Does a dishwasher have a sump pump?
Yes. Kenmore dishwasher model 66513273K118 has a sump area at the bottom of the tub where wash water collects, and it uses pump(s) to move that water through the spray system and out the drain. The sump also works with the filtration system to keep debris out of the pump.
What “sump” and “pump” mean in a dishwasher
Most dishwashers use a sump (a low basin in the bottom) plus one or more pumps:
- Circulation (wash) pump: pushes water to the spray arms for cleaning
- Drain pump: pumps used water out through the drain hose
- Filters: help keep food and foreign objects from reaching the pump
On this model, the manual describes a triple filtration system (upper and lower filters) designed to keep debris out of the pump and prevent food from being recirculated onto dishes.
Parts that are commonly involved
If you are troubleshooting poor washing, standing water, or unusual noises, these model-matched parts are often involved:
- Dishwasher sump and seal assembly WPW10455268
- Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269
- Dishwasher filter W10872845
Quick checks before replacing parts
These steps solve many “pump” complaints without parts replacement:
- Remove and clean the upper and lower filters; monthly maintenance is recommended.
- Check for visible debris (labels, glass, bones) in the sump area.
- Confirm the drain hose routing is correct (high loop under the counter or air gap).
- Make sure the drain connection is above the house drain trap and at least 20 inches above the floor.
Sump vs. pump: what’s the difference?
| Term | What it is | What you’ll notice when there’s a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Sump | Basin where water collects | Debris buildup, odors, standing water in bottom |
| Circulation pump | Moves water to spray arms | Poor cleaning, weak spray, unusual grinding/humming |
| Drain pump | Pumps water out | Water left in tub, slow drain, gurgling at end of cycle |
Why it matters
When the sump area or filters are clogged, the pump can lose flow and cleaning performance drops. Keeping the filters clean helps protect the pump and keeps dishes from feeling gritty.
For filter removal and cleaning steps specific to this model, use the 66513273K118 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How to tell if a dishwasher impeller is bad?
On our Kenmore dishwasher model 66513273K118, a bad impeller usually shows up as poor draining, weak spray, or unusual grinding or rattling from the pump area. After disconnecting power, check for debris and confirm the impeller turns smoothly without wobble or binding.
Quick checks you can do safely
- Disconnect power at the breaker (and shut off water if you will remove hoses).
- Remove the lower rack and look for standing water in the tub after a cycle.
- Check the sump area for broken glass, labels, bones, or other debris.
- Spin the impeller (if accessible) by hand; it should turn smoothly and not feel loose.
- Check the drain hose for kinks and confirm the disposer knockout plug is removed (if connected).
Symptoms: impeller issue vs. other common causes
| What you notice | More likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Water remains in tub | Drain-side restriction or drain pump/impeller | Hose kinks, disposer inlet, drain path, pump inlet |
| Dishes not clean, weak spray | Wash-side circulation problem | Spray arm ports, filters, circulation path |
| Loud grinding during drain | Debris in pump or damaged impeller | Inspect pump inlet, look for broken impeller blades |
| Unit pauses or won’t run | Door latch or control issue | Door closes tightly, cycle set, power supply |
Parts that commonly relate to impeller and pump problems
If the impeller is damaged, it is typically part of the pump assembly, so replacement often involves the pump rather than the impeller alone.
- For draining problems, the most common repair part is the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269.
- For leaking or poor pump sealing after service, inspect the dishwasher pump grommet WPW10538166.
- For weak wash action, check for clogs and wear around the sump and wash system; the dishwasher filter W10872845 is a common maintenance item.
Why it matters
A worn or broken impeller cannot move water at the right pressure or volume. That leads to standing water, poor cleaning, and strain on the motor and control system.
Where to confirm model-specific access steps
Use the 66513273K118 owner’s manual for the correct filter, sump, and loading guidance, and the 66513273K118 installation guide for operational checks like verifying water in the tub early in a cycle.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth replacing the pump on a dishwasher?
Yes, replacing the pump on a Kenmore dishwasher like model 66513273K118 is usually worth it when the dishwasher is otherwise in good shape and the problem is clearly tied to draining or wash circulation. A pump repair typically costs far less than replacing the entire dishwasher.
Quick decision checklist
- The dishwasher is under 10 years old and has been reliable
- The tub and door seal are not leaking
- You have a clear symptom (won’t drain, weak wash, loud grinding) that points to the pump
- The repair cost is well under about half the price of a comparable new dishwasher
- You can do DIY safely (or labor cost is reasonable)
Which “pump” are we talking about?
On 66513273K118, customers often mean one of these:
| Symptom | Most likely pump-related part | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Water won’t drain, standing water | Drain pump | Pushes water out through the drain hose |
| Dishes dirty, weak spray, humming | Circulation pump / pump motor | Drives wash water through spray arms |
| Intermittent wash pressure, odd routing noises | Diverter motor | Directs water to different spray zones |
Model-matched examples include the dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 and the dishwasher pump motor assembly W11032770.
Why it matters
A failing pump can cause poor cleaning, water left in the bottom, or noisy operation. Fixing the correct pump restores normal wash pressure and draining, and it also helps protect the filtration system from strain.
Before you replace a pump (fast checks)
We recommend these steps first because a clog or dirty filter can mimic a bad pump:
- Clean and reseat the filters; this model uses a multi-part filtration system and needs regular maintenance (monthly is a good baseline)
- Check for debris around the sump area (glass, labels, food)
- Confirm hot water supply is adequate; many dishwashers perform best with 120°F water entering the unit
- If the unit won’t drain, inspect the drain hose routing for kinks or a blocked high loop
Filter removal and locking steps are shown in the 66513273K118 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is a dishwasher pump impeller?
A dishwasher pump impeller is the small rotating “fan” inside the pump that moves water through your Kenmore 66513273K118 dishwasher. It helps create the water flow and pressure needed to spray dishes clean and to push water out during draining (depending on the pump design). See the 66513273K118 owner's manual for how your wash system is designed to circulate and filter water.
What the impeller does during a cycle
In most dishwashers, the impeller’s job is all about water movement:
- Pulls water from the sump area and pushes it into the wash system
- Helps drive spray action through the spray arms for cleaning performance
- Moves water through the filtration system so soils are captured instead of redeposited
- In some designs, a separate drain impeller helps push water out through the drain hose
Common symptoms of an impeller or pump problem
If the impeller is damaged, jammed by debris, or the pump is failing, we typically see:
- Poor cleaning (spray seems weak, food remains on dishes)
- Grinding or rattling noises during wash or drain
- Standing water left in the bottom after the cycle
- Intermittent washing (spray starts and stops unexpectedly)
Parts that are often involved (for this model)
If you’re troubleshooting water movement issues on Kenmore 66513273K118, these parts are commonly checked or replaced:
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining | Drain system | Dishwasher drain pump WPW10348269 |
| Weak wash action | Circulation system | Dishwasher pump motor assembly W11032770 |
| Poor spray coverage | Spray delivery | Dishwasher spray arm WPW10491331 |
Why it matters
Your dishwasher is designed to clean by spraying and then pausing to let detergent soak; strong, consistent water circulation is what makes that process work. When water flow drops, cleaning performance and filtration both suffer, and soils can stay on dishes.
Last updated: January 2026





