How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher pump?
For Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66512813K311, replacing a dishwasher pump typically costs about $150 to $400 total (parts plus labor). If you’re doing a DIY repair, your cost is usually the pump price plus basic supplies; confirm the correct procedure in the 66512813K311 owner's manual.
What you’re paying for
A pump replacement cost usually breaks down into parts, labor, and any related items needed to stop leaks or restore draining.
- Part cost: varies by which pump is failing (drain pump vs circulation pump motor assembly)
- Labor: often 1 to 2 hours depending on access and diagnosis time
- Related items: hose clamps, seals, or a hose if it’s brittle or leaking
- Service call/diagnostic: may be added if a technician is troubleshooting multiple symptoms
Common pump-related parts for this model
On 66512813K311, these are the most common “pump” parts customers replace when the dishwasher won’t drain or won’t wash well:
| Symptom | Most likely pump-related part | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Water won’t drain, standing water in tub | Drain pump | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10531320 |
| Poor wash, weak spray, noisy wash motor | Pump motor assembly (circulation) | Dishwasher pump motor assembly W10894668 |
| Leaks near sump/pump area | Sump and seal assembly or grommet | Dishwasher sump and seal assembly WPW10455268 |
Quick checks before replacing a pump
These steps often prevent an unnecessary pump replacement.
- Check the drain hose routing: it should be looped up under the counter or connected to an air gap
- Confirm drain hose height: connection should be above the drain trap and at least 20 inches above the floor
- Look for a clog: disposer inlet plug (new disposer), sink drain blockage, or kinked hose
- Clean the drain air gap (if installed): buildup can mimic a failed drain pump
- Listen during drain: a humming pump with no water movement often points to a blockage, not the motor
For installation-related drain requirements and routing details, use the 66512813K311 installation guide.
Why it matters
A “pump problem” is often a drain path issue (hose routing, air gap, disposer inlet) rather than a bad motor. Verifying the drain setup first helps you avoid buying the wrong part and gets your Kenmore Elite dishwasher back to draining reliably.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the bottom piece of a dishwasher called?
In a Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66512813K311, the “bottom piece” most people mean is the base of the tub, where key components sit, including the filters (bottom center) and the lower spray arm; the heating element is also commonly located at the bottom area.
What you might be referring to (common names)
Depending on what you see or what problem you have, the “bottom piece” can mean different dishwasher parts.
- Tub bottom (dishwasher floor): The interior base where water collects during washing
- Filter area: Removable filters located at the bottom center of the dishwasher
- Lower spray arm: The rotating arm near the bottom that sprays water upward
- Heating element: A heater located in the lower area on many dishwashers to help heat water and improve drying
- Sump area: The low point under the filters where water is pumped for washing and draining
For diagrams and the exact component names used for your model, use the 66512813K311 owner’s manual.
Quick identification guide
Use this table to match what you’re seeing to the most likely part name.
| What you notice at the bottom | Most common name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Round or oval assembly in the center | Filters / filter assembly | Traps food soil to protect the pump |
| Plastic rotating arm | Lower spray arm | Sprays wash water through jets |
| Standing water after a cycle | Sump / drain path issue | Routes water to the drain pump |
| Poor drying, cool interior | Heating element / heated dry system | Heats water and supports drying |
Why it matters
Using the right name helps you find the correct diagram, troubleshooting steps, and replacement parts. For example, filters at the bottom center need periodic cleaning to keep wash performance strong, and the lower spray arm area should stay clear so water flow is not blocked.
Related parts that commonly affect “bottom area” problems
If your question is tied to symptoms like standing water, weak spray, or leaks, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Dishwasher drain pump WPW10531320 (draining issues)
- Dishwasher water inlet valve W11175771 (fill issues)
- Dishwasher heater W10703867 (heating and drying performance)
Last updated: January 2026
What does the pump do in a dishwasher?
In our Kenmore Elite dishwasher model 66512813K311, the pump system moves water through the wash circuit: it circulates water to the spray arms for cleaning and then pumps used water out through the drain hose at the end of wash and rinse portions of the cycle. See the 66512813K311 owner's manual for cycle and filtration details.
What the dishwasher pump system does
Most dishwashers (including 66512813K311) rely on two main pumping functions:
- Circulation: pushes wash water through the spray arms to remove soil
- Filtration support: works with the filter system to keep larger debris out of the pump area
- Draining: removes dirty water from the tub so the next rinse can start clean
- Soak and pause performance: supports longer, water-saving cycles that spray, pause, and spray again
Parts that affect pumping (common service points)
If you are troubleshooting poor washing, standing water, or unusual noises, these model-matched parts are often involved:
- Dishwasher drain pump WPW10531320 (drains water out of the tub)
- Dishwasher pump motor assembly W10894668 (drives water movement for washing)
- Dishwasher sump and seal assembly WPW10455268 (channels water and helps prevent leaks)
- Dishwasher drain hose 8269144A (carries drain water to the sink drain or disposer)
Symptoms and what they usually mean
| Symptom | What it often points to | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes still dirty | Weak circulation or clogged filtration | Clean filters, confirm spray arms spin freely |
| Water left in bottom | Drain restriction or drain pump issue | Check drain hose routing and sink/disposer connection |
| Grinding or rattling | Debris contacting pump area | Inspect filters and remove foreign objects |
| Long cycles seem “too long” | Normal energy-efficient operation | Use 1 Hour Wash when you need faster results |
Why it matters
The pump is the “heart” of the dishwasher. If circulation is weak, detergent and spray action cannot lift soil effectively; if draining is weak, dirty water can remain in the tub and reduce rinse performance.
Last updated: January 2026





