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Dishwasher Parts and What They Do
How each part of a dishwasher works, the signs it is failing, which error codes point to it, and whether you can replace it yourself.
20 dishwasher parts
- Drain pumpHandy homeowners can replace it
A small electric pump on the sump under the tub that pushes dirty water out through the drain hose after each wash and rinse.
16 related codes
- Circulation (wash) pumpTechnician job
The main wash motor and pump, mounted to the sump housing in the bottom of the machine.
13 related codes
- Heating elementHandy homeowners can replace it
Heats the wash water and, on many US machines, warms the air for heated drying.
11 related codes
- Drying fan and dry heaterTechnician job
Some machines add a dedicated drying system on top of the main heater.
3 related codes
- Temperature sensor (thermistor)Technician job
A small sensor mounted low in the machine, in or near the sump, that tells the control how hot the wash water is.
11 related codes
- Water inlet valveHandy homeowners can replace it
An electric valve behind the lower kick panel, usually at the front left, where the hot water supply line connects.
23 related codes
- Water supply lineHandy homeowners can replace it
The braided or copper line that brings hot water from the shutoff valve under the sink to the inlet valve on the dishwasher.
15 related codes
- Drain hose and air gapHandy homeowners can replace it
The corrugated hose that carries waste water from the drain pump to the sink drain or garbage disposal.
14 related codes
- Filter assemblyEasy to replace yourself
The cylinder and flat mesh screen in the floor of the tub, around or under the lower spray arm.
13 related codes
- Float switch and leak sensorHandy homeowners can replace it
Two related safety parts.
12 related codes
- Pressure sensor and flow meterTechnician job
Sensors that tell the control how much water is in the machine.
8 related codes
- Door latch and door switchHandy homeowners can replace it
The latch assembly sits inside the top edge of the door and hooks onto a strike on the tub.
4 related codes
- Door gasketEasy to replace yourself
The rubber seal that runs around the tub opening or the door edge, keeping spray inside the tub.
6 related codes
- Diverter valve and motorTechnician job
A valve in the sump, driven by a small motor, that decides which spray arms get water at any moment.
7 related codes
- Spray arms and Waterwall reflectorEasy to replace yourself
Spinning plastic or metal arms under the lower rack, under the upper rack and sometimes at the top of the tub that spray water over the dishes.
2 related codes
- Detergent dispenserHandy homeowners can replace it
The spring-loaded cup on the inside of the door that holds detergent and pops open at the right moment in the main wash.
4 related codes
- Main control boardTechnician job
The circuit board that runs the cycle, either in the door behind the control panel or in the base under the tub, depending on the design.
14 related codes
- User interface boardHandy homeowners can replace it
The keypad and display along the top edge or front of the door.
10 related codes
- Auto door openerTechnician job
On machines with an Auto Open Door feature, a motor-driven mechanism pops the door open slightly at the end of the cycle.
1 related codes
- Wiring harnessTechnician job
The bundle of wires and plug-in connectors that links the control board to every motor, valve, heater and sensor.
10 related codes