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

Common signs include water remaining in the tub after a cycle, unusual noises during draining, or the dishwasher stopping before completing a cycle. A clogged filter or drain hose can mimic these symptoms, so check those first. If those are clear, the pump is likely at fault.

Can I replace a dishwasher drain pump myself?

Replacing a dishwasher drain pump is a moderate difficulty repair that many homeowners can perform. It requires basic tools and the ability to safely disconnect power and water, then access the pump by pulling out the appliance. Always prioritize safety by ensuring power and water are off.

What causes a dishwasher drain pump to fail?

Drain pumps can fail due to wear and tear over time, electrical issues, or physical damage from foreign objects that bypass the filter. Items such as broken glass, food debris, or small plastic pieces can jam or damage the impeller, leading to pump failure.

Kenmore Dishwasher Drain Pump: Symptoms & Replacement

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🏆 RECOMMENDED PART

OEM Dishwasher Pump W10876537 W10348269

Dishwasher Drain Pump W10876537, W10348269, also replace W10724439.
Dare to Compare: exact same OEM pump. Exactly same Fit, Form, and Function.
CAUTION: the OEM dishwasher factory has phased out another look-alike drain pump, W10348269 which has a BLACK front (arond the impeller area). Therefore this pump W10876537, with a WHITE color front face, will work on...
This drain pump W10876537 fits about 340 dishwashers of Whirlpool and affiliated brands, including Kenmore, Amana, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Whirlpool. Please scroll down to the "Product Description" area, whe...

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What the W10876537 does

The drain pump removes dirty water from the dishwasher tub at the end of a wash cycle. It is a motor-driven component that expels water through the drain hose.

Symptoms when this part fails

Dishwasher not draining completely
Water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher
Loud humming or grinding noise during drain cycle
Dishwasher stopping mid-cycle with standing water
Error codes related to draining issues

Compatibility

Fits the Kenmore family. Specifically:

Any unit originally equipped with OEM part number(s): W10724439.
Check the model/rating plate inside your appliance and compare it against the fitment table on the product listing before ordering — this guide does not list specific compatible models because Amazon does not provide verified fitment data through this pipeline.

Also replaces: W10724439

Tools you'll need

Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Towels
Bucket
Nut driver

Difficulty: Moderate · Time: 30-60 minutes

How to install the W10876537, step by step

Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker.
Turn off the water supply valve to the dishwasher.
Carefully pull the dishwasher out from its cabinet enclosure.
Locate the drain pump, typically at the bottom of the unit.
Disconnect wiring and hoses attached to the old pump.
Remove mounting screws or clips holding the pump in place.
Install the new drain pump, ensuring all connections are secure.
Reverse the disassembly steps to return the dishwasher to its position.

Related troubleshooting

If swapping this part doesn't fix the issue, check these next:

Dishwasher Making Loud Noise During Drain Cycle? Find the Cause