Dishwashers have a screen trap to capture large food particles and broken dishes before they reach the drain hose and pump. This helps prevent the drain from clogging or possibly damaging the pump. If you find your dishes are not getting clean or the tub is draining unusually slowly, it might be due to debris getting under the trap. Rubber drain traps are simple snap-in designs on most dishwashers. Removing the rubber trap in a dishwasher depends on where the trap is located on your model.
Instructions
1. Open the dishwasher door and pull out the lower rack. Remove any food debris from the top of the rubber trap with a rag.
2. Lift an outer edge of the rubber trap with your fingers, if the trap is not in the center of the dishwasher under the spray arm.
3. Continue lifting the rubber trap until the solid plastic legs release from the pins in the bottom of the trap. Lift until all the legs release, and pull the rubber trap out of the dishwasher.
4. Find the squeeze tab or nut that secures the lower spray arm to the dishwasher, if you have a rubber trap in the center of the dishwasher. Dishwashers with a center trap usually have a spray arm that pulls straight out once you squeeze the tabs at the base of the arm. Some have a large retaining nut that you turn counter-clockwise by hand to remove the spray arm.
5. Turn the nut on top of the pump shaft counter-clockwise and remove it from the dishwasher. The nut is the part that the dishwasher spray arm fits over when installed.
6. Lift up on two opposing sides of the rubber trap and remove it from the dishwasher.
Related posts
The Kenmore Elite dishwasher line covers quite a few different models. Most of the Elite dishwashers use upper and lower spray arms. When your dishes are not coming out clean, or residue is left o...
Hotpoint dishwashers include a spray tower part that is attached to the top of the lower spray arm located at the bottom center of the dishwasher. The long plastic tower extends up to the bottom d...
Frigidaire self-cleaning dishwashers have a filter that removes food residue from dishes that might otherwise block proper cleaning or draining. Some dishwasher models have a glass trap within a f...
Kenmore dishwashers are manufactured by the Whirlpool Corporation. These dishwashers require periodic cleanings to ensure the best performance. If your dishwasher is leaving spots or grit on your...
The pump on a Kenmore Elite dishwasher pumps out the used dishwasher from the cabinet and into the sewer system. Although a number of filters inside the appliance protect the pump, sometimes food...
