How to Repair a Leaky KitchenAid Dishwasher - Save $100s w/ this $10 fix (KDTM354DSS4 / KDTM354DSS5)

In this How To / Fix It / Repair video, I walk through the steps of identifying and repairing a leak on a KitchenAid Dishwasher (model: KDTM354DSS4 / KDTM354DSS5). If this is the type of leak you are experiencing, then this repair video should be very helpful! The leak was coming from the bottom and is easily identified. You do NOT have to remove the dishwasher! You simply need to purchase a $10 Diverter Valve Motor Gasket / Seal / Grommet (link below) and replace it.
In this video, I go through all of the steps of removing and replacing the parts and hoses as well as showing how to remove and install the worn-out valve seal. I highly recommend watching the full video first (use the Chapter Markers below when you do the repair) to understand what you need to do.
***REMEMBER: Disconnect from power and water when doing repairs!***
Please let me know if this worked for you!
Chapters:
00:00 - Start
00:11 - KitchenAid dishwasher started leaking
01:16 - The backstory
02:04 - The 6 stages of appliance ownership
02:55 - Other helpful videos
03:38 - I am NOT a repairperson!
04:14 - Safety first!
04:37 - Remove sound dampener panel
05:14 - Where THIS particular leak shows up
05:32 - Run a rinse cycle to find leak
06:34 - This video is only for THIS particular leak
07:01 - Leak identified!
07:25 - DON’T remove the dishwasher!
07:42 - Walking through the repair
08:05 - Diverter valve seal replacement
08:39 - Remove the washer arm
09:09 - Detaching the hoses
11:45 - Hoses disconnected
12:02 - Remove the cover
12:41 - What you will replace
13:38 - Look at the part you are replacing
14:27 - Close-up of new part
15:30 - Put the part in the proper direction
15:57 - Removing the old part - it’s tricky
17:18 - Another way to possibly remove the old part
19:01 - Got the old part out
19:33 - Putting in the new part
20:23 - Start the reassembly
20:50 - Put on cover & reattach the hoses
22:12 - Tip - put cover in place first
22:49 - Reattach the washer arm
23:37 - Doing the leak test after repair
24:13 - Success! Saved some $$$!
24:33 - Final thoughts
25:13 - Part works on other dishwashers
25:38 - Additional HighTechDad info
Buy the part on Amazon (2-pack):
amzn.to/48TxMxo
*** Full written How-To/Fix-It article on HighTechDad.com ***
www.hightechdad.com/2024/03/17/how-to-fix-leaking-kitchenaid-dishwasher-save-100s-dollars/
Shout-out to these two How-To videos that helped me figure out my issue with the leak:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqKVkoN3psiaqZY
kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmHcmGV9bpWDpac
Note: some links may be affiliate links. Please support my efforts by clicking through and purchasing. Thank you!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Many of my reviewed items can be found on the HighTechDad store:
www.hightechdad.com/shop/
Want more HighTechDad content? I’m on a bunch of different social networks! Just search for "HighTechDad" on any of the major & new social networks!
Facebook Page: HTDblog
Instagram: HighTechDad
Threads: www.threads.net/@hightechdad
X/Twitter: HighTechDad
BlueSky: hightechdad.bsky.social
But where is it all? Over at HighTechDad.com !

[@hoist2k]

We had the same leak and this worked like a charm! Thank you for taking so much time to produce such an informative video. A $9 fix instead of spending hundreds with a service professional. Keep up the great work!

[@Hightechdad]

So glad that it worked for you and I appreciate the kind words!

[@JacksonTownsend-nh8gg]

Just wanted to post a comment to recognize HTD for this helpful video! We had the very exact same type of leaking occurring under our KitchenAid (installed 2017) dishwasher. A quick examination demonstrated the leak just as highlighted in this video. I was able to get the same replacement part from Amazon the next day & got it installed in about 20 minutes time. The hardest part by far was getting the old seal/grommet out. Once the new one was in and everything was reassembled, I started a rinse cycle and not one single drop of water leaked out. Well done HTD and thumbs up!

[@Hightechdad]

Yay! So glad that it worked for you as well! Thanks for the kind comments!

[@jameskane804]

Lifesaver! Ours was leaking and I found your video to fix this. Hoping mine is just this piece. Thank you again for posting this 👊

[@Hightechdad]

I really hoped it worked! I’m no expert but I was really happy I found a solution that worked for me. Let me know if it works for you!

[@BobbyDotNet]

Couple of tips for this process. 1. Use a seal puller (looks like an ice pick with a bent tip). 2. The shaft is also worn from the seal rubbing on it. You could have fixed this by slipping a piece of heat shrink tubing over the shaft. The original seal would then again seal properly. 3. The chinesium seal you put in is undersize (OD), and should have teflon tape wrapped around the outside to make it fit the hole better. Watch for leaks, I don't think you quite have this nailed yet.

[@Hightechdad]

Thanks for the input. Yes, as I mentioned in the video, I’m not an expert by any means. When it starts leaking again, which I’m sure it will, I will revisit your comment.

[@perrycooley7464]

Promo'SM 😊

[@xiongwang879]

A good try!

[@Hightechdad]

Haha. It was a successful try! No leaks a week or so later!