Sears Parts

Dishwasher parts can vary depending upon brand and model of the dishwasher unit. However, there are some basic dishwasher parts that are sure to be present in your modern day dishwasher.

The first and more visibly obvious of these dishwasher parts would be the control mechanisms of a dishwasher. These dishwasher parts are located inside the door of most dishwashers, behind the control panel.

Most units usually consist of electro-mechanical systems that are simple to use, timers to control the length of the cycle and determine the activation of a certain function at a given time. There are dishwasher parts that consist of draining functions and mechanisms, detergent dispensers, and water sprayers. Most modern dishwashers may even have dishwasher parts that run on computer controls and are relatively on the high end of the dishwasher family tree.

One of the dishwasher parts that are clearly seen when opening any unit is the intake valve where the water supply usually enters the dishwasher the moment it opens up to allow water pressure to take its natural course and fill up the washer.

The heart of the dishwasher when it comes to dishwasher parts is the pump. This usually is the combination of an electric motor (drive motor) for power supply and a pump (or even two) that acts to force water into spray arms. Depending upon the dishwasher model, there are two types of pump systems that are used:

• Reversible: Reversible pumps are dishwasher parts that mainly function by pumping water into the spray arms, and then the function switches automatically by reversing the direction of the motor itself during the draining function in order to force the water to gradually drain out of the system. These usually consist of two pumps (a wash pump and a drain pump) that are vertically placed in the dishwasher.

• Direct-drive: In direct drive motor pump systems, the drive motor only functions by rotating in one direction. Herein you will find another one of those important dishwasher parts that may exist in your machine, the drain solenoid.

• Drain solenoid: This is one of those dishwasher parts that actually opens and closes the water valves when they reach a certain level in order to allow water to flow through the respective open hose, depending upon which function the dishwasher is currently utilizing. Direct-drive pumps are usually found to be in a horizontal setting inside the machine.

Aside from the dish rack and other more visible dishwasher parts, there is more to your dishwasher than meets the eye. Be sure to get to know it better, and this way you will have a long lasting relationship in proper care and maintenance going beyond simply placing your dirty dishes there and sleeping while it loyally gives you one hundred percent service.