Replace Dishwasher Drain Pump

A dishwasher is inherently a useful appliance in the majority of homes. It reduces manual labor by automatically cleaning the dishes and saves time as well. However, when it malfunctions, it can cause a significant inconvenience. Among the issues one might encounter with a dishwasher, a failing dishwasher drain pump especially poses an irksome problem. This malfunction hinders the appliance from properly draining the water. Fortunately, the process to replace a dishwasher drain pump is not as daunting as it sounds. With the right tools and ordered steps, you can do it yourself without a major hassle. A drain pump is a significant component of a dishwasher. It is responsible for pumping the water out of dishwasher once the washing cycle is over. However, repeated use over a long period of time may weaken or damage the pump. This will cause water to remain in the machine and not drain properly. Thus, if your dishwasher isn't draining as it should, you might need to replace the dishwasher drain pump. Here is a quick guide to help you with the task: The first thing you need to do is identify the drain pump. It is typically situated at the bottom of the dishwasher. To reach it, you will have to safely disconnect the dishwasher from its power source, turn off the water supply, and then remove the base of the appliance by unscrewing it. Before buying a new drain pump, ensure that you have the model number of your dishwasher or the old drain pump. This will assure that you buy the right drain pump that fits perfectly into your dishwasher. Some common dishwasher brands include Whirlpool, Bosch, KitchenAid, and GE, and each may have a different style in drain pumps. A wrong drain pump will not only fail to fit but can also damage your dishwasher. Once you get the correct drain pump, the first step in the replacement process is detaching the old drain pump. This can be done by simply unscrewing the fasteners that attach it to the dishwasher. However, caution should be exercised to avoid causing any damage to the adjacent parts. Next, you need to disconnect the wiring harness connected to the drain pump. Handle this part gently, as a damaged harness will require you to replace the whole wiring of the dishwasher. In most models, the harness can be located at the side of the pump and can be taken off by pressing the lock tab. Now, you can remove the drain pump from the dishwasher. For this, twist and pull the drain pump gently until it releases from its position. You might need to hold the dishwasher with your other hand to prevent it from moving while you exert force on the drain pump. Check the removed old drain pump for reasons behind its failure. The issue could be due to food particles, a piece of broken dish, or a broken impeller inside the pump. Knowing what caused the issue will help keep it from happening again. Having successfully removed the old drain pump, you can insert the new one. Attach it back in the position where you detached the old one. You will hear a click sound when it is properly inserted. Reconnect the wiring harness and make sure it's securely in place, ensuring the signals coming from the dishwasher will reach the pump. Next, check all the connections and screws. If everything is securely attached, you can reinstall the base of the dishwasher back and restore the water supply. Test your installation by running a load of dishes in your dishwasher. If the water drains out perfectly, then you'd have successfully replaced the dishwasher drain pump. If not, you would need to check again and ensure that everything was fixed back right. Before starting this process, you should ensure that you have the appropriate tools including a screwdriver set, a spanner, and perhaps a spare towel to soak up any residual water that may leak out when removing the base of the dishwasher. Remember, safety is paramount. Whenever you are working with appliances that connect to electricity and water, always ensure to disconnect them from their sources to avoid accidental electrocution or flooding. In conclusion, replacing a dishwasher drain pump is a practical solution when your old pump stops working. It is a fairly simple task that doesn't require special skills and can be achieved using a few tools. It not only saves you the cost of a new dishwasher, but it also helps you comprehend how your appliance works—knowledge which could even help you fix future issues without requiring professional help.