How to Replace a Dishwasher Drain Valve Spring
- 1). Turn off the power for the dishwasher before starting any work. This will prevent accidental shocks. If you can access the plug for the dishwasher, pull it out of the socket. Most dishwashers, however, will be directly wired into the home circuit and can only be cut off at the main circuit breaker. Locate the breaker, identify which switch controls the dishwasher and move this to the "Off" position.
- 2). Open the dishwasher door. Look between the space on the door and the cabinet for the screws on top of the lower panel. Remove these by unscrewing them with a screwdriver, if present. Shut the dishwasher door.
- 3). Remove the screws on the side of the panel beneath the dishwasher door. Pull the panel off the dishwasher.
- 4). Look for the drain valve on the underside of the dishwasher cabinet. Use a flashlight, if needed. The drain valve is usually located near the motor in the center of the cabinet. There will be a drain hose leading from the motor to the drain valve.
- 5). Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to lift the hook at the end of the spring from the base of the drain valve. Once the spring is loose, pull the other end off the top of the valve nearest the underside of the cabinet. Repeat this process for the second drain valve spring.
- 6). Hook one end of a new spring over the bottom of the drain valve. Stretch the spring using the needle-nose pliers and slip it over the hook at the top of the drain valve. Do the same thing for the second spring.
- 7). Replace the dishwasher panel and secure with the screws. Restore power to the dishwasher.
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