Kenmore is known for the quality of dishwashers that it produces. Although the units are easy to run and durable, you would experience malfunctions on multiple occasions. Each problem has its own specific solution, so we are going to state a concise summary of all of those faults.
How to replace the Drain and Wash Impeller Kit? Kenmore Dishwasher Repair
Kenmore dishwasher not draining
The drain impeller
The drain impeller is made to push the waste and water into the hose, which ultimately ends up in the drain disposer. The impeller, if faulty, is non-repairable. You need to replace it as soon as the defect arises.
Drain pump
The drain pump consists of an impeller to force the waste material into the hose with the help of a motor pump. If the motor is faulty then you need to replace it.
Connect a multimeter to the motor to check the continuity. A lack of continuity means the motor is not working so you must replace it. The motor, just like the impeller, is unrepairable.
The solenoid kit
The solenoid kit instructs the drainage valve to open and let the waste material into the hose. If you have a problem with the kit then we would recommend you to change the solenoid kit because that too, is irreparable.
Drain valve
The drainage valve opens in coordination with the solenoid kit to let the waste material and water into the drainage pipe. The waste material gets deposited on the hinges on the valve to make it rigid.
You need to check the valve for any such residue and scratch it off with your fingers. Once the removal is done, operate the dishwasher and see if the valve opens or not.
If you see no improvement whatsoever then check the continuity of the valve by connecting a multimeter with it. The absence of continuity would mean that the valve is dead and you should replace it to make the dishwasher functional again.
Check valve
This valve prevents the water from returning to the dishwashing area. You need to check if the valve is stuck close or working properly. You need to either clean the valve or replace it, whichever solution works for you.
Check ball
The check ball is a small ball made of plastic that helps the check valve to control the direction of flow. If the check ball is stick then you should push, pull, or rotate it to set it free.
Drainage pipe
Cleaning a clogged drainage pipe is an easy task to perform. You need to simply disconnect the hose from the dishwasher and the sink to clean it thoroughly. Most of the time, the waste gets stuck near the tailpiece of the dishwasher or the garbage disposer.
Garbage disposer
There are two kinds of problems in this case:
If the disposer is recently installed then you may have forgotten about removing the plug. There is a plug fitted inside the disposer by the manufacturer to keep it closed when the unit is not working. Simply remove the plug if this is the case.
The other case is when the disposer is old, you would find waste clogged up in it. You need to remove the hose from the disposer and clean the disposer thoroughly and also the ending area of the drainage hose.
Water pump belt
The water pump belt is uncommon in most of the models. However, to check if your unit contains such a belt and if it is working well, you need to remove the lower panel.
Underneath the motor, you would find a water pump belt. If the belt is broken then there is nothing you can do except replace it. Check out dishwasher detergent for hard water.