What Does a Circulation Pump Do in a Dishwasher

The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishwasher may be noisy and/or may not clean dishes properly.

How do I know if my circulation pump is bad on my dishwasher?

The wash pump motor will make a loud noise when it is defective. You may also see cleaning problems due to decreased spray pressure. If the pump motor is bad, it will need to be replaced. The motor can usually be released and removed from the sump under the dishwasher tub.

Is it worth replacing a pump on a dishwasher?

Type of Repair A dishwasher may not be worth repairing depending on what the problem is. If the dishwasher needs something simple but important, such as a door latch or seal, soap dispenser, pressure switch, drain pump or fill valve, repair may be worth it.