Dishwasher Drain Pump Replacement: Cost + DIY Guide (2026)
Video guide
Video: “Dishwasher Drain Pump Replacement” by RepairClinic
Replacing a dishwasher drain pump is a 60 to 90 minute job that requires basic tools and costs $70 to $80 for the part on Whirlpool-family brands. Most homeowners can do this themselves. But before ordering the part, verify the pump is actually the problem: a clogged filter or blocked hose causes identical symptoms for $0. This guide covers how to test the pump before you replace it, then walks through the full replacement procedure with part numbers by brand.
For an overview of all drain components and their roles, see the Dishwasher Drain Components: Parts Guide (2026).
Quick answer
A dishwasher drain pump should be replaced when:
- The pump motor tests open circuit (infinite ohms) on a multimeter
- The pump runs continuously with no water movement (impeller broken off shaft)
- The pump makes a grinding or squealing noise during the drain phase but water doesn’t exit
- The pump is confirmed functional but impeller is cracked or chipped (rare, usually debris-caused)
Do NOT replace the pump until you have:
- Cleaned the filter (5 minutes, costs nothing)
- Confirmed the drain hose is not kinked or blocked
- Confirmed the garbage disposal knockout plug is removed (new installs)
- Removed any debris from the pump impeller well
We’ve seen dozens of cases where a $70 pump was ordered and installed, and the real problem was a twist tie jammed in the impeller. Test first.
What this component does and how it fails
The drain pump is an electric motor with a spinning impeller (fan blade) that creates negative pressure, pulling water out of the tub and pushing it through the drain hose. It runs for 90 to 120 seconds at the end of each cycle.
How it fails:
- Motor failure: The motor windings burn out, usually from running dry against a debris blockage. The pump makes no sound during the drain phase.
- Impeller failure: The plastic impeller cracks or breaks, often from a piece of glass or hard debris passing through. The pump motor runs (you hear it) but moves no water.
- Seal failure: The pump shaft seal fails and water enters the motor housing. This causes intermittent electrical failure and water leaks under the unit.
- Capacitor failure: On some models, a starting capacitor assists the motor. When it fails, the pump hums but doesn’t spin.
Most pump failures in dishwashers under 10 years old are preventable: regular filter cleaning removes the debris that accelerates impeller and motor wear.
See Dishwasher Drain Pump Not Working? How to Test + Replace (2026) for in-depth diagnosis before committing to replacement.
How to test it (tools + 10 min)
You need a multimeter and access to the pump wiring. This test takes 10 minutes and confirms whether the motor is dead before you spend $70 on a new pump.
Tools: Multimeter, Phillips screwdriver, flashlight
Test 1: Listen test (30 seconds, no tools)
- Start a wash cycle and let it run to the drain phase
- Kneel beside the dishwasher and listen
- A healthy pump makes a consistent hum/whir for 90 to 120 seconds
- No sound: motor is dead or not receiving power
- Loud grinding or squealing: debris in impeller or impeller damaged
Test 2: Impeller inspection (5 min)
- Remove the lower rack and filter assembly
- Shine a flashlight into the pump well at the filter base
- Look for debris: glass, fruit pits, twist ties, plastic fragments
- Debris present: remove with needle-nose pliers, reinstall filter, test
- No debris visible but pump still fails: motor test is next
Test 3: Multimeter resistance test (10 min)
- Disconnect power at the circuit breaker (mandatory before touching wiring)
- Pull the dishwasher out from the cabinet (6 to 12 inches is enough)
- Remove the bottom kick panel to access the pump wiring harness
- Disconnect the pump wiring connector
- Set multimeter to resistance (ohms) mode
- Test across the two pump motor terminals
- Healthy motor: 5 to 30 ohms (resistance present, coil intact)
- Failed motor: Infinite resistance (open circuit, coil burned out) or 0 ohms (dead short)
- Note: If the motor passes the resistance test but the pump still fails, the capacitor or start relay may be the issue
Step-by-step replacement (30-60 min)
Tools: Phillips screwdriver, nut driver or socket set (1/4” and 5/16”), pliers, towels, bucket, flashlight
Time: 60 to 90 minutes for first-time replacement; 30 to 45 minutes if you’ve done it before
Step 1: Prep the work area (5 min)
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker
- Turn off the water supply valve under the sink
- Open the dishwasher and remove the lower rack
- Scoop out any standing water with a cup; use towels for the remainder
Step 2: Disconnect the drain hose (10 min)
- Place a towel and shallow bucket under the sink where the drain hose connects
- Loosen the hose clamp at the disposal or standpipe connection
- Pull the drain hose free; have the bucket ready for residual water
Step 3: Access the pump (10 min)
- Remove the bottom kick panel (two screws on most models)
- Locate the pump assembly (cylindrical component at the base of the tub, accessible from underneath on most models)
- Some models require tilting the dishwasher on its back for better access; lay down a moving blanket to protect the door
Step 4: Disconnect the old pump (10 min)
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the pump (press the tab and pull)
- Loosen the hose clamp connecting the pump to the internal drain hose
- Rotate the pump body counterclockwise (usually 1/4 turn) to release it from the mounting bracket
- Pull the pump downward and out
Step 5: Install the new pump (10 min)
- Compare old and new pumps: verify the inlet port, outlet port, and mounting tabs are identical
- Insert the new pump into the mounting bracket and rotate clockwise until it locks
- Reconnect the internal hose and tighten the clamp
- Reconnect the electrical connector (should click into place)
Step 6: Reconnect and test (15 min)
- Reconnect the external drain hose under the sink; tighten the clamp
- Restore power at the circuit breaker
- Turn on the water supply
- Run a short wash cycle (quick wash, no dishes)
- Watch for water draining completely at the end of the cycle
- Check under the unit for any water leaks from the pump connections
See also How to Replace a Dishwasher Drain Hose (Step-by-Step, 2026) if the drain hose needs replacement at the same time (often worth doing if the hose is over 8 years old).
Part numbers and prices by brand
| Brand | Drain pump part number | Approximate part cost |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool | W10876537 | $70.66 |
| Maytag | W10876537 | $70.66 |
| KitchenAid | W10876537 | $70.66 |
| Kenmore | W10876537 | $70.66 |
| Amana | W10876537 | $70.66 |
| Samsung | DD31-00005A | $45-$75 |
| LG | 5859EA1004F | $55-$85 |
| Bosch | 00611316 | $75-$110 |
| GE | WD26X10013 | $60-$90 |
| Frigidaire | 154474001 | $50-$80 |
| Miele | Varies by model | $120-$180 |
The W10876537 covers Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Amana, and Jenn-Air across multiple years. It has a 4.4-out-of-5 customer rating from appliance parts reviewers and a typical DIY-installed lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
Verify compatibility with your specific model number before ordering. RepairClinic.com and AppliancePartsPros.com both have compatibility search tools. Input your model number (on the label inside the door) to confirm the correct part.
DIY vs. pro cost comparison
| Approach | Part cost | Labor | Total | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Whirlpool-family) | $70.66 | $0 | ~$71 | Comfortable with appliance repair |
| DIY (other brands) | $45-$180 | $0 | $45-$180 | Comfortable with appliance repair |
| Professional (Whirlpool) | $70.66 | $150-$300 | $220-$370 | Prefer no DIY |
| Professional (all brands) | $45-$180 | $150-$300 | $195-$480 | Prefer no DIY |
Per 2026 Fixr data, the national average for dishwasher pump repair is $100 to $250 for labor, with parts bringing the total to $150 to $400. The hourly labor rate for appliance technicians is $50 to $100, and most pump replacements take 1 to 2 hours.
When replacement makes more sense than repair: If the dishwasher is more than 10 years old, replace it rather than the pump. At 10+ years, additional components (door gasket, spray arms, control board) are approaching failure. A $70 pump in a dishwasher with $300 of deferred maintenance is not a sound investment. New dishwashers start at $400 and carry 1 to 3 year warranties. For the full repair-vs-replace framework, see Dishwasher Check Valve: Testing + Replacement Guide (2026) for a related cost discussion, or Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining? Quick Fixes (2026) for the repair decision tree.
For pump-running-but-not-draining symptoms specifically, see Dishwasher Pump Runs But Won’t Drain? Fixes (2026).
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dishwasher drain pump is bad?
A bad drain pump shows one of three patterns: (1) complete silence during the drain phase when the pump should be running, indicating motor failure; (2) loud grinding or squealing during the drain phase with no water movement, indicating a jammed or broken impeller; or (3) the pump runs normally but water very slowly exits the tub, indicating an impeller partially blocked by debris. Confirm with a multimeter resistance test: a healthy pump motor reads 5 to 30 ohms.
How long does dishwasher drain pump replacement take?
First-time DIY replacement takes 60 to 90 minutes. Subsequent replacements take 30 to 45 minutes once you know the routing and access points. A professional appliance technician typically completes the job in 60 to 90 minutes including diagnosis time.
What is the most common drain pump part number for Whirlpool-family dishwashers?
The Whirlpool W10876537 drain pump covers most Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, Amana, and Jenn-Air dishwashers. It costs $70.66 and is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. Always verify the part number against your specific model before ordering, as some older or newer models may use a different pump.
Can I replace a dishwasher drain pump without removing the dishwasher?
On most models, the drain pump is accessible from underneath after removing the bottom kick panel, without fully removing the dishwasher from the cabinet. Some models require tilting the unit to its back for better pump access. Fully removing the dishwasher from the cabinet is needed only if the pump is mounted inside the tub floor (uncommon) or if the drain hose routing prevents access without pulling the unit out.
Is it worth replacing a dishwasher pump on a 10-year-old machine?
For dishwashers 8 years or younger: yes, repair is typically cost-effective. For units 10 to 12 years old: only if the machine is otherwise in good condition with no other pending failures. Per 2026 cost data, the repair threshold is 50% of new unit cost. A new dishwasher costs $400 to $700. A pump replacement runs $220 to $370 professionally, which is below the 50% threshold for most units. Above 12 years, other components are likely failing concurrently, which shifts the math toward replacement.