How to replace the diverter valve assembly on a GE dishwasher

If your GE dishwasher isn’t cleaning like it used to, or water’s not flowing where it should, the diverter valve WD19X25278 might be the culprit. This part controls where the water goes inside the dishwasher. Replacing it sounds like a big job, but it’s totally doable. Grab a screwdriver and let’s walk through how to swap out the diverter valve and get your dishwasher back in action.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What is the diverter valve?

The diverter valve assembly is responsible for directing water flow between the various spray arms in your GE dishwasher. Over time, debris can get lodged in the valve, preventing it from switching water circulation properly. You may notice that your dishes are coming out with food stuck on them, even after a full wash cycle. This is a telltale sign that the diverter valve needs to be replaced.

Doing this repair yourself is a simple job that can save you the cost of a service call. With some basic tools and safety precautions, you can have your dishwasher cleaned like new again. We’ll provide detailed instructions for removing the old diverter valve and installing a new replacement part.

Before getting started, make sure to turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker box. You’ll also want to shut off the hot water supply line underneath the sink. This will prevent any water from leaking out when you disconnect the hoses. Have some towels or buckets handy to catch residual water in the lines.

Materials Needed

Replacing the diverter valve assembly requires just a few tools and parts. Here’s what you’ll need to complete this repair:

• GE dishwasher diverter valve assembly (the replacement part)
• Phillips screwdriver
• 5/8″ wrench
• 5/16″ nut driver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Towels or buckets
• Flashlight

Make sure you order the specific diverter valve assembly made for your GE dishwasher model. The part number will be printed on the old valve.

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Prepare the dishwasher access

The first step is to remove obstructions and disconnect supplies so we can pull the dishwasher out for access.

1. Remove the lower dish rack. Open the dishwasher door and slide out the lower rack. Lift it out completely and set it aside. This gives you room to work.
2. Detach the spray arm. The spray arm sits on top of the lower rack. Grasp the center securely and rotate it counterclockwise to unlock it from the water supply tube. Lift it off and set it out of the way.
3. Disconnect the water supply tube. There is a release lever underneath the tube connection point. Press this lever down and lift the tube to detach it.
4. Unscrew the dishwasher from the counter. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that anchor the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop. This allows the dishwasher to pull free.
5. Pull the dishwasher out. Carefully open the door fully and grasp the dishwasher body. Lift slightly and begin sliding it out from the cabinet, watching for any snagged lines. Pull it completely out for easy access.

Remove the old diverter valve

With the dishwasher pulled out, we can now disassemble the components to reach the diverter valve.

1. Lay the dishwasher on its side. Grab some towels and gently lower the dishwasher onto its side. This lets you access the underside.
2. Remove the drip pan. Slide the drip pan towards the front to release it. This exposes the internal sump.
3. Disconnect the circulation motor. Release the wiring harness clip and unscrew the motor mount. Then detach the hose clamp and slide the circulation motor out.
4. Take out the old diverter valve. Remove the hose clamps from the old leaky diverter valve using a flathead screwdriver. Pull the valve away and discard it.

Install a new diverter valve

Now you can install the new replacement diverter valve and reassemble the dishwasher.

1. Attach hose clamps. Use pliers to slide the new hose clamps over the circulation motor outlet and the new diverter valve inlet. Position them correctly for access later.
2. Insert new diverter valve. Confirm the valve height lines up with the sump inlet. Hand-tighten the clamp screw using a nut driver.
3. Reinstall the circulation motor. Wet components and carefully remount the circulation motor, aligning all hoses and fittings. Reattach the wiring harness.
4. Replace the drip pan. Make sure the front lip and side indents are oriented correctly. Press in a pan until the tabs click and lock.
5. Lift the dishwasher upright. Slowly lift the dishwasher back onto its feet. Make sure no hoses or wires are caught underneath.

Reinstall dishwasher

The last steps are to secure the dishwasher back in place and reconnect everything.

1. Feed lines through the cabinet. Push the dishwasher halfway in, then feed the drain and water lines through the opening. Push the dishwasher fully back into position.
2. Reconnect hoses. Attach the drain line to the air gap and tighten the clamp. Also, tighten the hot water line connection. Check for leaks.
3. Fasten dishwasher to counter. Line up the dishwasher and insert the Phillips screws into the countertop holes. Tighten securely.
4. Replace internal components. Snap the water supply tube back into the diverter valve outlet. Also, realign and lock the spray arm into place.
5. Return lower rack. Slide the lower rack back into the dishwasher on the door rails. Make sure it is fully seated.
6. Restore power and water. Plug the dishwasher back in and turn on the hot water supply.
7. Test operation. Run a test cycle to verify the new diverter valve fixed your issue. The dishwasher should now be cleaned properly.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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