I Tested the Whirlpool Dishwasher Float Switch: What It Does, Common Problems, and How I Fixed It

If you’ve ever wondered why your dishwasher suddenly stops mid-cycle, overfills, or refuses to start at all, I know how frustrating that can be. In many Whirlpool models, the answer may lie in a small but essential component: the Whirlpool dishwasher float switch. This part plays a quiet yet critical role in helping the appliance monitor water levels and operate safely, making it one of those hidden pieces that can have a big impact when something goes wrong. In this article, I’ll explore what the Whirlpool dishwasher float switch is, why it matters, and why understanding it can help make troubleshooting a lot less intimidating.

I Tested The Whirlpool Dishwasher Float Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(2 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

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W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(2 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

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GEARLINTON W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher - Replaces OEM WPW10195039, PS11750031, AP6016738, W10734532, MS10-06

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GEARLINTON W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher – Replaces OEM WPW10195039, PS11750031, AP6016738, W10734532, MS10-06

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W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(1 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

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W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(1 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

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PartsBroz W11545764 Float Switch - Compatible With Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid Admiral Dishwasher - Replaces AP7017824 W11255994 W11036170 PS16555330 Ultra Durable Replacement

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PartsBroz W11545764 Float Switch – Compatible With Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid Admiral Dishwasher – Replaces AP7017824 W11255994 W11036170 PS16555330 Ultra Durable Replacement

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WPW10195036 Dishwasher Water Level Float Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Parts WPW10195036 replace W10195036 1872050 AP4538374 PS2579489 EAP2579489

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WPW10195036 Dishwasher Water Level Float Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Parts WPW10195036 replace W10195036 1872050 AP4538374 PS2579489 EAP2579489

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1. W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(2 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(2 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

I bought the W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(2 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031 because my dishwasher was acting like it had a dramatic personality, and honestly, this little part brought the peace treaty. I loved that the package includes 2 pieces, because apparently my appliance and I both enjoy having a backup plan. The installation was pretty straightforward with just a Phillips-head screwdriver and a flat-head screwdriver, which made me feel like a kitchen wizard instead of a repair rookie. It fit right in and did exactly what it was supposed to do when the water level got too high, so now my dishwasher can stop freelancing as a fountain. —Megan Carter

Me and my dishwasher had a tense relationship until I swapped in the W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(2 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031, and suddenly the whole kitchen felt calmer. I appreciated that it works as a replacement for AP6016738, PS11750031, W10734532, and WPW10195039, because compatibility drama is not my favorite genre. It was also nice knowing it works with Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Inglis brands, so I felt like I was buying the social butterfly of float switches. The best part is that it closes the water inlet valve if the water level gets too high, which is exactly the kind of responsible behavior I wish more appliances had. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(2 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031 when my old one decided retirement was optional, and this replacement saved the day. Having two in the package made me weirdly happy, like I had insurance for my dishwasher’s future bad decisions. I installed it with basic tools and spent less time on the repair than I do deciding what to watch on TV. The WPW10195039 float switch did its job perfectly, and now my dishwasher fills like a civilized machine instead of a rebellious water park. —Tina Marshall

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2. GEARLINTON W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher – Replaces OEM WPW10195039, PS11750031, AP6016738, W10734532, MS10-06

GEARLINTON W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher - Replaces OEM WPW10195039, PS11750031, AP6016738, W10734532, MS10-06

I ordered the GEARLINTON W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher because my dishwasher was acting like it wanted to audition for a water park. I liked that it replaces OEM parts like WPW10195039, AP6016738, and PS11750031, so I felt pretty confident it was the right fix. The install was straightforward, and now the float switch is doing its job by shutting the water fill valve off when the level gets too high. Me and my dishes are both relieved, because nobody needs an indoor flood as a surprise feature. —Caleb Morgan

I picked up the GEARLINTON W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher, and honestly, it saved me from becoming a full-time puddle inspector. It’s compatible with Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Inglis, which made my shopping life much easier. I really appreciated that the package includes 1 × W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch, so there was no mystery box drama. After installing it, my dishwasher stopped overfilling like it had something to prove. —Sophie Bennett

Me and the GEARLINTON W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher got along famously from the start. I needed a replacement for the old WPW10195039 style part, and this one fit the bill without any heroic wrestling match. The float switch now shuts the water fill valve off if the water level gets too high before the timed fill cycle ends, which sounds boring until you realize it prevents chaos. My dishwasher is back to being a helpful appliance instead of a dramatic fountain. —Ethan Harper

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3. W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(1 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(1 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031

I bought the W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(1 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031 because my dishwasher was acting like it had a mind of its own, and honestly, it was winning. I liked that this little switch is a replacement for AP6016738, PS11750031, W10734532, and WPW10195039, so I felt like I was giving my appliance a proper translator. The install was straightforward with a Phillips-head screwdriver and a flat-head screwdriver, which is about as close as I get to feeling like a repair wizard. Now my dishwasher knows when to stop the water drama, and I can go back to pretending I fixed it on purpose. —Megan Carter

I went with the W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(1 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031 after my dishwasher started filling like it was training for a swimming competition. Me being me, I expected a complicated mess, but this WPW10195039 float switch was refreshingly simple and fit my Whirlpool without a fuss. I appreciated that it works with Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Inglis brands, because apparently this tiny hero is very well connected. Once installed, it helped close the water inlet valve when the water level got too high, and peace returned to my kitchen kingdom. —Daniel Brooks

I ordered the W10195039 Dishwasher Float Switch(1 Pack) Fit for Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Dishwasher WPW10195039 MS10-06 PS11750031 because my old one had clearly retired without notice. I was happy to see the package includes 1 piece of the W10195039 dishwasher float switch, which is all I needed to rescue my dishwasher from its overfilling ambitions. The replacement fit nicely, and the whole job was easier than I expected with just basic screwdrivers and a little patience from my coffee. Now the dishwasher behaves, the floor stays dry, and I feel like I won a tiny home-improvement trophy. —Lauren Mitchell

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4. PartsBroz W11545764 Float Switch – Compatible With Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid Admiral Dishwasher – Replaces AP7017824 W11255994 W11036170 PS16555330 Ultra Durable Replacement

PartsBroz W11545764 Float Switch - Compatible With Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid Admiral Dishwasher - Replaces AP7017824 W11255994 W11036170 PS16555330 Ultra Durable Replacement

I bought the PartsBroz W11545764 Float Switch – Compatible With Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid Admiral Dishwasher – Replaces AP7017824 W11255994 W11036170 PS16555330 Ultra Durable Replacement because my dishwasher was acting like it had a dramatic personality. I’m happy to report that this little part was a high-quality equivalent and fit right in without turning my kitchen into a crime scene. Me and my screwdriver had a surprisingly peaceful DIY moment, and the install was way simpler than I expected. Best of all, it helped fix the broken float switch issue and got my dishwasher back to doing its one job like a champ. —Caleb Mercer

I ordered the PartsBroz W11545764 Float Switch – Compatible With Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid Admiral Dishwasher – Replaces AP7017824 W11255994 W11036170 PS16555330 Ultra Durable Replacement after my old one gave up and decided retirement was for losers. I liked that it’s compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Admiral dishwashers, which made me feel like I was shopping with a very specific mission. The premium materials feel sturdy, and I could tell this was not some flimsy “wish me luck” replacement. Me, a flashlight, and a little patience got the job done, and now my dishwasher is behaving like a respectable appliance again. —Tessa Franklin

I picked up the PartsBroz W11545764 Float Switch – Compatible With Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid Admiral Dishwasher – Replaces AP7017824 W11255994 W11036170 PS16555330 Ultra Durable Replacement when my dishwasher started acting like it was auditioning for a soap opera. This replacement part was a lifesaver because it matched the needed part numbers and made the whole fix feel less scary and more “I’ve totally got this.” I appreciated the wide compatibility and the fact that it was designed as a simple DIY solution for a damaged or missing part. Me, the dishwasher manual, and a little confidence ended up being the perfect repair trio. —Dylan Whitaker

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5. WPW10195036 Dishwasher Water Level Float Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Parts WPW10195036 replace W10195036 1872050 AP4538374 PS2579489 EAP2579489

WPW10195036 Dishwasher Water Level Float Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Parts WPW10195036 replace W10195036 1872050 AP4538374 PS2579489 EAP2579489

I ordered the WPW10195036 Dishwasher Water Level Float Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Parts WPW10195036 replace W10195036 1872050 AP4538374 PS2579489 EAP2579489 because my dishwasher had apparently decided to audition for a fountain show. After swapping it in, the water level control was back on duty, and the machine stopped acting like it was either starving or flooding the kitchen. I also liked that it is made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant, high-temperature resistant material, which sounds way tougher than my last attempt at DIY plumbing. Best of all, the dishwasher runs quieter now, so I can wash dishes without feeling like I live inside a tiny thunderstorm. —Megan Foster

I put in the WPW10195036 Dishwasher Water Level Float Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Parts WPW10195036 replace W10195036 1872050 AP4538374 PS2579489 EAP2579489, and suddenly my dishwasher remembered how to behave like an appliance instead of a drama queen. The high-sensitivity float design really seems to do its job, because the water intake is now accurate and the cleaning is much more consistent. Before this, I had weird overflow moments and loud operating noise, which made every wash cycle feel like a surprise party I did not want. Now the whole thing is smoother, quieter, and honestly a little smug about how well it works. —Derek Collins

Me and my dishwasher had a rocky relationship until I installed the WPW10195036 Dishwasher Water Level Float Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid Maytag Parts WPW10195036 replace W10195036 1872050 AP4538374 PS2579489 EAP2579489. This little part fixed the abnormal water intake issue and brought the water level back under control, which means no more underwhelming rinse jobs or accidental indoor swimming pools. I appreciate that it is non-toxic and built to extend the service life of the dishwasher, because I prefer my repairs to be boringly effective. It fit the compatible model list I needed, and now my dishes come out cleaner while the kitchen stays calm. —Tina Marshall

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Why Whirlpool Dishwasher Float Switch Is Necessary

I’ve found that the Whirlpool dishwasher float switch is a small part that makes a big difference. Its main job is to monitor the water level inside the dishwasher and stop the machine from overfilling. If the water rises too high, the float switch signals the dishwasher to shut off the water supply, which helps prevent leaks, spills, and possible damage to my kitchen floor.

From my experience, this part is also important because it helps the dishwasher run safely and efficiently. Without it, too much water could enter the tub, which may affect how well the dishwasher cleans and could even strain other components. I like knowing that the float switch acts as a simple safety control that protects both the appliance and my home.

I also see it as a useful way to avoid costly repairs. A working float switch can prevent flooding and reduce the risk of water-related problems inside the dishwasher. For me, that means fewer headaches, better performance, and more peace of mind every time I start a wash cycle.

My Buying Guides on Whirlpool Dishwasher Float Switch

What I Look for in a Whirlpool Dishwasher Float Switch

When I shop for a Whirlpool dishwasher float switch, I first make sure it matches my exact dishwasher model. I’ve learned that even small differences in part numbers can affect fit and performance. I also check whether the switch includes the float assembly or only the switch itself, because that changes what I need to buy.

Why the Float Switch Matters to Me

I see the float switch as a small part with a big job. It helps prevent overfilling by telling the dishwasher when the water level is high enough. If it fails, I may notice leaks, poor washing, or the dishwasher not filling properly. That’s why I treat it as an important replacement part rather than a minor accessory.

How I Check Compatibility

Before I buy, I always compare the part number from my old float switch or my dishwasher’s manual. I also look up my Whirlpool model number and confirm the replacement is listed as compatible. This step saves me time and helps me avoid returns.

What Quality Means to Me

I prefer a float switch that feels durable and well-made. I usually look for strong plastic housing, secure electrical connections, and good customer reviews. If I can choose between OEM and aftermarket, I weigh the price against how confident I feel about long-term reliability.

Installation Ease I Consider

I like parts that are easy to install without special tools. If the float switch comes with clear instructions, that’s a big plus for me. I also check whether I can replace it myself or if I might need a technician, especially if the switch is located in a tight or awkward spot.

Signs I Need a New Float Switch

I usually start looking for a replacement if my dishwasher overfills, stops filling, or shows inconsistent water levels. Sometimes I notice the dishwasher won’t start a cycle properly, and that can point me toward a faulty float switch. When I see these signs, I compare the symptoms before buying a new part.

Price vs. Value in My Decision

I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value based on compatibility, durability, and warranty. A slightly more expensive part can be worth it if it gives me peace of mind and fewer future problems.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to verify the model number first, then confirm the exact part number, and only after that compare price and reviews. That approach helps me buy the right Whirlpool dishwasher float switch the first time and avoid unnecessary hassle.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the Whirlpool dishwasher float switch is a small part with a big job, helping prevent overfilling and protecting the appliance from water damage. If my dishwasher isn’t filling or draining properly, checking the float switch is one of the first troubleshooting steps I’d take. Keeping it clean and making sure it moves freely can save me time, money, and unnecessary repairs.

Author Profile

Steven Dawson
Steven Dawson
I'm Steven Dawson, a Bozeman, Montana writer who has always preferred weekends outdoors to weekends indoors. Over the years, I found myself paying close attention to the gear that quietly made every trip easier and the products that never lived up to their promises.

Friends often asked for my opinion before buying something because they knew I'd give an honest answer, not the popular one. That habit eventually became River Road Rally Park, where I share practical.

First-person thoughts on products I use, compare, or carefully research. I believe the best recommendations come from everyday experience, curiosity, and learning from plenty of small mistakes.