What To Know
- If your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with food residue or grease, it could be a sign that the circulation pump is not working properly.
- If you open the dishwasher during a cycle and see that the water is not circulating, it’s likely that the circulation pump is faulty.
- If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it could be a sign that the circulation pump is not working correctly.
A circulation pump is a vital component in an Amana dishwasher. It’s responsible for pumping water throughout the dishwasher to spray dishes and remove food particles. Without a functioning circulation pump, your dishwasher will not be able to clean dishes effectively.
Signs of a Faulty Circulation Pump
Several signs indicate a faulty circulation pump in an Amana dishwasher:
- Dishes are not getting clean: If your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with food residue or grease, it could be a sign that the circulation pump is not working properly.
- Water is not circulating: If you open the dishwasher during a cycle and see that the water is not circulating, it’s likely that the circulation pump is faulty.
- Loud noises: A faulty circulation pump can make loud noises, such as humming or grinding.
- Dishwasher is not draining: If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it could be a sign that the circulation pump is not working correctly.
How to Unclog a Circulation Pump
If you suspect that the circulation pump in your Amana dishwasher is clogged, you can try to unclog it yourself.
1. Disconnect the dishwasher: Before you begin, disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply.
2. Remove the dishwasher: Pull the dishwasher out from under the counter.
3. Locate the circulation pump: The circulation pump is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. It’s a small, round object with a motor attached to it.
4. Remove the circulation pump: Disconnect the wires from the circulation pump and remove it from the dishwasher.
5. Clean the circulation pump: Use a small brush or toothpick to clean any debris from the circulation pump. Be sure to clean the impeller, which is the part of the pump that rotates.
6. Reinstall the circulation pump: Once the circulation pump is clean, reinstall it in the dishwasher and reconnect the wires.
7. Test the dishwasher: Run a test cycle to ensure that the circulation pump is working properly.
How to Replace a Circulation Pump
If you’ve tried unclogging the circulation pump and it’s still not working, you may need to replace it.
1. Disconnect the dishwasher: Before you begin, disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply.
2. Remove the dishwasher: Pull the dishwasher out from under the counter.
3. Locate the circulation pump: The circulation pump is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. It’s a small, round object with a motor attached to it.
4. Disconnect the wires: Disconnect the wires from the circulation pump.
5. Remove the circulation pump: Remove the circulation pump from the dishwasher.
6. Install the new circulation pump: Place the new circulation pump in the dishwasher and connect the wires.
7. Test the dishwasher: Run a test cycle to ensure that the new circulation pump is working properly.
Tips for Maintaining Your Circulation Pump
To help keep your circulation pump in good working condition, follow these tips:
- Clean your dishwasher regularly: Regularly cleaning your dishwasher will help to prevent food particles and grease from clogging the circulation pump.
- Use a dishwasher cleaner: Dishwasher cleaners can help to remove buildup from the circulation pump and other parts of the dishwasher.
- Don’t overload the dishwasher: Overloading the dishwasher can put strain on the circulation pump.
- Use the correct dishwasher detergent: Using the correct dishwasher detergent will help to prevent suds from forming, which can clog the circulation pump.
Troubleshooting Common Circulation Pump Problems
Here are some common circulation pump problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- The circulation pump is not running: Check to make sure that the dishwasher is properly connected to the power supply and that the circuit breaker is not tripped. If the circulation pump is still not running, you may need to replace it.
- The circulation pump is making noise: A faulty circulation pump can make loud noises, such as humming or grinding. If you hear these noises, you may need to replace the circulation pump.
- The dishwasher is not draining: If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it could be a sign that the circulation pump is not working correctly. Check to make sure that the drain hose is not clogged and that the dishwasher is properly leveled. If the circulation pump is still not working, you may need to replace it.
Wrapping Up
A circulation pump is a vital component in an Amana dishwasher. By following the tips in this guide, you can help to keep your circulation pump in good working condition and ensure that your dishwasher continues to clean dishes effectively.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: How can I tell if my circulation pump is faulty?
A: Signs of a faulty circulation pump include dishes not getting clean, water not circulating, loud noises, and the dishwasher not draining properly.
Q: How do I unclog a circulation pump?
A: To unclog a circulation pump, disconnect the dishwasher, remove the circulation pump, clean the impeller, and reinstall the circulation pump.
Q: How do I replace a circulation pump?
A: To replace a circulation pump, disconnect the dishwasher, remove the old circulation pump, install the new circulation pump, and connect the wires.
