How To Fix Soap Dispenser On Whirlpool Dishwasher

Dishwasher soap dispenser problems is the thing we’ve all experienced with our dishwashers. Some of us have bought new ones and some of us just try to fix it ourselves.  Fixing it could be even easier than buying a new one.

In this article, we will show you how to fix soap dispenser on Whirlpool dishwasher without calling a repair man.  There are different ways to fix this problem, so let’s get started!

Tools You’ll Need

• Screwdriver set.
• Wire cutter pliers.
• Krazy Glue Gel
• Lint-free cloth or paper towel
• Warm water
• Plastic spoon

How To Fix Soap Dispenser On Whirlpool Dishwasher

Step 1: Access The Soap Dispenser

To access the soap dispenser, you must remove the kickplate or lower dish rack in your Whirlpool dishwasher.

Remove the screws that connect the kickplate by unscrewing them counterclockwise with a screwdriver. The bottom of the plate should be loose when all screws are removed so just pull it out gently.

There may be screws on the other side of the kick plate, but they should be accessible by removing the bottom rack. Lift the rack up and pull it out to access them.

If there are no screws securing the dishwasher kickplate, slide pliers under one end of the lower dishrack (the end toward panel) and pry the rack upward to lift it out of its slotted tabs in the side of the cabinet.

You will then have access to all four corners of the kickplate, but if you only need to remove one corner, go ahead and do that.

Step 2: Disassemble The Soap Dispenser

To disassemble the soap dispenser, remove the two screws that hold the dispenser to bracket by unscrewing them counterclockwise with a screwdriver.

Once these screws are removed, gently pull up on the dishwasher soap dispenser so it clears its tab in the front of the bracket.

Next, pull the soap pump up and away from the dishwasher via its wire connector.

Gently pull it out of its socket in the front of the dispenser to separate it completely from the dispenser assembly. Note that if you are having trouble removing your soap dispenser, spray some lubricating dishwashing liquid around the wire connector to ease its removal.

At this point, you should have a soapy dispenser assembly with a detached pump and wires.

Step 3: Clean The Soap Dispenser

This is probably the part that most of you will hate because dishwashers can be hard to clean in general.

Remove all soap grime and caked food particles by hand with warm water.

Step 4: Put Back The Soap Dispenser Together

Now you can reassemble your soap dispenser back to its place. First, connect the pump wire properly into its socket on the front of the pump housing.

Slide it into place until you hear a click. Then, slide the pump down into its bracket with one hand while bringing the soap dispenser up and over it with your other hand. The wire connector should slide easily through the front of the bracket when you are properly aligning them.

Secure both pieces in place by replacing screws by screwing them clockwise into their holes.

Step 5: Replace The Kick Plate And Test Your Dishwasher Soap Dispenser

Replace the kick plate and lower dish rack.

Test your soap dispenser by running a normal wash cycle with dishes inside and see if it is working properly. Note that you should not run any cycles with detergent or rinse aid until your soap dispenser is fixed.

Step 6: Removing The Lower Dish Rack If It Still Doesn’t Work

If your dishwasher soap dispenser still doesn’t work after trying all of the above steps, then you may have to remove the lower rack completely because its brackets are preventing the soap dispenser from actually attaching to the front of the dishwasher.

Removing this may let you access those brackets more easily so you can reattach the soap dispenser. If it still doesn’t work, then there might be a problem with your dishwasher’s wiring or socket that is preventing the connection from happening properly. In these cases, contact a Whirlpool-certified appliance repair person.

Common Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Problems And Their Solutions

1. Doesn’t Dispense Soap At All

This problem is probably the simplest to fix.  It may just need a bit of cleaning.

Remove the soap dispenser and clean it thoroughly with warm water and a little dishwashing soap.

After you finish, dry it off completely and put the dispenser back into your dishwasher and run a cycle through to see if that fixed the problem.

2. Pumps Soap Continuously Without Pressing The Button (Known As Over Foaming)

This is caused by a clogged vent hole. The vent hole is usually covered with a filter and it needs to be cleaned out.

Remove the soap dispenser and take off the cover on the inside of the door where you installed it (if it’s already been removed).

Use a screwdriver or pliers to pull out the filter and then clean it off.

A toothpick or similar object could be used to clean out the clog if needed.  Put the filter back in its place and install the soap dispenser again.

After a cycle, check your dispenser to see if this fixed your problem. If so, great! You’ve just saved yourself a trip to the store. If not, please continue reading for more tips…

3. Pumps Soap One Time, But Doesn’t Pump Again After You Refill It With Soap

This problem is usually caused by a clogged vent hole or dirty filter as well. If your filter appears to be clean, then your dispenser needs to be cleaned.

Remove the soap dispenser from dishwasher and take off the cover. Use a screwdriver or pliers to pull out the filter and then clean it off completely with warm water, dishwashing soap and a toothbrush. Put the filter back in its place and install the soap dispenser again.

4. Pumps Soap Once And Then Stops Before Going Back Into The Correct Position

This usually means that there is a blockage preventing it from going back into its original position.

Remove the soap dispenser again and check if your filter is still clean. If not, repeat step three until it’s clean or replace it with a new one.

If you’ve cleaned the filters and there seems to be no problem with them, then the culprit might be a blockage. Try using a screwdriver or pliers to pull out the filter and then apply pressure with your finger on the outside of it (you’ll feel if there is a blockage).

If you don’t feel anything, clean out the hole with warm water and dishwashing soap and put the filter back in its place.

5. Pumps Soap Every Once In A While

This problem is usually caused by a dirty filter or clogged vent hole as well. Follow step three and four again to fix the problem.

6. Dispenses Soap From Holes On The Side Instead Of Underneath It

This means that your dispenser might be installed improperly or there is a clog underneath it. Re-install your dispenser and make sure that the metal pin is inserted into the bottom of it.

Try to use a screwdriver or pliers and apply pressure on the outside of the filter (as if you were trying to unclog it) and see if this helps.

Conclusion

For any soap dispenser problems, the best way to fix them is to clean out and replace it. If you keep having problems with your Whirlpool soap dispenser, you can do it yourself or have a Whirlpool-certified appliance repair person do it for you.

Before spending money on a repair person, give your dispenser some TLC by cleaning it and replacing the filter. If you still have problems after that, then it might be time to call for professional help.