How to Repair the Water Pump for a Frigidaire Washer

Water Pump Assembly Basics

• Understanding how the water pump assembly works can help you identify a problem with your Frigidaire dishwasher so you can fix it. Most dishwashers’ water pump assembly systems, including many of Frigidaire dishwashers, consist of three main parts: a water pump, water impeller and drain propeller. The motor-powered water pump pushes water from the dishwasher. The water impeller forces water through the spray arm to rinse dishes and the drain impeller leads water to the drain.

How to Repair a Clogged Water Impeller

• Although a clog can happen on any component related to the water pump assembly on a Frigidaire dishwasher, the two main spots are the water impeller and water pump screen. A blocked water impeller is slightly easier to repair because you don’t have to disassemble the dishwasher, as you do to unclog a water pump screen.

  Unplug your dishwasher to avoid electrical shock. Remove the bottom rack; it should slide out. Locate the dishwasher’s water impeller -- the white plastic arm attached to the middle of the dishwasher by a nut. The water impeller has several small holes on its sides and top. Confirm that all of the holes are clear. If any of the holes are obstructed, the dishwasher’s water pump won’t be able to effectively rid the dishwasher of soap and food particles because there won’t be enough water to flush them from the dishwasher to the drain. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a toothpick to clear debris from clogged holes. Wipe the water impeller clean with a damp sponge.

How to Repair a Clogged a Water Pump Screen

• If your Frigidaire dishwasher’s water pump screen is clogged, you must partially disassemble the dishwasher because the screen is inside the water pump and motor house. With your dishwasher unplugged, unscrew the water impeller nut and remove the impeller. Remove the drain propeller beneath the water impeller by applying pressure as you turn it clockwise and simultaneously release a clamp on its underside. Lift out the propeller to reveal the water pump and motor house. Unscrew the house’s top cover. Although the screen should be visible now, you won’t be able to fully clean it until you take out the pulley mechanism attached to one side of the chamber. Unscrew the screws that hold the pulley in place and remove it. Clean the screen without removing it from the dishwasher, since it can be difficult to reinstall correctly. Use a stiff, bristly brush to dislodge debris in the screen and wipe it with a damp cloth to eliminate loose pieces. Reverse the process and reassemble the dishwasher.

More Complex Repairs

• If the seal that goes around the water pump and motor house wears, water can get into the motor and short-circuit it, according to Frigidaire. When water gets into the motor, it usually can’t be repaired. In most cases, the motor and the water pump and motor house seal need to be replaced. Contact a Frigidaire dishwasher repair technician to have your dishwasher serviced. Replacing these issues often requires more major dishwasher disassembly.