Table of Contents
The Main Tub
Rack, Rack Supports, and Accessories

Tub Gasket and Outside Connections
Spray Arms
The spray arms rotate and blast hot water around the tub to help ensure the dishes are cleaned evenly. Some models feature a spraying tower on the bottom rack that dispenses water instead. If parts of your dishes aren’t clean enough, the spray arm assembly might be stuck.

Heating Element
Float Bulb and Float Switch
The Door
Door Gasket
Latch and Switch
Control Panel
The control panel can be located on the front of the door or on top of the door panel and is the main control centre for operating the dishwasher. It is usually composed of buttons or pads and may have an LCD or touchscreen. It may also indicate errors and failing dishwasher components.

Timer
Cycle Selector

Detergent Holder and Dispenser
Rinse Aid Dispenser
While not universal to all dishwasher models, the rinse aid dispenser’s purpose is to add surfactants to the final rinse water for improved drying performance and fewer spots on items like glassware. It’s usually located on the inner door panel.
Vent
Silverware Basket

The Inner Workings
Kick Panel
Motor
Water Pump
Wash Impeller
Drain Pump
Thermostat
Water Intake Valve
Drain Hose
Macerator
Thermal Fuse
Shopping for Dishwasher Parts
Now that you know more about this appliance’s workings with our dishwasher parts guide, you can troubleshoot problems quicker and replace the broken parts. If you don’t know where to find the right replacement parts, and you own an appliance that is part of the Whirlpool family of brands, check out Whirlpool Parts. They have a vast selection of parts and can help you locate the perfect part for your model. Replacing your dishwasher parts can be a challenging task if you’re ill-equipped, so contact your local service centre to install the parts quickly and professionally and inspect the machine for other possible issues.
2 Responses
Is there a way that bugs can enter into the dishwasher from the sewer? I have had roaches inside my dishwasher & I keep the sinks drains plugged & door closed. But when I open after a wash cycle there’s roaches inside – I do not have roaches anywhere else in my home. 🤷🏻♀️
Hi Linda,
Thank you for visiting our Appliance Answers website and for asking your question. I have reached out to our product experts to see if there is any feedback they can provide for the issue you are having with bugs in your dishwasher. We have heard back and our product expert has stated that cockroaches are attracted to dark moist and warm environments and are attracted to food. They may be either established behind/underneath the dishwasher or getting in some other way and making their way into the dishwasher because that’s where food and water is. This could possibly be an infestation. If an infestation exists, they would be very “comfortable” in the many crevices in a dishwasher (i.e the door panel, under the unit, behind the unit, around the pump etc). We suggest this may need to be addressed by pest control and/or a plumber and highly recommend giving one a call to come out so that they can take care of this issue you are having. We hope this information helps. Please feel free to reach out again should you have any other questions.
Thank you,
Whirlpool Customer Care Team