Whirlpool Dishwasher Overfill Protection Float: How It Works and How to Fix It

Have you ever found water spilling out of your Whirlpool dishwasher and wondered why? It can be scary to see your kitchen floor soaked. The good news is that Whirlpool dishwashers have a special part called the overfill protection float that stops this from happening.

In this article, I will share simple, real ways to understand what this float does and how you can check or fix it if needed. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your dishwasher working safely without water mess.

What Is the Overfill Protection Float and Why It Matters

The overfill protection float is a small part inside your Whirlpool dishwasher. It looks like a little plastic piece that moves up and down with the water level. Its main job is to stop too much water from filling the dishwasher. When the water reaches a certain height, the float rises and tells the dishwasher to stop adding more water. This helps avoid flooding your kitchen or damaging the machine.

Without this float working right, water can keep filling the dishwasher and overflow through the door or drain into your kitchen floor. Many people don’t realize this float exists until they see water leaking. It’s one of the dishwasher’s safety parts but is easy to miss.

The float is connected to a switch called the float switch. When the float lifts with water, it presses this switch and tells the dishwasher’s control board to stop the water flow. If the float gets stuck or broken, the dishwasher may fill with too much water.

To keep your dishwasher safe, you should know where the float is, how it works, and how to check if it moves freely. Cleaning around it is important too because dirt or food bits can stop it from working.

• The overfill protection float is a safety part inside the dishwasher.
• It rises with water to stop overfilling.
• The float works with a float switch to control water flow.
• If the float is stuck, water may overflow.
• Knowing and cleaning the float helps prevent leaks.

Where to Find the Overfill Protection Float in Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

Finding the overfill protection float in your Whirlpool dishwasher is easy once you know where to look. Usually, it is located inside the dishwasher tub on the bottom, near the front or back corner. It often looks like a small, round plastic dome or cylinder that can move up and down.

To see the float, open your dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack. Look around the floor of the dishwasher carefully. The float might be near the spray arm or close to the door seal area. It usually sits on a small base that lets it slide up and down.

Some Whirlpool dishwasher models have the float covered by a little plastic shield or cage. This is to protect it from getting stuck on food pieces or debris. If you find a cover, gently lift it to access the float.

When you locate the float, try to move it up and down with your finger. It should move freely without much effort. If it feels stuck or hard to move, it might need cleaning or repair.

It’s helpful to look at your dishwasher manual or Whirlpool’s website for pictures of your exact model. This will show the float’s location and design better.

• The float is inside the dishwasher tub, near the bottom.
• Remove the bottom rack to see it clearly.
• It looks like a small plastic dome or cylinder.
• It should move freely up and down.
• Some models have a cover over the float.
• Check your manual for exact float location.

How the Overfill Protection Float Works to Prevent Water Overflow

Understanding how the overfill protection float works will help you trust your dishwasher’s safety system. The float’s job is simple but very important.

When you start a dishwasher cycle, water fills the tub through a valve. The float sits at the bottom when there is little or no water. As the water level rises, the float also rises because it floats on top of the water.

Once the water reaches a certain level, the float moves up enough to push against the float switch. This switch is a small button or lever that sends a signal to the dishwasher’s control board. The control board then tells the water valve to close, stopping more water from entering.

If something goes wrong and the float doesn’t rise or the switch doesn’t get pressed, water keeps coming in. This can cause the dishwasher to overflow. The float and switch together are a safety backup to prevent this.

Sometimes, dirt or food can get under the float and stop it from moving. This means the float can’t signal the switch. Regular cleaning ensures the float can move freely and keep your dishwasher safe.

If the float switch fails or the float is broken, water overflow is possible. Repair or replace these parts to avoid water damage.

• Water fills the dishwasher, making the float rise.
• The float presses the float switch when water is high.
• The switch tells the water valve to close.
• If the float or switch fails, water can overflow.
• Cleaning the float keeps it working well.
• The float and switch work as safety together.

Signs Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Float Might Be Stuck or Broken

Sometimes your dishwasher may show signs that the overfill protection float is not working right. Knowing these signs can help you fix the problem before water damage happens.

One clear sign is water leaking or flooding around your dishwasher. If you notice water on the kitchen floor after a cycle, the float might not be stopping the water flow. Another sign is if the dishwasher keeps filling with water even after it should have stopped.

Your dishwasher might also stop running properly or give error codes. Some Whirlpool dishwashers have a display that shows error messages. A stuck or broken float switch can cause these errors.

You might hear unusual noises from the dishwasher, like continuous water running or the motor struggling. This can mean the dishwasher is flooded inside.

If you check the float by hand and it does not move up and down easily, it may be stuck. Dirt, soap scum, or small bits of food can block it. If the float feels loose or broken, it needs replacement.

Watching the water level through the dishwasher door (if it has a clear window) can show if the water is too high. Normally, the water should stay low during filling.

• Water leaking or flooding around dishwasher.
• Dishwasher keeps filling with water.
• Error codes on dishwasher display.
• Unusual noises during operation.
• Float won’t move up and down by hand.
• Float feels loose or broken.
• Water level looks too high inside dishwasher.

How to Clean the Overfill Protection Float in Your Dishwasher

Cleaning the overfill protection float is a simple way to keep it working properly. Over time, food crumbs, soap residue, and dirt can gather around or under the float, causing it to stick.

First, open your dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack to get full access to the float. Look closely at the float and its base for any visible dirt or grime.

If your dishwasher has a cover over the float, carefully lift or remove it. Use a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap to clean around the float. Be gentle so you don’t break any parts.

Try to move the float up and down while cleaning to loosen any stuck debris. You can use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to clean the hard-to-reach areas.

If the float is very dirty, soak the area with warm soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then clean again and rinse with clean water.

After cleaning, test the float by moving it up and down to make sure it moves freely. Replace the bottom rack and close the door.

Regular cleaning every few months helps prevent float problems and keeps your dishwasher safe.

• Remove the bottom rack to access the float.
• Lift float cover if present.
• Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush.
• Move float up and down while cleaning.
• Soak if needed to loosen dirt.
• Rinse and test float movement.
• Clean regularly to avoid sticking.

How to Test If the Overfill Protection Float and Switch Are Working

To make sure the float and float switch are working, you can do a simple test at home. This helps find if either part is stuck, broken, or not signaling the dishwasher properly.

Start by unplugging the dishwasher or turning off power at the breaker to stay safe. Remove the bottom rack to see the float clearly.

Try to lift the float by hand. You should feel it move smoothly. When the float lifts, you can hear or feel a small click from the float switch. This click means the switch is working.

If you want to be sure, you can use a multimeter tool to check the float switch’s electrical function. Set the multimeter to continuity mode and touch its probes to the float switch terminals. When the float is down, the switch should show no continuity. When you lift the float, the switch should show continuity (or close the circuit).

If you do not hear a click or the multimeter shows no change when moving the float, the float switch might be faulty and need replacement.

Also, check if the float moves freely without getting stuck on anything. If stuck, clean around it first and test again.

• Turn off power for safety.
• Remove bottom rack to see float.
• Lift float and listen for a click.
• Use multimeter for electrical test.
• Float switch should open and close circuit.
• Clean float if stuck and retest.
• Replace switch if it doesn’t work.

How to Replace a Faulty Overfill Protection Float or Float Switch

If your float or float switch is broken or not working, replacing it is the best way to fix the problem. Replacing these parts is not too hard, and you don’t always need a repair person.

First, find the correct replacement parts for your Whirlpool dishwasher model. You can look on Whirlpool’s website or buy parts from appliance stores online or local shops. Make sure the parts match your dishwasher model number.

Turn off power to the dishwasher by unplugging it or switching off the breaker. Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack. If there is a cover over the float, remove that too.

To replace the float, gently pull the old float out of its base. Then snap or place the new float in the same position. Make sure it moves freely up and down.

To replace the float switch, you may need to remove the dishwasher’s front panel or access panel. This depends on your model. Locate the float switch wiring, carefully disconnect it, and remove the old switch. Install the new switch and reconnect the wiring.

Put everything back together, restore power, and run a test cycle to see if the dishwasher fills properly without overfilling.

• Buy correct float or float switch for your model.
• Turn off power before starting.
• Remove bottom rack and float cover.
• Pull out old float, install new one.
• Access float switch wiring, disconnect and replace switch.
• Reassemble and test dishwasher.
• Call a professional if unsure or uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts

The Whirlpool dishwasher overfill protection float is a small but very important part. It keeps your kitchen safe from water floods and your dishwasher running well. Knowing where it is, how it works, and how to keep it clean can save you from costly repairs and water damage. Testing and replacing the float or switch when needed is easy with a little care and patience. If you pay attention to the float, your dishwasher will work safely for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for the dishwasher float to move freely?

Yes, it is normal and important for the dishwasher float to move freely up and down. The float is designed to float on the water and activate a switch when the water reaches a certain level. If the float gets stuck or does not move well, it can cause the dishwasher to overfill or stop working properly. Dirt, soap scum, or food debris can block the float, so regular cleaning is needed. You can check by gently lifting the float with your finger — it should slide smoothly without resistance.

Can I use my dishwasher if the float is stuck?

It is not a good idea to use the dishwasher if the float is stuck. When the float cannot move, it cannot signal the dishwasher to stop adding water. This means water may overflow and cause leaks or damage to your kitchen floor. Using the dishwasher with a stuck float might also harm the dishwasher’s internal parts. Before using it, clean the float carefully or test it. If cleaning does not fix the problem, you should repair or replace the float or float switch.

Do I need special tools to check the float switch?

You don’t need special tools to check if the float moves, but to test the float switch electrically, a multimeter is helpful. A multimeter is a simple tool that measures electrical signals like continuity. You can buy one at hardware stores or online. To check the float switch, you set the multimeter to continuity mode and touch the probes to the switch terminals. Moving the float should change the reading. If you don’t have a multimeter, you can listen for a click sound when moving the float as a basic test.

Is it safe to replace the float or float switch myself?

Replacing the float or float switch yourself can be safe if you follow instructions carefully and take safety steps. Always turn off power to the dishwasher before working on it to avoid electrical shock. Use the correct replacement parts for your model. Many parts snap or screw in place without needing special skills. However, if you are not comfortable or don’t understand the process, it’s best to call a professional repair person to avoid damage or injury.

Can dirt cause the float to stop working?

Yes, dirt, soap residue, and food scraps can cause the float to stick or stop working. These bits can get trapped under or around the float, making it unable to rise or fall freely. If the float is dirty, it won’t press the float switch and may cause the dishwasher to overfill. Cleaning the float regularly with warm soapy water and a brush removes these blockages. This simple cleaning can prevent many problems and keep the dishwasher working well.

Do I have to check the float often?

You don’t need to check the float every day, but it’s good to inspect and clean it every few months. How often depends on how much you use your dishwasher and how dirty your dishes usually are. Checking the float regularly helps catch problems early before they cause leaks or errors. During cleaning cycles, if you notice the dishwasher filling too much or leaking, check the float immediately.

Is it expensive to replace the float or switch?

Replacing the float or float switch is usually not expensive. The float part is often less than $20, and the float switch might cost a bit more depending on the model. Labor costs vary if you hire a technician, but doing it yourself saves money. These parts are small and easy to replace, so the total cost is low compared to fixing water damage caused by overflow.

Can I override the float to stop water overflow?

It is not safe or recommended to override the float to stop water overflow. The float is a key safety device. Disabling or bypassing it may cause the dishwasher to fill with too much water, causing leaks, flooding, or damage. If your float or switch is not working, fix or replace it properly. Trying to override safety parts can also void your warranty and may be dangerous.