Stuck Drain Valve in My Bosch Dishwasher

Dishwasher Operation

• Dishwashers use a powerful spray of water mixed with soap to get your dishes clean. The spray is provided by the sprayer arm in the bottom of the cabinet, and water is forced through this spray arm by the pump. After the water has done its job, it is pumped out again through the drain hose and into the sewer system. Before the water can go through the pump, however, it first has to go through the drain valve in the bottom of the cabinet.

Drain Valves

• The drain valve connects to the drain pump on a Bosch dishwasher. Drain valves are a type of switch known as a solenoid, which takes electrical signals and converts them into mechanical ones. In the case of a drain valve, a signal from the control board on the Bosch dishwasher triggers a switch that opens and shuts the drain valve opening.

Accessing a Stuck Valve

• Drain valves on Bosch dishwashers are difficult, but not impossible, to reach. Remove the kick panel located just beneath the dishwasher door on the front of the machine by loosening the screws on the sides. If needed, remove the toe panel beneath as well. Shut off the electrical power for the dishwasher if it's not already off. The drain valve is located next to the dishwasher pump. Look for springs on the sides that are used for opening and closing the doors for identification.

Stuck Valve Repair

• Before doing anything else, grab the side of the stuck valve, and open and shut it with your fingers, which may help to dislodge it if it's just gummed up. Restore the power to the dishwasher, and see if that cleared up the problem. If not, shut the power down again before proceeding. Gently pull out the wire harness connections plugged into the side of the drain valve, and test the continuity across with an ohmmeter. If the valve is out of continuity, remove and replace it with a new one.