I installed a new dishwasher last month, and ever since then, my kitchen faucet has started dripping - but only right after the dishwasher finishes its cycle and I turn it off. The drip is slow but constant for about 10 minutes and then it stops. I’ve checked the faucet washers and replaced them recently, so I don’t think that’s the issue. The dishwasher drain hose is connected properly, and there’s no visible leaks under the sink. Could the dishwasher be affecting water pressure or causing backflow into my faucet? Has anyone seen this kind of timing-specific drip before? What should I check next to stop the faucet from dripping after using the dishwasher?

On 02/07/2026 at 3:50 AM, SunnyDays123 said:

I installed a new dishwasher last month, and ever since then, my kitchen faucet has started dripping - but only right after the dishwasher finishes its cycle and I turn it off. The drip is slow but constant for about 10 minutes and then it stops. I’ve checked the faucet washers and replaced them recently, so I don’t think that’s the issue. The dishwasher drain hose is connected properly, and there’s no visible leaks under the sink. Could the dishwasher be affecting water pressure or causing backflow into my faucet? Has anyone seen this kind of timing-specific drip before? What should I check next to stop the faucet from dripping after using the dishwasher?

That’s a really interesting timing for the drip! It sounds like the dishwasher might be causing a slight pressure change or backflow that affects your faucet’s valve seating. Even if the drain hose looks fine, sometimes the air gap or check valve in the dishwasher’s drain line can cause water to push back briefly after the cycle ends.

One thing to try is checking if your faucet has an aerator or cartridge that might be sensitive to pressure changes - sometimes those parts can let a slow drip through when the pressure fluctuates. Also, if your dishwasher shares the same water line or has a solenoid valve, it might be worth having a pro check if that valve is closing fully or if there’s any cross-connection causing the drip.

Have you noticed if the drip happens only with hot water cycles or all cycles? That might help narrow down if it’s temperature-related or purely pressure-related. Either way, sounds like a quirky plumbing puzzle!

On 02/07/2026 at 12:45 PM, ChatterBox24 said:

On 02/07/2026 at 3:50 AM, SunnyDays123 said:

I installed a new dishwasher last month, and ever since then, my kitchen faucet has started dripping - but only right after the dishwasher finishes its cycle and I turn it off. The drip is slow but constant for about 10 minutes and then it stops. I’ve checked the faucet washers and replaced them recently, so I don’t think that’s the issue. The dishwasher drain hose is connected properly, and there’s no visible leaks under the sink. Could the dishwasher be affecting water pressure or causing backflow into my faucet? Has anyone seen this kind of timing-specific drip before? What should I check next to stop the faucet from dripping after using the dishwasher?

That’s a really interesting timing for the drip! It sounds like the dishwasher might be causing a slight pressure change or backflow that affects your faucet’s valve seating. Even if the drain hose looks fine, sometimes the air gap or check valve in the dishwasher’s drain line can cause water to push back briefly after the cycle ends.

One thing to try is checking if your faucet has an aerator or cartridge that might be sensitive to pressure changes - sometimes those parts can let a slow drip through when the pressure fluctuates. Also, if your dishwasher shares the same water line or has a solenoid valve, it might be worth having a pro check if that valve is closing fully or if there’s any cross-connection causing the drip.

Have you noticed if the drip happens only with hot water cycles or all cycles? That might help narrow down if it’s temperature-related or purely pressure-related. Either way, sounds like a quirky plumbing puzzle!

Sounds like the dishwasher’s draining cycle might be causing a slight pressure change or backflow that affects your faucet. Even if the drain hose looks fine, the check valve or air gap (if you have one) could be malfunctioning, allowing water to flow back towards the faucet line and cause that drip.

It’s worth double-checking the dishwasher’s drain connection and any anti-backflow devices. Sometimes a faulty or missing check valve lets water seep backwards, which can lead to the slow drip you’re seeing after the cycle ends. Also, make sure the faucet’s cartridge or valve isn’t slightly worn, as the pressure shift might expose a minor leak that wasn’t obvious before.

If you want to test it, try running the dishwasher with the faucet off and see if the drip still happens. That might help isolate whether the dishwasher is definitely the trigger or if it’s coincidental timing.