Sump

Sump

Kirby from MN

KitchenAid Dishwasher leaking water through diverter motor.

Scewdriver, torx, pliers.

Dishwasher started leaking water out the bottom through the diverter motor which also spins the lower wash arm. Assumed this was the seal in the middle of the sump which can't be purchased separately so bought the entire sump assembly here. Turns out there is also a seal within the diverter motor shaft itself which seems to have a known issue of dropping down out of place. Took the motor apart, pushed the seal back in place, greased it, and leak went away. Did replace the sump and grommet on the sump motor anyway, parts ordered were timely, correct, and exactly as described. If I had to do it again, I'd check the diverter motor first ... it is easily removed, you should be able to see a black seal clearly at the end of the white conical shaped tube that surrounds the metal shaft that enters the dishwasher. Very obvious if it's missing or has dropped down. Good luck!

Sump

Joseph S from FL

Leak in sump shaft seal

Pliers screwdriver

take lots of pics before you take apart. On line videos are great. Clean everything before you put back together.

Sump

Thomas from MA

Water running down the diverter shaft due to leaky gasket in sump, pooling on the floor beneath the dishwasher

Pliers, multiple screwdrivers (flathead, phillips, and torque 15)

Find a video on Youtube for instructions. In their infinite wisdom, the Kitchenaid folks have fused the diverter shaft gasket (small rubber o-ring) with the sump (large plastic basin) at the bottom of the dishwasher. A leak requires a wholesale replacement of the sump (and removal/reinstallation of the drain pump, diverter motor, main motor, and turbidity sensor). This can be done without too much trouble by someone reasonably handy around the house. It took me 2-2.5 hours as a first-time dishwasher repairman, but saved me $250 in parts and labor.