Should You Repair or Replace Your Dishwasher?

By Michael Franco

July 13, 2021

If you’ve ever stood in front of your dishwasher mid-cycle, listening to its groans and clanks and wondering if this is the end of the line, you’re not alone. Dishwashers aren’t built to last forever when they start giving you trouble, the big question becomes: Do you fix it, or do you cut your losses and buy a new one?

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The answer depends on a handful of factors—age, repair costs, replacement costs and how much hassle you’re willing to put up with.

How Long Should a Dishwasher Last?

Dishwashers don’t live forever, but they’re not a short-term fling either. On average, you can expect yours to stick around for about nine to 12 years. Some high-end models might push past the decade mark if you’ve treated them kindly—think regular filter cleanings and not cramming oversized pots in every cycle. On the flip side, cheaper models may struggle to reach that 10-year sweet spot. If your dishwasher is nudging toward the 10-year mark and it’s starting to give you grief, you’re firmly in that gray zone where repair versus replace becomes a real decision.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dishwasher?

Not every broken dishwasher needs to be hauled off to the curb. Sometimes, the fix is surprisingly simple and relatively affordable. National averages put dishwasher repairs between $150 and $400, depending on the problem and whether you call in a pro. Replacing a spray arm or unclogging a drain pump is on the lower end. A new control board or motor? That’s going to creep closer to the higher end.

Here are a few common repairs and their typical costs:

Spray arm replacement: $75 to $150
Drain pump: $150 to $300
Heating element: $150 to $250
Control board: $200 to $400

Keep in mind that repair costs vary depending on your location, the brand of your dishwasher and the going rate for labor. Some repair companies also charge a flat service fee just to come out and look, which can add another $75 to $125 to your bill.

The Average Cost to Replace a Dishwasher

If the idea of sinking $400 into an older dishwasher makes you uneasy, replacing it might be a better long-term call. The average cost for a new dishwasher itself falls between $400 and $1,000, depending on the brand and the bells and whistles you’re after. Budget-friendly models start in the $300-to-$500 range, while high-end machines with custom panels, Wi-Fi connectivity and whisper-quiet wash cycles can hit $1,500 or more.

Installation costs are another piece of the puzzle. Professional installation generally runs $150 to $300, though it can be higher if new plumbing or electrical work is required. All in, you’re looking at $550 to $1,300 for a standard new dishwasher, delivered and installed.

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Is It Worth Repairing a Dishwasher — Or Should I Replace It?

So, do you patch up the dishwasher you already have, or do you roll a shiny new one into the kitchen? Here are some points to think through.

Reasons to Repair

Your dishwasher is under 7 years old. Younger machines usually have plenty of life left, and replacing a small part can buy you years of use.
The repair cost is less than 50% of the cost of replacement. This is a common rule of thumb in the appliance world. If fixing it costs less than half of what it would take to buy a new one, repair is often the smarter move.
You like the way it cleans. Not every dishwasher handles dishes equally well. If yours still gets plates spotless, it may be worth nursing along.
It’s a simple fix. A clogged filter or a worn door seal isn’t worth replacing an entire appliance over.

Reasons to Replace

Your dishwasher is 10 years old or more. At this point, you’re nearing the natural end of its life span,and one repair is often followed by another.
The repair involves expensive parts. Control boards, motors and pumps can run several hundred dollars, and if the dishwasher is older, the repair might not be worth it.
You want modern features. Today’s dishwashers are quieter, more efficient and often come with specialized wash cycles or energy-saving settings. If you’ve been dealing with a noisy, water-guzzling model, upgrading could improve both your utility bills and your sanity.
Repairs are piling up. If this isn’t the first time your machine has let you down, replacing it might be the more economical—and less frustrating—choice.

Other Dishwasher Repair Considerations

Don’t forget to factor in how much you use your dishwasher. If you run it once a day for a large family, it’s working harder than in a single-person household where it hums only a few times a week. Heavy use can wear out components more quickly, making replacement the logical call.

Energy efficiency is also worth considering. Newer models use less water and electricity, which can save you money over time. That’s especially important if your utility bills are already high.

Finally, think about convenience. A repair may take a few days to schedule and complete, while a replacement can sometimes be delivered and installed within 24 hours. If you can’t imagine a week without clean dishes, speed might play a role in your decision.

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