How to Replace the Drain Solenoid Valve on a KitchenAid Dishwasher

Some KitchenAid dishwasher models use a drain solenoid valve in addition to the drain pump motor. This solenoid opens a diverter that directs water flow from the circulation path to the drain path. When the solenoid fails, water stays in the tub after the drain cycle, error code F8E1 (long drain) appears, or you may hear the drain pump running but water not leaving the tub because it is not being directed to the drain outlet.

The drain solenoid is distinct from the drain pump motor. The pump provides the force to push water out, while the solenoid valve opens the path for water to reach the pump inlet. On KitchenAid models that use this design (primarily older KUDS, KUDL series and some early KDTE models), the solenoid mounts on the sump housing underneath the tub.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: 1/4" hex nut driver (kick plate), Torx T20, needle-nose pliers, multimeter, towels
• Parts needed: Drain solenoid valve/kit (~$20-$45). Match to your exact KitchenAid model number
• Time required: 25-40 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Safety warning: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker. Place towels under the work area. The solenoid is an electrical component that receives 120V AC from the control board during the drain cycle. Water may be present in the sump area when accessing the solenoid.

Does Your KitchenAid Model Have a Drain Solenoid?

Not all KitchenAid dishwashers use a separate drain solenoid. To determine which type you have:

• Models WITH drain solenoid: Older KUDS, KUDL series and some early KDTE models. These have a separate solenoid valve on the sump that opens to allow drain flow
• Models WITHOUT drain solenoid (direct drive drain pump): Newer KDTE, KDTM, KDFE models. These have a dedicated drain pump that operates independently. The pump IS the valve. If your model has a standalone drain pump (WPW10348269), you do not have a separate solenoid

Check underneath by removing the kick plate. If you see a small cylindrical solenoid with 2 wires mounted on or near the sump housing (separate from the main drain pump), your model uses the solenoid design.

Confirming Solenoid Failure

1. Disconnect power at the breaker
2. Remove the kick plate (two 1/4" hex screws)
3. Locate the drain solenoid (small cylinder with 2 wires, mounted on sump)
4. Disconnect the wire connector from the solenoid
5. Test resistance with multimeter across the solenoid terminals: 500-2000 ohms is normal. Open (OL) means the coil is burned out
6. If resistance is normal, the solenoid may be mechanically stuck (plunger seized). Try pressing the plunger manually. It should move freely in and out with spring return

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Disconnect Power and Prepare

Turn off the circuit breaker. Place towels on the floor under the dishwasher front. Have a shallow pan ready for any water that drains from the sump area.

Step 2: Remove the Kick Plate

Remove the two 1/4" hex screws securing the lower panel. Pull forward and down.

Step 3: Locate the Drain Solenoid

The solenoid is mounted on the sump housing, typically on the left side near the drain pump. It is smaller than the drain pump motor. It has two wire connections and a spring-loaded plunger that operates a valve flap or diverter.

Step 4: Disconnect the Electrical Wires

The solenoid connects via spade terminals or a small plug connector. Pull the connector(s) off using needle-nose pliers if spade type, or press the release tab if plug type. Note the wire positions.

Step 5: Remove the Solenoid Mounting

The solenoid is held by 1-2 screws (Torx T20 or Phillips) or a clip bracket. Remove the fasteners. Some solenoids slide out of a rubber grommet. Pull the solenoid straight out from its mounting position.

Step 6: Inspect the Valve Seat

With the solenoid removed, look into the valve port on the sump. Check for debris, food particles, or mineral buildup that could prevent the valve from opening or closing fully. Clean the port with a cloth or brush.

Step 7: Install the New Solenoid

Insert the new solenoid into the mounting position. Secure with the original screws or clip. Reconnect the electrical wires to the correct terminals. Verify the connector is fully seated.

Step 8: Test the Repair

Restore power. Run a short cycle and cancel mid-wash to trigger a drain. Listen for the drain pump AND the click of the solenoid engaging. Water should drain completely from the tub within 2-3 minutes. Check underneath for leaks around the solenoid area.

Troubleshooting After Replacement

• If the dishwasher still does not drain with a new solenoid, the drain pump motor may have also failed. Test pump motor resistance (5-15 ohms normal)
• If you hear the solenoid click but no drain, the pump motor is running but the drain path downstream is blocked. Check the drain hose for kinks and the disposal connection for blockage
• If the solenoid buzzes continuously during non-drain phases, the control board may have a stuck relay sending continuous power. This is a board issue
• If water drains during the wash phase (when it should not), the solenoid is stuck open. The spring return mechanism has failed and the new solenoid should resolve this

Drain Solenoid vs. Drain Pump: Understanding the Difference

If both the solenoid and pump test good individually, the control board may not be sending signals to either component. Test for voltage at each connector during the drain phase.

When to Call a Professional

• If you cannot determine whether your model uses a solenoid or direct-drive pump design, a technician can identify the correct architecture
• If both solenoid and pump test good but draining still fails, control board diagnosis is needed
• If the sump housing where the solenoid mounts is cracked or corroded, the entire sump assembly may need replacement

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

Need Professional Help?

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FAQ

Q: How do I know if my KitchenAid has a drain solenoid or just a drain pump? A: Remove the kick plate and look underneath. A drain solenoid is a small cylinder with 2 wires mounted on the sump housing, separate from the larger drain pump motor. Newer KDTE/KDTM models typically have only a direct-drive drain pump without a separate solenoid.

Q: Can a stuck drain solenoid cause water to leak onto the floor? A: A solenoid stuck in the open position could allow water to reach the drain pump during the wash phase, but this typically does not cause floor leaks. It can reduce wash performance because water is being diverted to drain during washing. Floor leaks are more commonly from hose connections.

Q: What is the difference between error F8E1 and F9E1 on KitchenAid? A: F8E1 means long drain (water not leaving the tub within the allowed time). This points to drain solenoid, drain pump, or blockage. F9E1 means long fill (water not entering fast enough). That points to inlet valve or supply line issues. Different systems entirely.

Q: Why does my KitchenAid dishwasher smell if it has drain problems? A: Standing water in the tub between cycles breeds bacteria and mold. If the drain solenoid fails partially, water may not drain completely, leaving a stagnant layer that produces odors. Fixing the drain resolves the smell within 1-2 cycles.

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