]. I stopped use without touching wet electrical equipment. Water is [contained/spreading] at [location].
Help prevent a repeat
- Report small leaks before running another cycle.
- Do not overload racks or use detergent not intended for the appliance.
If this does not match
Sources and review date
- Home Maintenance — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense
Content last reviewed: under the Apartmentwise methodology.