Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ – Not draining completely Repair Guide

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Model: Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ
Brand: Whirlpool
Model Number: WDT750SAKZ

🔍 Problem Description

Clean filter and sump area; check drain pump and hose for clogs

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Drain pump
  • Cleaning tools

    • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      🔧 Step 1: Remove and clean filter assembly

      1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it rests in the horizontal position.
      2. Remove the bottom dish rack by pulling it straight out toward you on its roller tracks until it clears the dishwasher cavity completely and set it aside.
      3. Locate the cylindrical filter assembly at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub, approximately 12 inches from the front door edge – it appears as a silver or gray mesh cylinder approximately 4 inches in diameter.
      4. Grasp the upper filter cylinder with your dominant hand and rotate it counterclockwise (left) one-quarter turn (90 degrees) until it stops – you’ll feel resistance release.
      5. Lift the upper cylindrical filter straight up and out of the lower filter plate – it will separate into your hand as a single piece approximately 6 inches tall.
      6. Remove the flat, circular lower filter plate by lifting the rear tab (located at the 6 o’clock position when facing the dishwasher) upward at a 45-degree angle, then pulling it forward and out of the sump area.
      7. Run both filter components under warm tap water (120-140°F) for 30 seconds to loosen debris.
      8. Use a soft-bristled nylon brush (toothbrush-sized) to scrub the mesh cylinder filter in circular motions, working from top to bottom on both interior and exterior surfaces.
      9. Scrub the lower filter plate on both sides, paying attention to the perforations where food particles accumulate.
      10. Rinse both components under running water until no visible debris remains and water runs clear through all openings.
      11. Inspect the sump area (the circular opening where filters were removed) and wipe clean with a damp cloth, removing any standing water or debris.
      12. Place the lower filter plate back into the sump at a 45-degree angle, front edge first, then lower the rear tab until the plate sits flush and flat.
      13. Insert the cylindrical filter into the center opening and rotate clockwise (right) one-quarter turn until you feel it lock into position.

      🛠️ Step 2: Clean sump area of debris

      1. Locate the cylindrical sump assembly at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub, directly beneath where the lower spray arm sits.
      2. Grasp the lower spray arm with both hands and pull straight up – it lifts off without tools, removing from the central mounting hub.
      3. Identify the circular filter assembly covering the sump – this consists of two parts: an outer cylindrical mesh filter (approximately 6 inches diameter) and an inner fine filter screen.
      4. Twist the outer cylindrical filter counterclockwise one-quarter turn (90 degrees) until it unlocks, then lift straight up to remove.
      5. Lift out the inner flat fine filter screen – it sits loosely in place and requires no twisting.
      6. Look into the exposed sump opening (approximately 3 inches diameter) – you’ll see a plastic impeller cover with multiple openings and a drain hole in the center bottom.
      7. Use needle-nose pliers to extract any visible food particles, broken glass, plastic labels, toothpicks, or bone fragments from the sump chamber.
      8. Insert your index finger into the center drain hole and feel around the perimeter for debris lodged under the impeller cover edges.
      9. Remove the accumulated slime or film by wiping the sump walls with a paper towel wrapped around your finger, working in circular motions.
      10. Shine a flashlight into the sump to verify complete debris removal – the white or gray plastic walls should appear clean with no foreign objects visible.
      11. Check the drain hole by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick through the center opening – it should pass through freely at least 2 inches deep without obstruction.
      12. Rinse both filter components under hot running water, scrubbing the mesh with a soft-bristle brush to remove trapped food particles.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Check drain pump for obstructions

      1. Locate the drain pump at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub, directly beneath the spray arm assembly you removed in the previous step.
      2. Remove the drain pump cover by turning it counterclockwise approximately 90 degrees until it releases from the locking tabs.
      3. Lift the cylindrical drain pump cover straight up and out of the sump area—it measures approximately 4 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall.
      4. Look inside the pump cavity where you’ll see the impeller (a white or gray circular component with curved blades).
      5. Insert your fingers into the pump cavity and rotate the impeller clockwise and counterclockwise to check for free movement—it should spin with minimal resistance.
      6. Remove any visible debris from around the impeller including food particles, glass shards, toothpicks, or small utensils that may be wedged between the impeller blades.
      7. Use needle-nose pliers to extract debris that cannot be removed by hand, gripping firmly and pulling straight up.
      8. Shine a flashlight into the pump cavity and inspect the drain pump inlet (the opening at the bottom of the cavity) for obstructions.
      9. Use a straightened wire coat hanger or a flexible drain snake to probe 6-8 inches down into the drain pump inlet, pushing through any soft blockages.
      10. Pour 2 cups of hot water directly into the pump cavity to flush loosened debris through the system.
      11. Spin the impeller again with your finger—it should now rotate freely with no grinding, clicking, or resistance.
      12. Wipe the rubber seal on the underside of the pump cover with a damp cloth to remove accumulated debris and grime.
      13. Align the pump cover with the three locking tabs on the sump housing and press down firmly.
      14. Rotate the cover clockwise 90 degrees until you hear and feel it click into the locked position.

      🔩 Step 4: Inspect drain hose for clogs or kinks

      1. Locate the drain hose connection at the back right corner of the dishwasher, approximately 4 inches from the floor and 3 inches from the right edge of the unit.
      2. Trace the corrugated gray drain hose from the dishwasher connection point upward to where it loops under the countertop (this high loop prevents backflow).
      3. Follow the hose from the high loop to its connection point at your sink’s drain assembly or garbage disposal, typically 12-18 inches above floor level.
      4. Check for visible kinks along the entire hose length—kinks appear as sharp bends creating a flattened or collapsed section that restricts water flow.
      5. Straighten any kinked sections by gently reshaping the corrugated hose back to its round profile with a 2-3 inch diameter.
      6. Place a shallow pan or towels under the dishwasher drain hose connection point at the sink or disposal.
      7. Loosen the hose clamp at the sink connection using a 5/16-inch nut driver or flat-head screwdriver, turning counterclockwise 3-4 full rotations.
      8. Pull the drain hose off the connection nipple—expect residual water to drain out (typically 1-2 cups).
      9. Hold the disconnected hose end over your pan and shine a flashlight into the opening—you should see clear light through to the other end if unobstructed.
      10. If blocked, insert a drain snake or straightened wire coat hanger into the hose, pushing through any accumulated debris (food particles, grease buildup, or soap scum).
      11. Flush the hose by running water from a pitcher through it into your pan—water should flow freely without backing up.
      12. Reconnect the hose to the sink drain nipple, pushing it on 1.5-2 inches until it seats firmly against the ribbed stop.
      13. Tighten the hose clamp by turning clockwise until snug—the clamp should compress the hose without cutting into the corrugation.

      đź“‹ Step 5: Test drain pump operation and replace if necessary

      1. Locate the drain pump at the bottom center of the dishwasher, directly beneath where the sump assembly sits.
      2. Identify the two-wire connector with white and black wires attached to the drain pump motor housing on the left side.
      3. Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting at 200 ohms range.
      4. Touch the multimeter probes to each terminal on the pump motor connector (not the wire harness side).
      5. Read the resistance value—a functional pump reads between 50-150 ohms; readings below 10 ohms or “OL” (over limit/infinite resistance) indicate pump failure.
      6. Switch multimeter to AC voltage setting (250V range).
      7. Reconnect the pump’s two-wire connector while keeping access to the terminals.
      8. Start a drain cycle by pressing Cancel/Drain button on the control panel for 3 seconds.
      9. Test voltage at the pump terminals—you should read 120VAC during the drain cycle; if voltage is present but pump doesn’t run, the pump motor is seized.
      10. Disconnect power at the breaker and unplug the dishwasher.
      11. Loosen the hose clamp on the black corrugated drain hose connected to the pump outlet (top right of pump) using a 5/16-inch nut driver, turning counterclockwise 4-5 rotations.
      12. Pull the drain hose straight off the pump outlet.
      13. Remove three T20 Torx screws securing the pump to the sump housing—one at 12 o’clock position, two at 4 and 8 o’clock positions.
      14. Twist the pump assembly counterclockwise 1/4 turn and lift straight up to remove.
      15. Install replacement pump (part number W10348269) by inserting into sump opening and rotating clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks with an audible click.
      16. Install three T20 Torx screws, tightening firmly but not overtightened—approximately 20 inch-pounds (hand-tight plus 1/4 turn).
      17. Push drain hose onto pump outlet until it bottoms out against the pump housing shoulder.
      18. Tighten hose clamp until snug—the clamp should not spin freely but shouldn’t deform the hose.
      19. Reconnect the two-wire electrical connector until it clicks.
      20. Run a rinse cycle—listen for the pump activating with a steady humming sound approximately 30 seconds into the cycle.

      đź›’ Recommended Products

      Here are the recommended products for this repair: