How to Replace a Dishwasher Drain Valve

A drain valve on a dishwasher is typical for dishwashers that have a single direction motor. The best way to tell if your dishwasher is a single direction motor is to check how many wires it has. If it has two or three wires it is dishwasher that has a single direction motor and therefore has a drain valve. If your dishwasher happens to have four wires then it is a dishwasher that does not have a drain valve because it has a reversing motor.

Step 1 – Prepare

Once you have determined that your dishwasher does in fact have a drain valve, you will need to prepare it for the project. To do this, you will need to begin by either going to the breaker panel or fuse box and shutting off the power to the dishwasher, or unplugging it. This will help prevent you from getting shocked.

Step 2 – Remove Panel

In order to access your drain valve, you will need to take the lower panel off that is below the door. This panel is usually easy to remove as it is held on by two screws. To make the job easier, it is usually best for you to open the dishwasher door so that you can have better access to the screws. Once you have removed the screws, you will need to close the dishwasher door again to take the panel off.

Step 3 – Find the Drain Valve

You will usually be able to find the drain valve close to the motor. You will need to be on the lookout for a water hose that is running along the motor or below the actual tub. If you follow the hose, it will always lead you to your drain valve. Your drain valve will consist of a gate arm mechanism. This arm should be able to move both up and down with ease. There will be two springs that are attached to the arm. Look at the springs carefully to make sure that there are two of them and that they are not damaged in anyway. Replace them if need be.

Step 4 – Solenoid

The gate arm of your drain valve is connected to the solenoid. There are two wires that your solenoid will be attached to. You will need to label both of these wires and their placement before you disconnect them. Slip on connectors will be what will join these wires. You will need to remove the connector off the terminal of the solenoid. Be sure not to pull on the actual wires when you do this. Needle nose pliers will be the best way. If there is any type of corrosion that is on the connectors they will need to be replaced.

Step 5 – Test

With a multi tester, you will need to test the solenoid. You will be looking for the multi tester to read about forty ohms when the terminals are touched. Replace the solenoid if the numbers are significantly different than 40.