KitchenAid Dishwasher Error 4-1 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 4-1 means the dishwasher's flood protection system has been triggered — a float sensor in the base tray has detected water that has leaked out of the wash tub. This is a safety shut-off to prevent water damage to your floor and cabinets. The machine will not run again until the base tray is dried out. Finding and fixing the source of the leak is the only way to permanently resolve 4-1.

Affected Models

KDTM354DSS
KDFE104HPS
KDTE334GPS
KDTM604KPS
KDTE254ESS

Common Causes

Water leaked from the tub due to a torn or unseated door gasket allowing water to escape during the wash cycle
A supply line fitting or drain hose fitting has loosened and is dripping water into the base tray
The wash pump housing or sump seal has developed a slow internal leak
Inlet valve leaking slowly between cycles — water accumulates in the base tray over multiple fills
Float switch in the base tray is stuck in the triggered position even after the water has dried out

How to Fix It

Cancel the cycle immediately and unplug the dishwasher at the wall outlet. Do not attempt to run another cycle until the fault is resolved.

Running the machine with water in the base tray will not clear 4-1 — the float sensor will trigger again as soon as the next cycle fills the tub.
Turn off the water supply valve under the sink, then gently pull the dishwasher out from under the counter. Tilt it slightly forward to allow any pooled water in the base tray to run toward the front where it can be absorbed.

Have towels ready on the floor before pulling the machine out. Even a small amount of water in the base tray can create a puddle when the machine tilts.
Use a sponge or turkey baster to remove as much standing water from the base tray as possible, then absorb the remainder with dry towels. Leave the machine tilted forward for 30 minutes to allow the tray to air-dry.

The float sensor will not reset until the base tray is fully dry. Rushing this step and reinstalling a damp machine will cause 4-1 to reappear immediately.
Inspect the rubber door gasket around the full perimeter of the door opening. Look for tears, gaps, sections that have pulled out of their groove, or areas where the gasket has hardened and lost flexibility.

A damaged door gasket is the most common cause of 4-1 and is a straightforward, inexpensive repair — gaskets typically cost $15–$40.
Check the water supply inlet hose connection at the back of the machine and the drain hose connection at the disposal or sink drain. Tighten any loose fittings by hand and check for cracks in the hose itself.

Even a slow drip at a hose connection will gradually fill the base tray over several cycles without any obvious sign of an active leak during a cycle.
Reinstall the machine, restore the water supply, and run a short cycle while watching underneath the machine with a torch for any signs of dripping.

Observing the machine during a live cycle is the most reliable way to pinpoint a slow leak that would not be visible after the fact.

When to Call a Professional

If you cannot locate the source of the leak after inspecting the door gasket and hose connections, the leak is internal — likely the pump housing or sump seal. Internal leaks require the dishwasher to be partially disassembled to locate and repair. Contact KitchenAid service or an authorised appliance technician before further use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to run the dishwasher after clearing 4-1?

Only if you have found and fixed the source of the leak. Running the machine without fixing the leak will refill the base tray with water on the next cycle and 4-1 will immediately return. If you cannot identify the leak source, do not use the machine until a technician has inspected it.

What is the flood protection float and where is it?

The flood protection float is a small plastic float in the base tray (the sealed bottom compartment of the dishwasher, below the wash tub). When water accumulates in the tray, it lifts the float, which activates a microswitch that sends the 4-1 fault signal to the control board and cuts off the water inlet. It is a passive mechanical device — no maintenance is needed unless it becomes stuck.

The floor under my dishwasher is wet — does this mean 4-1 is coming?

Yes — a wet floor under the machine is the external sign of water in the base tray, which is exactly what triggers 4-1. If you see water on the floor and the machine has not yet shown 4-1, it means the base tray has water in it but the level has not yet reached the float trigger point. Stop using the machine immediately and investigate the leak source.