How to Replace the Macerator in a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Disconnect the power supply to the Whirlpool dishwasher to prevent electrical shocks and accidental activation during the repair process.

Open the dishwasher door, and remove the two dish racks.

Pull the plastic feed tube running down the back of the dishwasher out of the retaining clips. Turn the tube one-quarter turn clockwise to release it from the sump cover. Lift the tube and lower spray arm off the sump cover, and remove them from the dishwasher.

Remove the four screws securing the cover to the sump base. That task requires using a star-head screwdriver that is size T-20. Lift the accumulator off the sump.

Turn the screw holding the foreign object protector in place, and remove the screw. The foreign object protector is a thin, plastic shield with slots; it sits over the pump inlet in the sump base. Lift the foreign object protector out of the sump.

Remove the screw from the inlet protector, and pull the inlet protector out of the sump. The inlet protector sits over the blade in the bottom of the sump base.

Slip the blade of a flat-head screwdriver behind the chopper blade. Pry the blade off the impeller shaft until it is free. Remove the blade from the sump.

Slide a replacement blade onto the impeller shaft. Place the inlet protector over the blade. Insert and tighten its retaining screw in the inlet protector. Install the foreign object protector over the inlet protector, and secure it in place with its retaining screw.

Place the cover on the sump base. Insert and tighten the four star-head screws in the accumulator.

Put the lower spray arm on the sump cover. Turn the feed tube counterclockwise until it aligns with the clips on the back of the dishwasher. Snap the feed tube into the clips. Insert the racks in the dishwasher, close the door and turn on the appliance's power supply.