I have a Whirlpool Quiet Partner 2 dishwasher. It was in my house when I bought the house a year ago. Soon after I used it, I found a part laying in the dishwasher. It looks sort of like an 'S' shape. I think it might have been connected at the top of the dishwasher. I tried replacing it and it seems to fit, but it is very loose and I can pull it back off very easily. I've been using the dishwasher without it and it seems OK (I only run my dishwasher once a week). Does this need to be replaced? Is there a way I can tell if the part I have is usable or if I need a new one? Is it a repair I could do myself or do I need a professional? Thanks for any advice you can give.

Alice