Quick answer
Whirlpool dishwasher food chopper W11246682 is a replacement to consider for a confirmed chipped or loose chopper on a compatible dishwasher. In the pump-access layout covered here, the dishwasher comes out of the cabinet, the pump and motor separate, and the chopper is replaced inside the housing. Confirm the full model and access design before ordering. The part cost is about $60 to $80, but the work extends beyond a simple in-tub swap.
Grinding during the wash can make every cycle sound like it is causing more damage. Whirlpool dishwasher food chopper W11246682 may be the replacement you need, but trapped debris or a worn pump can sound similar. What evidence points to the chopper itself?
Inspecting the damage and checking model fit come before ordering. In the layout below, access requires removing the dishwasher and opening the pump housing. The chopper is not reached simply by lifting out a rack or filter. The sections ahead cover symptoms, fit, tools, and that replacement sequence, plus when a chopper alone makes sense and when the pump or sump needs attention.
Quick Facts
Use these details to plan the work:
- Difficulty: Pump-access repair with water and electrical connections disturbed
- Time: Depends on installation and access
- Tools: Phillips and flat screwdrivers, suitable Torx driver, 5/8-inch wrench, 5/16-inch nut driver, pliers, side cutters, towels, and container for water
- Part cost: Not specified
- Skill level: More skill required than for an accessible filter repair
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What Symptoms Mean the Whirlpool Dishwasher Food Chopper Is Worn or Broken?
A chipped or loose chopper can contribute to grinding and food left on dishes. Those symptoms are not proof by themselves, because debris, a dirty filter, a damaged spray arm, or a failing wash pump can create overlapping complaints.
Use the symptoms to guide inspection rather than choosing a part from the sound alone.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Useful Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding during washing | Chopper, debris, or pump damage | Visible damage helps identify the part |
| Food redeposited on dishes | Chopper or filter problem | Mesh and chopper condition matter |
| Debris in the sump | Trapped food or restricted flow | Not automatic proof of chopper failure |
| Poor wash on one rack | Spray arm or feed problem | One rack may have a local water-path fault |
| Standing water | Drain path or pump problem | Diagnose draining separately |
The sump is the collection area beneath the tub. The chopper helps manage food in the wash system, while the circulation pump supplies the force that moves wash water. A chopper and a motor do different jobs. Their damage may call for different assemblies.
Is W11246682 the Right Food Chopper for Your Whirlpool Dishwasher?
The Whirlpool dishwasher food chopper W11246682 must match the full model, including its ending letters and digits. A similar blade shape is not enough. A shared brand badge cannot confirm fit either.
Check these details in the parts information.
- Full model number from the door-area label
- Listed chopper number and any valid superseded numbers
- Pump housing and chopper mounting arrangement
- Package contents and any required clamps or seals
- Exact fit under a compatible Kenmore or KitchenAid badge
An older part number may be listed as replaced by a newer one. Use that documented match rather than guessing that two close numbers identify the same assembly.
Which Whirlpool Dishwasher Models Use Food Chopper W11246682?
Maytag MDB4949SHZ0 is a verified application for this Whirlpool-made chopper. Full model fit still comes before purchase.
- W11246682 is the current chopper number
- It replaces W10591562
- Confirm the pump housing and seal/clamp requirements for the exact model
Not every version within a family uses the same pump and chopper layout. Confirm the actual part and repair access before taking the dishwasher apart.
What Tools Do You Need to Replace the W11246682 Food Chopper?
Gather the tools needed for the pump-access layout before disconnecting the appliance.
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Torx driver matched to the pump screws
- 5/8-inch open-end wrench
- 5/16-inch nut driver
- Pliers
- Side cutters
- Flashlight
- Towels and floor protection
- Bowl or shallow container
Water can remain in the hoses after shutoff. Some may also remain in pump parts. Towels and a container help manage that water, while floor protection supports the appliance when it is placed on its side. Stop if the unit cannot be moved and supported safely.
How to Replace the Food Chopper on a Whirlpool Dishwasher Step by Step
Follow these steps with power and water disconnected for the matching pump-access layout.
Phase 1: Disconnect the Lines and Remove the Dishwasher
- Remove side covers and the cabinet mounting screws.
- Disconnect the fill line with a 5/8-inch wrench; catch water.
- Loosen the drain clamp with a 5/16-inch driver and detach the hose at the air gap.
- Pull the dishwasher clear and support it on its side with floor protection.
Phase 2: Remove the Pump and Motor and Open the Housing
- Cut any zip tie bundling the drain hoses.
- Unplug the heater harness.
- Remove the pump retaining clamp and release the assembly from its grommet.
- Remove the clamp ring and three Torx screws, then separate pump and motor.
Phase 3: Replace the Chopper and Reassemble the Dishwasher
- Remove the chopper cover and old chopper; clean the impeller compartment.
- Fit the new matching chopper into the housing.
- Refit its cover correctly.
- Join pump and motor with the three Torx screws and restore the retaining clamp.
- Reconnect the harness and reseat the pump assembly and hose.
- Return the dishwasher and reconnect drain and fill lines.
- Refit side covers and mounting screws.
- Restore water and check for leaks.
- Restore power and run a test cycle.
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Ask the forum →80,000+ solved repair threads · no account needed to readShould You Replace the Chopper or the Whole Sump Assembly?
A chopper-only repair can be reasonable when the surrounding housing and pump are sound. The Whirlpool dishwasher food chopper W11246682 will not correct a worn motor, cracked housing, or a separate leak.
Compare the confirmed damage with these choices.
- Chopper, $60 to $80: Appropriate when the chopper is damaged and its surrounding assembly passes inspection.
- Sump or pump assembly, $190 to $270: Worth considering when housing or pump damage extends beyond the chopper.
- Service diagnosis: Useful when the noise source is uncertain or the removal work is beyond your skills.
How should age affect the decision? Compare the condition of the tub, racks, seals, and controls rather than using age alone. A small chopper part may still need major access work. Include labor and damaged connections in the estimate.
The Whirlpool dishwasher food chopper W11246682 is a focused repair for a focused fault. Ordering a larger assembly without checking its contents can also mean paying for parts you do not need.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Whirlpool Dishwasher Food Chopper?
The time depends on the model and access design. A procedure that removes the dishwasher and splits the pump housing should not be treated as a guaranteed 30 to 45 minute in-tub repair.
Can a Broken Chopper Damage the Pump?
Loose or damaged pieces can affect nearby moving parts. Inspect the impeller compartment during the repair rather than assuming a new chopper is the only part needed.
Should the Filter Be Replaced at the Same Time?
Replace a filter for confirmed damage such as torn mesh or a cracked frame. A dirty but intact filter may only need cleaning. Replacing the chopper does not prove the filter has failed.
Getting Clean Dishes Back From Your Whirlpool Dishwasher
The Whirlpool dishwasher food chopper W11246682 should replace a proven damaged part in the correct assembly. Careful reassembly and a leak check are part of the finished repair.
Find the food chopper W11246682 matched to your full dishwasher model number before the next load of dirty dishes.
Still stuck after this guide?
Two free options: post your model number and symptom on the forum, or search the model number in the shop to see every part that fits.
