Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump test (steps)

Now, if your Whirlpool dishwasher wont drain properly (a pool of water is being left at the bottom of it after every load of dishes you wash), there are several things that you should check.

In general, the most common suspect is the drain pump -but it is not the only potential cause of drainage issues in Whirlpool dishwashers.

So it is best to perform a Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump test before thinking of ordering a replacement.

With that in mind, this article will guide you on how to perform Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump test (step by step).

Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump test (steps)

Tools needed:

• A screwdriver.
• A multi-meter.

Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump test – step-by-step instructions

Step 1:

Disconnect power from the appliance

Step 2:

Lay your dishwasher (on the side) then remove the bottom plate – this is where you will find the pump in most Whirlpool dishwashers.

The screwdriver will come in handy when removing the screws holding the plate.

Step 3:

Get the pump out – to remove the pump, it may be necessary to disconnect any obstructing connectors (this is for select models).

It may also be necessary to rotate the pump’s body (try to make a quarter twist) for it to come off.

Step 4:

Next, grab your multimeter (check that it is current set on Rx1 mode) then touch the two drain pump terminals (the 2 multimeter probes should touch the terminals).

The test is for continuity- and you’re looking for zero continuity (nearly zero, at worst).

Finally, touch one multimeter probe to the dishwasher’s bare frame – the other lead should remain on one terminal.

You again do not want to notice any continuity.

If your pump has passed these tests, then it’s in good shape.

Otherwise, you need to think of a replacement…

Quick Note: Another way you can test the pump is by checking it for proper voltage when it is draining (check your model’s tech sheet for voltage information)- if there is no power, then you could be having a bad pump.

 

Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump replacement

If the drain dump has failed the test, we recommend this whirlpool dishwasher drain pump replacement –it is standard so it fits perfectly in most models and is a cinch to install.

Just to give you an idea, here is a list of Whirlpool dishwasher models that it is a perfect match for:

1. Whirlpool WDF310PAAS4 dishwasher
2. Whirlpool W10632078A dishwasher
3. Whirlpool W10632077A dishwasher
4. Whirlpool  WDT710PAYM0 dishwasher
5. Whirlpool WDF530PLYB6 dishwasher
6. Whirlpool  WDF530PLYW7 dishwasher

Important note:

For the following whirlpool dishwasher models, you need replacement drain pump # W10876537

1. WDF110
2. WDF120
3. WDF121
4. WDF130
5. WDF320
6. WDF330
7. WDF331
8. WDF520
9. WDF540
10. WDF545
11. WDF560
12. WDF590
13. WDF770
14. WDP340
15. WDP350
16. WDP370
17. WDT710
18. WDT720
19. WDT730
20. WDT750
21. WDT970
22. WDT975
23. WDT995
24. WDTA50
25. WDTA75

Of course, the best way you can be sure you are ordering the right part is by putting in your model # when you go to the site (type it in the provided area).

 

What to know about drainage problems in whirlpool dishwashers

As mentioned at the start, the drain pump is not at fault all the time and it is important to check out other potential culprits even before you think of changing out the pump.

To point you in the right direction, below is what you should check out if your drain pump seems fine but the machine won’t drain the right way:

 

· Drain line -from drain pump -to the garbage disposal.

This may be clogged (in multiple places) so it should be cleaned (perhaps with water and pressurized air) to make the washer drain normally again.

Also, there is a 90-degree elbow on the drain hose (where it connects to the pump).

Now, in it there’s a check valve that you typically can’t see and this is another likely culprit- the check valve prevents water (in the hose) from flowing back in to the tub.

Remember the check valve- it is a small rubber piece- can be faulty (and needing to be swapped out).

 

· The entire pump area

Also, double-check the entire pump area – you may need to clean it out thoroughly.

In this case, you want to see if there are unwanted items (think glass pieces and plastic fragments) in the area – be sure to remove them as they may be blocking the drainage path.

In fact, you should disassemble (get help from YouTube if you’re not mechanically inclined) all the susceptible parts- the wash arm, impeller area (down to the chopper), etc.

Once inside, remove the plastic chunks and clean all the crud and gunk off all the parts.

You then snap everything back together and see if the dishwasher will resume working again.

 

· The impeller (in the pump)

It can be the impeller too.

To test if it is the impeller, first disconnect the washer from the sink then put the drain hose in a regular bucket.

Next, put your dishwasher on drain and check how fast water comes out.

Now, if it is just a trickle, you could be having a broken impeller (that’s why it is not pushing water enough).

For the most part, you will need to replace the impeller (plus the seal kit) to have the dishwasher drain properly once more.

This impeller kit works for many Whirlpool dishwasher models and there are how-to YouTube videos to guide you on the replacement steps (simply search “Whirlpool dishwasher Drain and Wash Impeller Kit replacement” on YouTube).

 

Alternative impeller test

1. Unplug the dishwasher (or disconnect power).
2. Remove the drain pump then check the impeller by trying to pull and rotate it.

If your impeller turns freely or pulls off (normally you will feel some uneven resistance), then it is probably stripped. Replace.

 

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