Exploring Appliance Repair Practices

The drain pump in a dishwasher plays an important role in ensuring that excess water drains out of the appliance during and after the wash cycle. When the drain pump breaks or fails, the excess water can cause your dishwasher to overflow and leak water all over your kitchen floor.

You can replace the drain pump yourself with minimal effort and few tools. If you have trouble finding the drain pump in your particular make and model, consult your owner's manual for assistance.

What You Need:

• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• New drain pump

Step 1: Remove the Old Drain Pump

Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker.

Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to remove the screws or fasteners from the lower access panel on the front of the dishwasher. Pull the panel off the dishwasher and set the panel aside. Remove the dampening panel that was under the access panel and set the dampening panel aside.

Grab the fill hose and lift the hose up to free it from the retaining clip. Pull the hose off the sump at one end and the air pressure chamber at the other end. Set the hose aside.

Unplug the wire harness from the drain pump. Press in on the locking tab on the drain pump then turn the pump in a clockwise direction to loosen. Turn until the drain pump comes free from the dishwasher. Dispose of the old drain pump.

Step 2: Install the New Drain Pump

Install the new drain pump in the appropriate hole in the washer. Use the tabs in the pump as a guide to lining the pump up with the notches inside the hole. Twist the pump in a counterclockwise direction until secure. Connect the wire harness to the new pump by snapping the harness plug into the terminal.

Insert one end of the hose into the sump and the other into the pressure chamber. Lift the hose over the retaining clip to secure the hose. Put the dampening pad into place over the pump area. Place the lower access panel over the opening and secure into place with its screws or fasteners.

Restore the power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker. Conduct a test cycle on a light load setting in case the problem isn't fixed. If you still experience excess water and overflowing, call in an appliance repair company, such as Collier County Appliance Service, Inc.