Our Whirlpool dishwasher from 2003, a quiet partner III, will not drain. It sounds like the drain pump is trying to work (it hums very quietly) but the water does not drain. My guess is that the drain tube is clogged or the motor for the drain pump is dead. I can not figure out how to get the filter screen out of the bottom to try to flush the tube. Any thoughts?
Hi ya allen,Check the drain air gap anytime your dishwasher isn't drainingwell. Some state or local plumbing codes require the addition of adrain air gap between a built-in dishwasher and the home drainsystem. If a drain is clogged, the drain air gap protects yourdishwasher from water backing up into it.The drain air gap is usually located on top of the sink orcounter top near the dishwasher. To order a drain air gap contactyour local dealer, or in the U.S.A., call the Customer InteractionCenter and ask for Part Number 300096.NOTE: The drain air gap is an external plumbing device that isnot part of your dishwasher. The warranty provided with yourdishwasher does not cover service costs directly associated withthe cleaning or repair of the external drain air gap.Clean the drain air gap periodically to ensure proper drainage ofyour dishwasher. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by themanufacturer. With most types, you lift off the chrome cover.Unscrew the plastic cap. Then check for any soil buildup. Clean ifnecessary.Your User manualNeilwill40146.0158337153
We do not have a drain air gap. I just need to know how to get the drain filter/cover off of the base of the interior of the dishwasher.
Here is what you need to know,This dishwasher does have a separate drain pump and if it's not draining then most likely the pump is bad, blocked or has a loose connection.
The pump receives voltage from the control to run and it's possible the control is the problem but I suggest you check the pump first.
If you have access to a volt/ohm meter and are comfortable using it then you can remove the lower access panel to access the drain pump. See the 1st image for a picture of this. The drain pump has two brown wires on it. Remove the wires and check continuity across the drain pump terminals.
Voltage to the pump can be checked in a drain cycle but voltage must be checked with the pump hooked up to the brown wires to get a good reading.
With the access panel removed you can listen to the pump in drain and see if it hums or vibrates. If the pump is humming but not draining then the pump is bad. If the pump is completely dead then the problem can be with the voltage from the control.
You said, the pump is humming but not draining then the pump is bad.