How to Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Drain Pump

Confirm the pump first#

The DD31-00005A fits most DW80-series Samsung dishwashers from 2014 on, and Samsung places it bottom-left rather than center-rear like some brands. Before ordering, rule out the cheap causes: pull and clear the sump filter, blow through the drain hose under the sink, and listen on the drain phase — a healthy pump hums steadily, a failing one grinds, clicks, or goes silent. SmartThings diagnostics will name a pump-motor failure directly if your model supports it.

Tools and safety#

• Tools: Phillips #2 screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, a shallow pan or towels, a flashlight, channel-lock pliers (optional)
• Part: Samsung drain pump DD31-00005A
• Time: 35-45 minutes · Difficulty: intermediate
• Safety: switch off the dishwasher breaker (a 15A or 20A circuit) and close the hot-water valve under the sink; residual sump water will spill, so set towels down.

Step-by-step#

1. Cut power and water#

Trip the breaker and close the supply valve, then lay towels along the base.

2. Remove the kick plate#

Two Phillips screws hold the lower panel, plus two squeeze-release clips at its top edge. Pull the screws, then draw the bottom of the panel forward while nudging its top toward the machine to free the clips.

3. Find the pump#

Bottom-left, the drain pump is a fist-sized black housing with two hoses and a two-wire connector. The inlet hose comes from the sump; the outlet runs to the drain line.

4. Unplug the motor#

Press the tab on the two-wire connector and pull it straight off (a small flathead helps on a stiff tab). The connector is keyed, but photograph it anyway.

5. Free the hoses#

With the pan underneath, squeeze each spring clamp with the needle-nose pliers, slide it back a couple of inches, and work the hose off its nipple. Expect a cup or two of water total.

6. Twist out the old pump#

Samsung pumps use a quarter-turn bayonet: grip the body, rotate it about 30 degrees counterclockwise until it releases, and pull straight down. If it sticks, look for a small retaining tab to press — never force it. Check the old impeller for cracks or jammed debris.

7. Fit the new pump#

Compare the new DD31-00005A to the old one (hose nipples, connector, bayonet tabs), then align the tabs with the housing slots, push up, and rotate clockwise about 30 degrees until it clicks and locks. Tug down to confirm it is seated.

8. Reconnect and test#

Push each hose fully onto its nipple and reseat the spring clamps squarely over the joints, then click the two-wire connector back on (a loose one causes intermittent 3E codes). Restore water and power, run a rinse, and watch the pump area with a flashlight on the drain phase — no drips, a steady hum, water moving. Refit the kick plate, top edge and clips first, without overtightening.

After the swap#

• 3E persists: check the impeller for debris and the drain hose for a kink; a 3E paired with 1E points more to the control board.
• Pump runs nonstop: usually a stuck drain check valve or a board issue, not the new pump.
• Leak at a hose: reposition the spring clamp squarely on the nipple joint.

Fitment and life#

The DD31-00005A covers DW80-series models such as DW80R5060, DW80R5061, DW80K5050, DW80J3020, and DW80N3030 — cross-check your model number, since some older DW60 units use a different pump. Cleaning the filter every 2-4 weeks keeps the pump from overworking; expect 5-8 years of life.

When to call a professional#

Call a tech if the leak is from the center of the sump (a cracked sump needs the tub apart), if 3E and 7E show together (a control-board sign), if the unit is hardwired and junction-box work is not for you, or if 3E returns within a week (an upstream board relay).