How To Replace A Dishwasher Pump
Posted on: 1 March 2017
If your dishwasher has dirty water on the bottom, the pump may need replacing. The dishwasher pump is attached to the end of the sprayer arms, and it pushes water through the arms. Pumps can easily get damaged after much use, but it is easy to replace them yourself. Here are tips to replace a dishwasher pump.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- rubber work gloves
- voltage tester
- towels
- Phillips, Torx, and flat-blade screwdrivers
- adjustable pliers
- replacement pump
Shut off power to the dishwasher from the breaker, and unplug the cord. Run a voltage meter over the breaker to ensure no current exists. To further verify power is off, try to push a button on the display. It should not come on when you press it.
Detach the Front Access Panel and Sprayer Arms
Look under the sink for the water supply valve under the sink, and turn it off by rotating it to the right. Wipe moisture from the dishwasher with a towel to prevent electrical charge.
Use the Torx screwdriver or Phillips screwdriver to remove the front access panels screw, and set it aside. Detach the bottom dish rack hardware with the flat-blade screwdriver, and remove the rack.
Remove the bolt on the sprayer arms with a wrench, and disconnect the arms. In some cases, the sprayer arms may have reverse threaded bolts, which means you turn the bolt clockwise to loosen it.
If the sprayer arms have no bolts, wiggle the arms slightly, and raise them up to detach them. Remove the spray arm screen.
Replace the Old Pump
Disconnect the Phillips screws on the lower panel, and remove the panel by pulling it to you. Run a voltmeter over the wiring to ensure no current is present. Test the copper coils on the motor, if you can see them.
Lay a fresh towel under the outlet hose to catch water, and pull the dishwasher from the counter. Remove the garbage disposal drain line or sink drain line.
Press the tabs on the wire hose clamp with a screwdriver or pliers, and disconnect the discharge outlet hose. Detach the wire harness on the pump, noting how the wires connect.
Rotate or snap the motor assembly tabs off. Open the door, and take the motor assembly out.
Remove the pump by hand; giving it a one-quarter turn to the left. Some pumps can't be removed from the motor, so the whole assembly will need replacing. Reverse steps to install the new pump, then reconnect the drain line and access panels.
Restore power, and test the pump. If it doesn't work, or you don't trust your skill, contact an appliance service.
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