How do I know if my Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump is bad?

Author: Dr. Nicola Grady  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading of between 160 and 260. If the reading is too high, too low, or if there's no reading at all, it means the drain pump is faulty and needs to be replaced with a new one.

How to tell if your dishwasher drain pump is bad?

Finally, to be sure your drain pump is working properly, you can test it with a multimeter on the two terminals. Your multimeter should show a reading of about 200 ohms for a working drain pump.

How to test dishwasher drain pump whirlpool?

You can do this by taking an old power cord from a junk appliance, tool, or light and stripping the ends of power and common. Attach them to the motor leads and plug it in keeping hands away from those wires. If the impeller spins it is good. If it doesnt spin it is bad.

How to tell if a whirlpool drain pump is bad?

No washer movement: Washing machines spin and jerk quickly to loosen dirt on fabrics. No or little movement during washing cycles often means you need a new drain pump.

How do I know if my dishwasher needs a new pump?

If you find water pooling across the bottom of the tub area or leaking onto the floor when you open the dishwasher door, then the drain pump motor could be malfunctioning and you will need a dishwasher pump replacement.

Dishwasher Drain Pump Continuity Testing

What does a bad dishwasher drain pump sound like?

Grinding or buzzing noise

You can hear your dishwasher grind or buzz when it forces water down the drain. If the sound is very loud, check your pump impeller. To do this, you will need to remove the lower basket, spray arm and filter unit.

How to test if a pump is bad?

Common symptoms and what may be causing them
  1. Abnormal flow. If the flow is abnormal, this is a definite sign of a problem. ...
  2. Noisy pumps. The most common noise is that of that of rocks in a can. ...
  3. Frequent clogging. ...
  4. Overheating. ...
  5. Air Leaks.

What is the code for Whirlpool drain pump?

If F9 E1 (drain pump system problem—long drain) appears in the display, the washer is taking too long to drain water.

How long do dishwasher drain pumps last?

While that may seem like a lot, keep in mind that a lot of these pumps come with a guaranteed lifespan of around two decades. That's more than your dishwasher will last you. However, there is something else you ought to consider before you replace the pump. Check the general health of the appliance first.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain is clogged?

6 Signs Your Dishwasher Problems Are Caused By a Clog
  1. You Hear Gurgling Sounds. ...
  2. Your Dishwasher Is Backing Up Water in Your Sink. ...
  3. You Notice Slow Draining In Your Dishwasher. ...
  4. You See Water Backup In the Dishwasher After the Cycle. ...
  5. Your Dishes Are Not Cleaned. ...
  6. Your Dishwasher Smells.

How do I run diagnostics on my Whirlpool dishwasher?

How to Activate Diagnostic Mode on a Whirlpool Dishwasher
  1. Begin by opening the dishwasher door.
  2. Press any three keys in order three times, like 1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3, in quick succession, and then close the door.

Can a dishwasher pump burn out?

Dishwasher Drain Pump Issues

The motor of the drain pump can burn out or malfunction, leading to drainage issues. The impeller inside the pump can also be blocked or damaged, preventing water from being pumped out.

How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher pump?

Pump - The pump is responsible for circulating water throughout the dishwasher. If it fails, your dishes won't be cleaned properly. The average cost to fix a pump is around $150, with a range of $100 to $350. To troubleshoot, check for a clogged filter or faulty motor.

How do I know if my drain pump is bad on my dishwasher?

If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading of between 160 and 260. If the reading is too high, too low, or if there's no reading at all, it means the drain pump is faulty and needs to be replaced with a new one.

What is the average lifespan of a whirlpool dishwasher?

However, dishwashers don't last forever. The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports. However, issues with the appliances tend to develop within the first five years.

How do I know if I need a new dishwasher pump?

Water will not pump into the dishwasher.

Dishwashers have sensors and water pumps they use to let the computer inside them know when to pump water in and pump it out. If this sensor is dirty, has become stuck, or has broken, it needs to be repaired. If the pump has failed, it also needs to be replaced.

How do I check the drain on my Whirlpool washer?

Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose
  1. Check the hose for visible kinks. If you find any, gently straighten them. ...
  2. To look for blockages, detach the hose from the washer and/or standpipe and remove any clogs. ...
  3. Ensure that the hose is correctly positioned in the drainpipe, usually between 39 to 96 inches above the floor.

How do we know that the pump is not working properly?

Sound One of the first tell-tale signs of an underperforming pump is the sound that it makes. A change in sound can alert you to an issue with your pump or system. If you hear popping sounds, especially near the impeller, you could be experiencing cavitation.

How do I know if my pump parts need to be replaced?

Breast pump tubing should be replaced every four to six months. However, if you notice any signs of molding, you will need to replace the tubing immediately. Breast milk bottles and containers should be replaced as needed. Keep an eye on your bottles for any sign of degradation or cracks.

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