How often should you inspect your dishwasher supply line and drain hose?

Skipping it eventually leads to water damage or an expensive repair.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

The dishwasher's fill line and drain hose sit hidden under the cabinet. A slow leak there runs straight into the cabinet base and the flooring beside it.

1. Open the cabinet under the sink and the toe-kick panel below the dishwasher if you can reach it.
2. Check the braided supply line and its fittings for damp spots or corrosion.
3. Follow the drain hose to its connection at the disposal or sink tailpiece and confirm the clamp is tight and dry.
4. Feel the cabinet floor for soft or discolored spots that hint at a past leak.

Alternatives & optional extras

• A high loop or air gap in the drain hose stops sink water from siphoning back into the dishwasher; confirm yours is installed.
• Replace a rubber supply line with braided stainless the next time it's exposed.

Time: 15 minutes · Typical cost: Free to inspect

If you skip it

A failed supply line or drain hose floods the cabinet and the floor below it, often unnoticed until the cabinet base swells.

Other dishwasher maintenance

• Clean dishwasher filter — every 3 months
• Run dishwasher cleaning cycle — every 6 months

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Refrigerator — start with: replace refrigerator water filter, every 6 months
• Washing machine — start with: inspect washer supply hoses, every 6 months
• Dryer — start with: clean dryer vent duct, every 6 months
• Range hood — start with: degrease range hood filter, every 3 months