How to replace Whirlpool dishwasher volute W11622922

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher turning your kitchen into a mini lake? It might be time to check the volute, the little part with a big impact. Dive into our step-by-step repair guide with a helpful how-to video below, and tackle this leak head-on to save money and keep your kitchen floor dry!

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If your Whirlpool dishwasher is leaving puddles on the kitchen floor, a failing volute could be the culprit. The volute seals the circulation pump motor to the dishwasher sump (the bottom tub area). When it degrades or cracks, water can leak out while the dishwasher is working.

Fortunately, replacing a dishwasher volute is a relatively straightforward repair that most homeowners can tackle themselves. By doing it yourself, you’ll save money that would otherwise go to an appliance repair service call. Just follow along to get your machine back in order.

You can find a replacement volute here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool dishwasher, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

WATCH: How to install the volute on a dishwasher

What is a dishwasher volute & why would it need to be replaced?

The volute is a plastic casing that surrounds the pump impeller (the spinning blades that circulate water). It seals the pump motor shaft to the sump to prevent water leaks and directs the flow of water from the impeller blades into the spray arms, which spread water and soap to wash your dishes.

When the volute fails, you’ll likely notice pools of water underneath the dishwasher. You might also notice dirty dishes after washing if enough water isn’t reaching the spray arms.

Symptoms of a faulty volute include:

• Puddles or standing water inside the dishwasher tub or on the floor outside the machine
• Unusual noises from the drain pump when it’s activated
• Dirty dishes after a cleaning cycle
• Visible damage (such as cracks) on the volute

READ MORE: How to clean dishwasher spray arms

Keep safety first

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can 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.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.

READ MORE: How to prevent appliance fire hazards

What you need

• 5/8-inch wrench
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Torx T15 & T20 drivers
• 3-inch socket with ratchet & extension
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Pliers
• Towels or pads to lay the dishwasher on
• Replacement volute W11622922 (make sure it’s compatible with your specific model BEFORE installing)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

READ MORE: How to Clean a Dishwasher

How to replace the volute

Follow these steps to change out the volute in your Whirlpool dishwasher.

Step 1: Access the motor area

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the outlet.
2. Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher.
3. Use your 5/8-inch wrench to disconnect the hot water inlet line that’s connected to the valve.
4. Find where the drain line connects. Use the 5/16-inch nut driver to loosen the hose clamp, then pull off the drain hose.
5. Open the dishwasher door and remove both upper and lower racks.
6. Remove the lower spray arm by twisting the retainer nut counterclockwise and lifting it out.
7. Detach the upper water supply tube that feeds the upper spray arm by releasing its mounting clips.
8. Use your Torx driver to remove the screws holding the dishwasher to the countertop underside.
9. Pull the entire dishwasher out from the cabinet opening by gripping the door and sliding it toward you.
10. Lay the dishwasher on its side on a towel/pad to avoid scratches.
11. Find the motor housing cover near the center of the unit. Use the appropriate Torx bit to remove any screws holding the plastic cover.
12. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully disengage any locking tabs and remove that motor cover.

With the cover off, you should now have a clear view of the pump motor and surrounding sump area – which is the location of the volute you need to replace.

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

Step 2: Remove the old volute

Now it’s time to detach the pump motor assembly to gain access to the old volute casing.

1. Find the dishwasher wiring harness that’s attached to the bottom of the pump motor. Use your flathead screwdriver to press the locking tab(s) and disconnect the harness.
2. Use your 3-inch socket, ratchet, and long extension to remove the long mounting screw that holds the pump motor to the sump housing.
3. Twist the motor counterclockwise and pull it away from the sump housing. Set the motor down on your towel/pad.
4. Find the impeller assembly. Use your flathead screwdriver to hold the rotor in place while you unscrew the impeller counterclockwise.
5. Pull the old volute casing loose from the motor shaft. Note the seal/gasket – you’ll need to transfer this to the new part, so keep it close by.
6. Carefully pry out the old volute gasket from the casing if it doesn’t easily pull out with the part.

READ MORE: What is Dishwasher Salt: How to Use it & Benefits

Step 3: Install the new volute

1. Take the rubber gasket/seal from the old volute and press it into the new casing. It should sit flush.
2. Align the new volute over the motor shaft by lining up any key tabs/grooves. Make sure the arrows also point in the correct direction.
3. Press the volute onto the shaft until it’s seated against the motor housing.
4. Replace the impeller assembly over the motor shaft and rotate it clockwise to screw it on tightly while you hold the rotor.
5. Replace the ceramic impeller seal if needed.

READ MORE: Best Loading Techniques For Your Dishwasher

Step 4: Reinstall the pump assembly

1. Align the volute tabs with the corresponding grooves in the sump housing opening.
2. Insert the pump motor assembly back into the sump housing.
3. Twist the motor clockwise to lock it back onto the mounting post/shaft.
4. Use your long extension/socket to reinstall and tighten the long mounting screw to secure the pump assembly.
5. Reconnect the wiring harness connector to the bottom of the pump motor until it snaps into place.

READ MORE: 8 DIY Safety Tips

Step 5: Reassemble the dishwasher

1. Reattach the spray arm support back over the newly installed volute/pump.
2. Lock the upper water supply tube back into the rear mounting clips and press the middle clip into the sump.
3. Reinstall the lower spray arm by mounting it over the support and tightening it clockwise with pliers.
4. Replace the dishwasher sump cover and use your Torx driver to reinstall any retaining screws.
5. Slide the upper and lower dish racks back into the tracks and swing the end caps into the locked positions.
6. Close the dishwasher door.

READ MORE: How to Childproof Appliances

Step 6: Finishing touches

1. Slide the dishwasher about halfway back into the cabinet opening.
2. Reconnect the drain hose to the garbage disposal/air gap and tighten the hose clamp.
3. Use your 5/8-inch wrench to reattach the hot water inlet line to the shutoff valve underneath the sink.
4. Turn the shutoff valve back on to restore water to the dishwasher.
5. Plug the dishwasher back in.
6. Slide the dishwasher the rest of the way in.
7. Screw the dishwasher back into the cabinet underside.
8. Run a test cycle to check for leaks or abnormal sounds.

READ MORE: Pantry Organization: A Step-by-Step Guide

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the volute 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 two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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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