Distinguish between drain pump and circulation pump failures. Most dishwashers have TWO separate pumps: the circulation/wash pump (large, center-mounted) that sprays water during washing, and the drain pump (smaller, side-mounted) that evacuates water between cycles. If your dishwasher won't drain but washes/sprays normally, you need the drain pump (this part). If it drains fine but won't spray or wash, you need the circulation pump. Misdiagnosing which pump failed wastes time and money.
Check for blockages before replacing the pump. Remove the drain pump and inspect the impeller cavity for food debris, broken glass, toothpicks, bones, fruit pits, or other foreign objects. Also check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, and verify the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed if the dishwasher drains into a disposal. An estimated 25% of "pump failures" are actually just blockages. Test the old pump by spinning the impeller by hand—it should rotate freely without binding.
Test the pump electrically to confirm failure. Use a multimeter to check the drain pump motor windings for continuity. With the pump disconnected, test across the motor terminals—you should read approximately 10-30 ohms (varies by model). An infinite reading means the motor windings are open (burned out). A reading near zero indicates a short circuit. This confirms your diagnosis and prevents unnecessary parts replacement.
Inspect the drain hose and air gap. While you have access to the drain system, check the drain hose for cracks, holes, kinks, or deterioration. Also verify the dishwasher air gap (if installed) isn't clogged—a blocked air gap prevents proper drainage and can damage your new pump. Clean or replace any damaged components now to prevent repeat failures.
Hose clamp positioning is critical. When reconnecting the drain hose, ensure the clamp is positioned properly over the barbed fitting. The clamp should be at least 1/4" from the hose end and squeezed fully closed. A loose hose connection causes water leaks, poor drainage, and potential water damage to your kitchen floor and cabinets.
Check the check valve. Many dishwashers have a check valve in the drain line that prevents water from flowing back into the tub. If this valve is stuck closed or clogged, your new pump won't be able to drain water. Locate the check valve (usually in the drain hose or at the pump outlet) and verify it opens freely. Clean or replace if stuck.
Break-in and priming: After installation, the new drain pump may make unusual gurgling or cavitation sounds for the first 1-2 cycles as it primes and purges air from the drain line. This is normal. If loud grinding or continuous humming persists beyond 2 cycles, stop the dishwasher and recheck for obstructions or improper installation.
- Water remains standing in bottom of dishwasher after cycle
- Dishwasher won't drain (water stays in tub)
- Drain error codes displayed (check model-specific codes)
- Loud humming noise during drain cycle (motor running but not pumping)
- Grinding or rattling noise from drain pump area
- Drain pump motor won't start (no sound during drain)
- Dishwasher stops mid-cycle with water in tub
- Slow drainage (takes 5+ minutes to drain)
- Intermittent drainage problems
- Water backs up into dishwasher between cycles
- Burning smell during drain cycle
- Dishes remain wet and dirty due to incomplete drainage
- Visible water leaks from drain pump area
- Dishwasher runs through cycle but never drains
- Pump worked intermittently before failing completely
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