Dishwasher repair typically costs $100 to $325, with most standard repairs averaging approximately $200 to $225. Replacing a standard built-in dishwasher generally costs $600 to $1,700, including the new appliance, basic installation, and removal of the old unit when existing connections can be reused.
Repair is usually the cheaper immediate option. A $150 door-latch, inlet-valve, hose, or spray-arm repair can extend the life of an otherwise reliable dishwasher for several years. Replacement may provide better value when the appliance is old, leaks from a damaged tub, needs a $350-to-$600 motor or control-board repair, or has required several recent service calls.
The best decision depends on:
- Dishwasher age
- Repair estimate
- Cost of a comparable replacement
- Previous repair history
- Part availability
- Water damage
- Cleaning and drying performance
- Appliance efficiency
- Installation changes required
Dishwasher Repair vs. Replacement Cost at a Glance
| Dishwasher expense | Typical U.S. cost |
|---|---|
| Average repair | $200–$225 |
| Common repair range | $100–$325 |
| Broad repair range | $75–$600 |
| Diagnostic or minimum service fee | $70–$130 |
| Appliance technician labor | $50–$125 per hour |
| Standard replacement with existing hookups | $600–$1,700 |
| New dishwasher only | $400–$1,200 |
| Premium dishwasher | $1,200–$3,000+ |
| Basic replacement labor | $150–$350 |
| Remove and dispose of old unit | $50–$150 |
| First-time installation labor | $300–$1,300 |
| New electrical circuit, when needed | $250–$900 |
| New outlet, when needed | $150–$350 |
Typical replacement pricing assumes a standard 24-inch built-in dishwasher installed in the same location using existing water, drain, and electrical connections. Cabinet modifications, new plumbing, electrical work, and premium appliances can push the total above $2,000.
Average Dishwasher Repair Cost
Most dishwasher repairs cost $100 to $325. Angi’s 2026 national data places the broader range at $75 to $600 and the average standard repair near $225. HomeGuide reports an average range of $100 to $300 and a national average near $200.
A repair invoice may include:
- Service-call or diagnostic fee
- Technician labor
- Replacement parts
- Second visit when parts must be ordered
- Testing after the repair
- Disposal of failed components
- Limited parts-and-labor warranty
Technicians generally charge $50 to $125 per hour, often with a minimum service fee of $70 to $130. Many companies apply the diagnostic fee toward the completed repair, but homeowners should confirm that policy before booking.
Dishwasher Repair Cost by Common Problem
Dishwasher is not draining
Repairing a dishwasher that does not drain generally costs $100 to $400.
The problem may involve:
- Clogged filter
- Blocked drain hose
- Jammed garbage disposal connection
- Failed drain pump
- Damaged wiring
- Control-board failure
Drain-pump replacement typically costs $100 to $400, including a part that may cost $20 to $100. Standing water, buzzing sounds, leaks, and dishes remaining dirty after a cycle can indicate pump or drainage problems.
A clogged filter or hose is usually worth repairing. A pump failure deserves closer comparison when the dishwasher is older and also has control, rust, or cleaning problems.
Dishwasher is not cleaning properly
Repairing poor cleaning performance generally costs $75 to $600, depending on the cause.
Common repairs include:
| Possible problem | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|
| Spray arm | $75–$200 |
| Filter | $90–$175 |
| Water inlet valve | $80–$170 |
| Circulation pump | $150–$350 |
| Main motor | $250–$600 |
| Control board | $200–$600 |
Before replacing a major part, check whether the filter and spray-arm openings are clogged and whether dishes are blocking water movement. A failed pump or motor is more expensive and may make replacement more attractive on an older machine.
Dishwasher is leaking
Professional leak repair generally costs $100 to $250, although a cracked tub or several damaged components can raise the total to $650 or more.
Potential sources include:
- Door gasket
- Drain hose
- Water inlet hose
- Pump seal
- Water inlet valve
- Door latch
- Loose connection
- Cracked tub
Replacing a gasket or hose commonly costs $80 to $200. Tub replacement costs approximately $270 to $650 and may not be economical on a basic dishwasher near the end of its expected life.
Stop using an actively leaking dishwasher and shut off its water supply when it is safe to do so. Continued operation can damage cabinets, flooring, subflooring, and the ceiling below.
Dishwasher is not heating or drying
Heating-element replacement generally costs $150 to $350. HomeGuide places the average at $200 to $350, while Angi reports a range of $150 to $300.
Poor heating or drying can also result from:
- Failed thermostat
- Temperature sensor
- Control-board problem
- Incorrect cycle selection
- Empty rinse-aid dispenser
- Water entering below the required temperature
- Door opening before the drying cycle finishes
Heating-element replacement is usually worth considering when the dishwasher is otherwise dependable and has no leaks or major mechanical problems.
Dishwasher will not start
Repairing a dishwasher that does not start may cost $75 to $600.
Possible causes include:
| Failed component | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|
| Door latch or spring | $75–$175 |
| Float switch or sensor | $90–$200 |
| Control board | $200–$600 |
| Motor | $250–$600 |
Before scheduling service, verify that the dishwasher has power, the breaker has not tripped, the door closes completely, and the control-lock or delay-start feature is not active.
A repeatedly tripping breaker, burning odor, melted wiring, or visible electrical damage requires professional diagnosis rather than continued resets.
Dishwasher makes loud noises
Noise-related repair generally costs $100 to $600.
Grinding, buzzing, squealing, or rattling may come from:
- Debris inside the pump
- Damaged spray arm
- Failed drain pump
- Worn circulation pump
- Motor bearings
- Loose mounting hardware
- Dishes contacting the spray arms
A foreign object or loose spray arm may be inexpensive to correct. Motor replacement commonly costs $250 to $600, while HomeGuide places many dishwasher motor replacements between $350 and $500.
Average Dishwasher Replacement Cost
Replacing a standard built-in dishwasher generally costs $600 to $1,700 when the existing opening, water line, drain connection, and electrical supply can be reused.
The total commonly includes:
| Replacement component | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| New dishwasher | $400–$1,200 |
| Installation labor | $150–$350 |
| Removal and disposal | $50–$150 |
| Typical total | $600–$1,700 |
Basic dishwashers commonly cost $400 to $800, popular midrange units cost $800 to $1,200, and high-end models can cost $1,200 to $3,000 or more. Angi’s broader current equipment data extends from approximately $300 for basic units to $3,500 for premium models.
Additional Dishwasher Replacement Costs
Replacement becomes more expensive when the project is not a straightforward appliance swap.
Plumbing modifications
Extending or replacing dishwasher water and drain connections may cost $150 to $250 for basic plumbing work. New rough-in connections can cost $400 to $600 or more.
Electrical work
A new dishwasher circuit can add $250 to $900, while installing a suitable outlet may cost $150 to $350. Electrical requirements depend on the model, existing wiring, and locally adopted rules.
Cabinet modifications
Removing or modifying cabinets to create a new dishwasher opening commonly adds $150 to $400, before finish carpentry or countertop work. First-time dishwasher installation labor can total $300 to $1,300.
Old appliance removal
Removal and disposal typically cost $50 to $150. Some retailers or installers include haul-away in a package, while others charge separately.
When Repair Is Cheaper
Repair usually provides better value when:
- The dishwasher is less than eight years old
- The estimate is below $250 to $300
- The problem involves a latch, hose, gasket, spray arm, valve, filter, or sensor
- The tub and racks remain in good condition
- Parts are readily available
- The dishwasher cleans and dries well when operating
- There have been no recent major repairs
- The unit remains under warranty
For example, spending $140 on a water inlet valve for a five-year-old dishwasher is generally more economical than paying $600 to $1,700 for replacement.
When Replacement Is Cheaper Long Term
Replacement deserves consideration when:
- The dishwasher is approaching or beyond 10 years old
- The repair estimate exceeds $300 to $500
- A motor, control board, pump, or tub has failed
- Several components are wearing out
- The unit has leaked repeatedly
- Rust has developed inside the tub or racks
- Parts are discontinued
- Cleaning performance remains poor after maintenance
- The appliance requires frequent service calls
- Installation costs will be incurred soon regardless
Dishwashers commonly last 8 to 15 years, depending on brand, usage, installation, maintenance, and water conditions. An inexpensive repair may still be sensible near the upper end of that range, but a major repair offers less value when other components are also aging.
The 50% Repair-or-Replace Rule
A useful budgeting guideline is to compare the complete repair estimate with the installed cost of a comparable replacement.
Replacement becomes increasingly attractive when:
- The repair exceeds approximately 50% of replacement cost
- The dishwasher has passed more than half its expected service life
- Another major repair is likely soon
For example, repairing an older dishwasher for $500 may provide poor value when a suitable replacement costs $850 installed. A $175 repair on the same appliance may still be reasonable if the machine has otherwise been dependable.
This is a financial guideline rather than a strict rule. A premium panel-ready dishwasher may justify a larger repair because replacing the appliance and matching cabinet panel can be expensive.
Energy and Water Efficiency
Efficiency can strengthen the case for replacement when an old dishwasher needs an expensive repair. A standard-size ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher costs approximately $50 per year to operate and can save around 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime. Newer models may also include soil sensors, improved filtration, and more efficient spray systems.
Utility savings alone may not justify discarding a functioning dishwasher. However, efficiency matters more when replacement is already being considered because of age, poor cleaning, leaks, or an expensive component failure.
ENERGY STAR also recommends scraping rather than pre-rinsing dishes and running full loads to reduce water and energy use.
Check the Warranty and Recall Status
Before paying for a repair:
- Find the model and serial number.
- Review the manufacturer warranty.
- Check whether major components have longer coverage.
- Search the CPSC recall database.
- Ask whether labor is covered.
- Verify whether unauthorized repairs could affect coverage.
A recall may provide a free repair, replacement, or another remedy. Warranty coverage can make repairing a relatively new dishwasher clearly cheaper than replacing it.
How to Save Money on Dishwasher Repair or Replacement
- Clean the filter and spray arms first. Maintenance problems can resemble component failure.
- Provide the model number when booking. The technician can check part availability in advance.
- Ask whether the diagnostic fee is credited.
- Request an itemized repair estimate. Separate parts, labor, travel, and return visits.
- Compare against a similar replacement—not a premium upgrade.
- Reuse existing connections when safe and compatible.
- Check retailer installation packages. Compare delivery, labor, installation kit, and haul-away fees.
- Look for ENERGY STAR rebates. Available programs vary by ZIP code.
- Address leaks immediately. Water damage can cost more than the appliance.
- Avoid repeated repairs on an aging unit. Review total spending over the previous two or three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dishwasher repair cost?
Most dishwasher repairs cost $100 to $325, with an average near $200 to $225. Major motor, control-board, and tub repairs can reach $600 or more.
How much does dishwasher replacement cost?
Replacing a standard built-in dishwasher generally costs $600 to $1,700, including the appliance, basic installation, and removal of the old unit.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dishwasher?
A low-cost repair may be worthwhile. Replacement is usually more attractive when a 10-year-old dishwasher needs a motor, control board, tub, or several repairs.
How much does a dishwasher pump cost to replace?
Pump replacement generally costs $100 to $400, depending on whether the drain pump or circulation assembly has failed.
Should I replace a dishwasher that leaks?
Not automatically. Gaskets, hoses, valves, and pump seals can often be repaired. Replacement may be more economical when the tub is cracked, corrosion is widespread, or leaks have repeatedly returned.
How long does a dishwasher last?
Dishwashers generally last 8 to 15 years, depending on usage, brand, maintenance, and water conditions.
Who repairs and installs dishwashers?
Appliance technicians perform most internal repairs. A plumber may be needed for water or drain modifications, while an electrician may be required for circuit or outlet work.
Conclusion
Dishwasher repair is usually cheaper upfront, costing $100 to $325 for most problems. Replacement generally costs $600 to $1,700 when a standard built-in unit can use the existing connections.
Repair usually makes sense for a newer appliance with a failed gasket, latch, valve, hose, spray arm, sensor, or heating element. Replacement becomes more attractive when an older dishwasher needs a motor, control board, tub, or several expensive repairs.
Before deciding, compare the complete repair estimate with the installed price of a similar new dishwasher. Consider appliance age, previous repairs, leaks, part availability, cleaning performance, efficiency, warranty coverage, and any plumbing or electrical changes required for replacement.