How to Replace a Dishwasher Circulation Pump | Step-by-Step Guide

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the circulation pump on a common type of dishwasher.

The dishwasher circulation pump sends water through the spray arms; when the spray arms aren’t spraying, the circulation pump could be at fault.

Other issues can prevent proper water flow through the spray arms, so you’ll need to carefully diagnose the dishwasher cleaning failure before replacing the circulation pump. We’ll help you with that too.

Understanding Your Dishwasher's Circulation System

The dishwasher circulation pump is a critical component responsible for circulating wash water throughout the dishwasher tub and spray arms. It operates by drawing water from the sump, pressurizing it, and distributing it through the spray arms to clean dishes.

This system ensures effective detergent distribution and debris removal during wash cycles.

Common Symptoms of a Failed Circulation Pump

Identify these symptoms to help diagnose a malfunctioning circulation pump:

• No water spraying from the spray arms.
• Dishes are not cleaning properly or remain dirty after a cycle.
• Unusual humming or buzzing noises emanating from the dishwasher during operation, particularly during wash cycles.
• The dishwasher fills with water but does not wash.
• Error codes on the dishwasher display related to water circulation or pump failure. Look up dishwasher error codes on our error code charts.

Diagnose the Circulation Pump Failure Before Replacing the Part

Perform these initial troubleshooting steps to help you determine whether the dishwasher circulation pump is bad:

1. Check for clogs: Inspect the dishwasher filter and spray arms for any obstructions that might impede water flow.
2. Verify the power supply: Ensure the dishwasher is receiving adequate power.
3. Listen for the pump: During a wash cycle, listen for the pump's operation. A complete absence of sound or an abnormal grinding noise suggests pump failure.
4. Inspect for leaks: Examine the area around the pump for any visible signs of leaks, which can indicate seal failure or a damaged pump housing.

Here’s a video that shows how to check additional issues that can cause poor washing results and mimic symptoms of a bad dishwasher circulation pump:

If your dishwasher fills properly, the spray arms aren’t damaged and yet the circulation pump isn’t working, then replacing that part may fix the problem.

Keep in mind that replacing the pump in most dishwashers is fairly expensive — even if you do it yourself. It’s often better to have a service technician diagnose and repair the dishwasher rather than attempting to fix it on your own.

If you’re sure that the circulation pump needs replacing and you’re determined to do it yourself, follow the step-by-step procedure provided below to replace the dishwasher pump on a common type of dishwasher.

Safety First: Prioritizing Your Well-being

Your safety is paramount. Adhere to these critical safety measures:

• Always disconnect the dishwasher from its power source before commencing any work. Failure to do so can result in severe electrical shock or electrocution.
• Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher to prevent flooding.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including work gloves and safety glasses, to prevent injury.
• Exercise extreme caution when handling sharp tools or reaching into confined spaces.
• If you're uncertain about any step or feel uncomfortable performing the repair, schedule dishwasher repair to have a technician replace the pump.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Prepare these items before starting the replacement process.

Essential Tools

• Screwdriver set (Phillips, torx and flathead)
• Nut driver set or socket wrench set
• Rinse aid to moisten pump gaskets and help them seal properly
• Pliers (slip-joint or adjustable)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Towels or rags for spill cleanup
• Bucket or shallow pan for catching residual water
• Work gloves to protect your hands
• Safety glasses for eye protection

Replacement Parts

• New circulation pump assembly specific to your dishwasher make and model. Verify compatibility using your dishwasher's model number and the pump part number.
• New pump seals and gaskets (often included with the new pump assembly, but confirm in the replacement parts diagram).

Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your Dishwasher Circulation Pump

Follow the steps shown in this tutorial video to replace the circulation pump in one of the most common type of dishwasher manufactured by brands such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Maytag and Amana:

(If you have a different type of dishwasher, you’ll likely need to schedule dishwasher repair service to have a service technician replace the pump.)

Step 1: Disconnect Electrical Power to the Dishwasher

This is a critical safety step.

If your dishwasher power cord plugs into an electrical outlet under the kitchen sink, unplug the dishwasher power cord.

If your dishwasher power cord is hard-wired directly to the electrical supply, locate the circuit breaker dedicated to your kitchen or dishwasher and flip the circuit breaker to the "OFF" position.

Verify power disconnection by attempting to power on the dishwasher. The display should be dark and unresponsive.

Step 2: Shut Off Water Supply

1. Locate the water shut-off valve for the dishwasher, typically under the kitchen sink.
2. Turn the valve clockwise until it is fully closed.

Step 3: Remove the Dishwasher Spray Arms

1, Open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom dishrack.
2. Release the upper dishrack track stops and pull out the upper dishrack.
3. Release the bottom spray arm and remove it.
4. If you have a Kenmore dishwasher or similar Whirlpool dishwasher model with a TurboZone spray arm, release and remove the TurboZone manifold.
5. Release the feed tube clips. Release the feed tube from the pump outlet and pull out the feed tube.

Step 4: Remove the Bottom Front Access Panel and Toe Panel

Using a nut driver, remove the screws that hold the bottom front access panel and toe panel in place.

Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward and remove them.

Step 5: Pull the Dishwasher Out from Under the Cabinet

1. Position the dishwasher’s power cord so it moves freely as you pull the dishwasher out from under the counter. (See Tip if your dishwasher doesn’t have a power cord.)
2. Place a towel under the water supply line connection. Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet valve and wipe up spills.
3. Disconnect the drain line from the garbage disposal or sink drain.
4. Remove the 2 mounting screws from the brackets that secure the dishwasher in the cabinet opening.
5. Pull the dishwasher out from under the kitchen cabinet.

Pro tip: If your dishwasher power supply is hard-wired directly into the junction box, remove junction box cover and disconnect the wires. Remove the strain relief nut to release the power cable from the junction box as shown in the video.

Step 6: Remove the Drain Pump Assembly

1. Carefully lay the dishwasher on its back to access the drain pump assembly.
2. Lay a towel under the drain pump to catch water.
3. Squeeze the wire hose clamp that holds the drain hose on the drain pump—use channel-lock pliers if necessary.
4. Pull the drain hose off the drain pump.
5. Remove the wire harness from the drain pump.
6. Press down on the locking tab and then rotate the pump 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull it out of the sump.
7. Wipe up any spilled water and remove the towel.

Check the drain pump gasket and order a new drain pump or drain pump gasket if the seal is damaged.

Step 7: Remove the Old Dishwasher Circulation Pump

1. Disconnect the wires from the diverter motor and circulation pump motor.
2. Remove the optical water indicator from the sump and let i4. t hang by the wire harness.
3. Tilt the dishwasher upright.
4. Release the sump mounting tabs.
5. Carefully open the dishwasher door while supporting the base to prevent the dishwasher from tilting forward.
6. Pull the circulation pump and motor assembly up and out of the dishwasher tub and close the dishwasher door.

Step 8: Install the New Circulation Pump

1. Transfer the filter cup and screen from the old circulation pump and motor assembly to the new one.
2. Transfer the sump damper from the old circulation pump and motor assembly to the new one.
3. Lubricate the sump seal with rinse aid.
4. Carefully open the dishwasher door while supporting the base to prevent the dishwasher from tilting forward.
5. Line up the mounting tab and insert the new circulation pump and motor assembly into the tub.
6. Close the dishwasher door.
7. Engage the sump locking tabs.
8. Carefully lay the dishwasher on its back.
9. Lubricate the O-ring on the optical water indicator with rinse aid reinstall the water indicator.
10. Plug in the diverter motor and circulation pump wire harnesses.

Step 9: Reinstall the Dishwasher Drain Pump

1. Lubricate the O-ring water seal on the drain pump with rinse aid.
2. Insert the drain pump in the sump opening and then rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise so the locking tab snaps into place.
3. Reconnect the wire harness on the drain pump.
4. Reinstall the drain hose on the outlet of the drain pump. Use the wire clamp to secure the drain hose on the drain pump outlet.

Step 10: Reinstall the Dishwasher in the Cabinet

1. Tilt the dishwasher upright and carefully push the dishwasher under the counter.
2. Reconnect the drain hose to the garbage disposal or sink drain.
3. Reconnect the water fill line to the inlet water valve.
4. Insert the screws into the mounting brackets that secure the dishwasher under the counter and tighten the screws.
5. Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert and firmly tighten the mounting screws.

Pro tip: If the dishwasher hardwires into a junction box, push the power cable into the junction box and reinstall the strain relief nut. Reconnect the wires in the junction box and reinstall the junction box cover as shown in the video.

Step 11: Reinstall the Dishwasher Spray Arms

1, Open the dishwasher door.
2. Reinstall the feed tube and snap it into the mounting clips.
3. If you have a Kenmore dishwasher with a TurboZone spray arm, reinstall the TurboZone manifold.
4. Reinstall the bottom spray arm.
5. Push the upper dishrack into the tracks and reinstall the track stops.
6. Put the lower dishrack back into the tub.

Step 12: Restore Electrical Power and the Water Supply — Check for Leaks

Reset the house circuit breaker or plug in the dishwasher to restore electrical power.

Open the water supply valve.

Run a dishwasher cycle and check for leaks.

If water leaks out from under the front dishwasher toe panel, disconnect electrical power and shut off the water supply. Find and fix the cause of the leak or have a service technician examine the dishwasher and fix the cause of the water leak.

Maintaining Your Dishwasher for Longevity

Proactive maintenance extends the life of your dishwasher and its components.

Regular Filter Cleaning

Clean the dishwasher filter monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. Accumulated food particles can strain the pump.

Proper Loading Practices

• Avoid overloading the dishwasher. Overloading can hinder water circulation and put undue stress on the pump.
• Pre-scrape dishes to remove large food debris before loading.
• Get additional loading tips by watching this helpful video:

Annual Professional Inspections and Maintenance

Schedule annual dishwasher inspection and maintenance by a qualified appliance technician. They can identify potential issues before they escalate.

When to Call a Professional for Repair

Recognize when professional assistance is warranted.

Complex Electrical or Plumbing Issues

If you encounter unfamiliar or intricate electrical wiring or complex plumbing configurations that exceed your comfort level.

Unfamiliar Components

When you are unable to identify a component or understand its function during circulation pump replacement.

Safety Concerns

If you feel unsafe at any point during the repair process, or if you encounter unexpected hazards such as damaged electrical wires or severe water damage.

As you can see from the video and written steps, dishwasher circulation pump replacement is typically a long and complicated repair. Lubricating and seating all water seals and gaskets is crucial to preventing leaks and potential damage to flooring and kitchen cabinets.

Consider carefully whether you should tackle this complicated and somewhat risky repair on your own.

If you’re not completely confident that you can pull it off, schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll replace the circulation pump for you.