How to replace Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269

Have you ever had the calm of a post-dinner evening crushed by a Whirlpool dishwasher that simply refuses to drain? You might be dealing with a faulty drain pump, but don’t fret—our step-by-step guide and how-to video below will empower you to tackle the replacement yourself, restoring your kitchen’s peace and your dishwasher’s efficiency in no time.

Picture this: You’ve just enjoyed a wonderful meal, loaded the dishwasher, and you’re ready to relax, but then you notice your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t draining properly. It might be time to replace the drain pump—a crucial player in the dish-cleaning assembly.

Don’t let a broken drain pump sideline your dishwasher! With some basic tools and a bit of time, you can easily swap in a new one.

Let’s dive into the process of replacing the drain pump in your Whirlpool dishwasher.

If you need drain pump WPW10348269, you can order it here. If you need any other replacement parts for your dishwasher, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com or visit this page to find them.

WATCH: How to install a drain pump

What is the drain pump & why would it need to be replaced?

The drain pump’s primary job is to remove water from the dishwasher after each wash cycle. A pump impeller spins inside a sealed casing, generating suction that draws water out through the drain hose. Over many years of use, internal wear and tear can cause the impeller or motor to fail. When this happens, water won’t drain away and will stay inside the unit.

There are a few obvious signs that a drain pump needs to be replaced:

• Water isn’t fully draining after washes and is standing in the bottom.
• You hear clicking or strange noises coming from the pump area during draining.
• Water is leaking out around the pump or from underneath the dishwasher.

READ MORE: 8 DIY Safety Tips

What you need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Adjustable wrenches in various sizes
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Part # WPW10348269 – Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to make sure the new part is compatible with your unit.

READ MORE: How to prevent appliance fire hazards

Keep safety first

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

READ MORE: How to Clean a Dishwasher

Replacement steps

Step 1: Remove the dishwasher

1. Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it.
2. Open the dishwasher door.
3. Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the mounting brackets.
4. Remove the lower rack.
5. Under the sink, find the dishwasher drain line.
6. Remove the clamp from the drain hose.
7. Remove the fill line from the hot water tap.
8. Pull the dishwasher out. Make sure the hoses are out of the way so they don’t get crushed.
9. Lay the dishwasher on its back.
10. Lay a towel down to catch any water that drips out.

READ MORE: Surprising Things That Can & Can’t Go in the Dishwasher

Step 2: Remove the old pump

1. Make notes or take photos of how everything was configured before removing old components.
2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to press the release tab so you can remove the wire harness.
3. Use the flathead screwdriver to release the tab so you can release the motor.
4. Turn the pump motor counterclockwise to get it out of the pump assembly.

READ MORE: Dishwasher Won’t Drain

Step 3: Install the new drain pump

1. Line up the new pump’s locking tab with the corresponding slots in the housing opening.
2. Once the slots are aligned, firmly push the pump down into position.
3. Hand-tighten the new pump by turning it clockwise until it’s snug and locked in.
4. Reattach the wire harness and snap it into the matching port on the pump.
5. Pick the dishwasher back up to reinstall it.
6. Reconnect the drain and fill hoses. Tighten the clamps with pliers or a wrench.
7. Put the lower rack back in.
8. Close the dishwasher door.

READ MORE: How to Install a Dishwasher

Step 4: Test the dishwasher

1. Switch the water supply back on.
2. Check all connections for leaks.
3. Restore power to the dishwasher and run a test wash cycle while it’s empty.

READ MORE: Best Loading Techniques For Your Dishwasher

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drain pump in your Whirlpool dishwasher.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in just two business days. If you need some help finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278. We can also help you troubleshoot common dishwasher problems here.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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