Whirlpool Dishwasher Leak Caused by Broken Lower Spray Arm – Tempe, AZ Repair

Posted on August 14th, 2025

A leaking Whirlpool dishwasher can leave your kitchen floor soaked and your cabinets at risk for water damage. Recently, we responded to a warranty service call in Tempe, AZ, and this repair turned out to have more than one surprise.

The First Shock: Improper Installation

Before even diagnosing the leak, our owner and lead technician noticed a major installation flaw — the dishwasher’s water line was run across the kitchen floor to connect to the water valve under the sink.

Not only is this unprofessional, it’s unsafe and unsightly. The line could easily be tripped over, kinked, or damaged. We immediately corrected the issue by rerouting the water line behind the cabinetry, where it belongs.

The Actual Problem: Broken Lower Spray Arm

Once the installation was fixed, we identified the true source of the leak: a broken lower spray arm.

Instead of spraying water evenly inside the tub, the broken arm was sending water directly toward the dishwasher door seals and other areas, causing it to escape onto the kitchen floor.

The fix was simple — replace the spray arm with a new part. Lower spray arms for Whirlpool dishwashers are inexpensive, widely available locally, and easy to install when you know the correct procedure. This repair came in at under $200.

The Result

With the water line safely routed and the broken spray arm replaced, the dishwasher now runs leak-free and delivers a spotless clean without flooding the kitchen.

Why Professional Dishwasher Repairs Matter

Improper installations and ignored part damage can lead to avoidable water damage and costly future repairs. A qualified technician will not only fix the immediate problem but also make sure your appliance is set up for safe, long-term use.

Your Local Dishwasher Repair Experts

If your dishwasher is leaking or parts are damaged, Phoenix Appliance Repair is here to help. We handle everything from lower spray arm replacements to complete leak diagnostics for all major brands.

We serve Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and Tucson with fast, reliable, and affordable appliance repairs.