A bad dishwasher pump usually shows a few clear warning signs: standing water at the end of a cycle, strange noises (like humming or high-pitched whining), or dishes that remain dirty because water isn't circulating. To confirm, check for blockages, ensure the impeller spins freely, and test the pump with a multimeter for continuity.
More often than not, the real troublemaker is a faltering dishwasher drain pump. When a dishwasher pump failure strikes, water backs up, bringing funky smells, sluggish drainage, and even potential damage to your machine.
As long as the appliance is in decent condition otherwise, installing a new pump can breathe life back into your dishwasher. Fixing a pump is generally much cheaper than buying a whole new machine, making it a sensible repair if this is the only major issue.
If a more complicated problem such as a failed drain pump or defective electronic control board is preventing the dishwasher from draining, then you'll need to consider replacing it if your dishwasher is older than 7 years and the repair will cost more than ½ the price of installing a new dishwasher.
Issues like leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, foul odors and overall appliance operation, though infrequent, can be the most common problems with a dishwasher that isn't operating properly. In some cases, you can resolve these issues with a little elbow grease and the help of your product manual.
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.
The control board or electronic control unit is typically the most expensive part in a dishwasher. It manages all the dishwasher's functions, such as the wash cycles, water temperature, and the timing of the washing and drying processes.
About five seconds after you start running a dishwasher cycle, the drain pump will start making a low humming noise. This will be due to a piece of glass blocking the impeller from turning, resulting in the dishwasher pump not working properly. When this happens, you'll need to remove the blockage.
On average, a well-maintained dishwasher can last between 10 to 15 years. What is the best brand of dishwasher to buy? There are many high-quality dishwasher brands on the market to fit different needs and preferences. Popular brands include Café, Bosch, GE, Beko, Cove, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool to name a few.
Signs That Your Dishwasher Needs a New Pump
Absolutely can. Physical drag from failing motor shaft bearings, for starters, will slow the rotation but won't show up on a meter. Try interrupting the wash cycle, and manually adding a quart or two of water, with a pitcher or something.
Common Pump Issues and Their Causes
Strange Noises During Operation
A dishwasher should operate relatively quietly. If you hear unusual grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds, it may point to: Worn-out bearings. Broken motor parts.
Blockages can cause pumps to run dry – that is, the motor keeps running when no water is being pumped. This can damage pump motors by overheating, cause pump seals to fail and lead to cavitation.
Now it's time to test your drain pump with a multimeter! To do this, set your multimeter to 200 ohms. Then place the two multimeter probes onto the drain pump's tabs from which you removed the electrical connections. If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading of between 160 and 260.
Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.
7 Most Recommended Dishwashers
Chemical reactions: Aluminum in the foil oxidizes with the detergents in the dishwasher soap. This oxidation helps to remove tarnish stains on your silverware. 'This reaction boosts the overall effectiveness of the washing process,' says Jasmine Peterson, nutritionist and writer at Next Luxury.
Note: For fire safety reasons, only run appliances like dishwashers while you're home, and try to avoid running them when you're sleeping. If you're not a night owl, consider running the machine early in the morning before you go to work to still snag the cost savings.
Repair Is Almost Always Cheaper Than Replacement
Most dishwasher repairs cost far less than a brand-new appliance, which can run anywhere from $500 to $1,500. Minor repairs—like unclogging drain lines, fixing float switches, or replacing door seals—can usually be handled the same day for a fraction of that price.
We recommend checking for food debris around the drain and listening closely during the draining stage. A quiet hum that doesn't lead to movement of water often signals the pump motor is spinning but not engaging properly. If left unresolved, this can lead to stagnant water and unpleasant smells inside the dishwasher.
For example, some tractors and small loaders have engine water pumps installed in relatively accessible locations. Generally, replacement takes only 2–3 hours.