How Much Does Dishwasher Repair Cost?

Highlights

• Homeowners can typically expect to pay between $50 and $600 for dishwasher repair, with the national average cost at $215.
• Some of the main factors that affect dishwasher repair cost include the type of repair, the age and brand of the dishwasher, the type of problem, and the cost of labor.
• There are several signs for homeowners to watch for that may signal dishwasher repair is needed, such as unclean dishes, lukewarm or cold dishes, water leaks, rust, unusual noises, and a malfunctioning door latch or pump.
• A homeowner who has experience repairing appliances may be able to perform a DIY dishwasher repair, but many homeowners prefer to leave this task to a professional who is familiar with appliance repair and working with electricity and plumbing.

For many people, the dishwasher is the most used home appliance. Not only does it clean the dishes but it can save 230 hours, or almost 10 full days a year, by tackling the job of washing dishes, glassware, pots, and pans. When an old dishwasher starts showing signs of age, it may be time to do some dishwasher troubleshooting to find out what needs to be repaired. How much does it cost to repair a dishwasher? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, dishwasher repair costs range from $50 to $600, with the national average at $215. When the time comes to fix a dishwasher, calling in a dishwasher repairman is usually the first response. Dishwasher repair pros will typically recommend replacing a malfunctioning or broken part instead of repairing it since it’s often the most cost-effective option, depending on the dishwasher lifespan. A dishwasher service technician will typically charge between $70 and $100 an hour to repair a broken dishwasher. The overall cost to replace dishwasher parts depends on the dishwasher brand, age of the dishwasher, whether the machine is still under warranty, the type of repair or part that’s needed, and the service technician’s level of experience. This guide will examine the important factors that influence dishwasher repair cost, additional costs and considerations that can change the overall price of repairs, the various types of dishwasher repairs, and some frequently asked questions about dishwasher repairs.

Factors in Calculating Dishwasher Repair Cost

While many homeowners spend between $50 and $600 to repair a dishwasher, the overall price can vary from the national average of $215 based on a few important factors. These can include repair type, dishwasher age, dishwasher brand, problem type, and local labor prices.

Repair Type

The type of repair that a dishwasher needs is the main factor that influences the repair cost. A pump replacement can cost from $150 to $350, while the cost to replace the motor can range from $400 to $600. Some of the most common dishwasher replacement parts are the control panel, door latch, door spring, drain hose, filter, heating element, motor, pump, rubber gasket, soap dispenser, sprayer arm, tray, and water inlet valve. Each of these types of repairs is discussed in a section below along with the average price range.

Dishwasher Age

An older dishwasher may be more expensive to repair than a newer model. This is because the parts for an older dishwasher are harder to find than for a new dishwasher. For many people, buying a new dishwasher may make more financial sense than paying to repair an older model, since the average dishwasher price can equal the cost of repairs very quickly.

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 9 or 10 years, depending on how well it’s maintained, the brand, and how often it’s used. Some dishwashers can last 12 years or more with careful maintenance and care.

Dishwasher Brand

There are many dishwasher manufacturers, and the price to repair dishwashers from each manufacturer differs due to the quality and technology of the parts. Machines from high-end dishwasher brands, such as KitchenAid and LG, tend to be the most expensive to repair since the electronic parts are more complicated, and in turn, more expensive to replace. Mid-range dishwasher brands, such as Maytag, Kenmore, and Frigidaire, typically have a longer lifespan and their parts are more expensive than those of the more budget-friendly options, such as Bosch and Whirlpool. Below are the average price ranges to repair some of the most popular dishwasher brands.

Problem Type

While there may be an obvious problem, such as the dishwasher will not fill with water or the machine leaves a residue on the dishes, the part that’s causing the issue may not be as apparent. That’s why it’s important for a homeowner to call in a dishwasher expert for appliance repair in the home. Below are some of the most common dishwasher problems and the average price range for the repair costs.

• Bad odor. Repairing a dishwasher that has a bad odor costs between $50 and $400, depending on the cause. The remedy for a smelly dishwasher can be as simple as cleaning the filter; however, a bad odor could signal a more serious problem, such as a drain hose or pump issue. An offensive odor can result from stagnant water inside the machine that’s causing bacteria growth; this can be a serious health hazard.
• Broken dishwasher door. Fixing a broken dishwasher door ranges from $150 to $600, depending on the brand and model of machine. It’s important to address a broken door since it can trigger water to leak, which can damage the floor and surrounding cabinets. Doors can break as a result of age or due to a significant impact. Doors on high-end dishwashers will be the most expensive to replace.
• Cracked dishwasher handle. Dishwasher handles can be repaired if the issue is with the hardware; otherwise the handle will need to be replaced. The cost to repair a handle ranges from $50 to $150. While a dishwasher handle is designed to stand up to repeated use, the handle can fail due to age or strong impacts.
• Dish residue. Residue can be left behind on dishes for a few reasons, such as hard water, not using the correct detergent or rinse aid, a dirty dishwasher filter, or a faulty heating element. Fixing this issue costs between $50 and $150, depending on the complexity of the repair. Making adjustments in the control panel or installing a water- softening system in the home can fix the water issue, or the heating element may need to be replaced if the water isn’t heated to a high enough temperature to eliminate food residue in the machine.
• Dishwasher door leaks. The cost to fix a leaking dishwasher door ranges from $50 to $300. A leak in the door can be caused by a drain hose leak, broken or cracked seals around the door, or problems with the tub. The overall price hinges on the actual cause, and it’s recommended to fix this problem promptly to avoid water damage to the floor and surrounding cabinetry.
• Dishwasher will not drain. Fixing a dishwasher that will not drain runs from $50 to $400. An early sign of drainage issues can be an unpleasant smell, which points to standing water in the machine. The cause of drainage problems can be a clogged filter or an issue with the drain hose or the pump.
• Dishwasher will not fill with water. A repair for a dishwasher that won’t fill with water will cost about $75 to $600. Relatively minor issues can cause this problem, such as an old inlet valve or a problem with the float, if the dishwasher has one. A failing or broken motor would be a more expensive fix.
• Dishwasher will not start. A dishwasher that will not turn on is one of the more expensive repairs, and it can cost from $100 to $600. Repairs on the lower end of the cost range might be for an error message from the control panel regarding issues with the door switch or a clogged filter. If the motor has stopped working, it may be worth it to replace the machine with a more efficient model instead of paying for costly dishwasher motor replacement.

Labor

The more involved the dishwasher repairs, the longer they will take, which results in more expensive labor costs. Dishwasher repair professionals typically charge between $70 and $100 per hour, and this rate varies based on their level of experience and expertise. Labor pricing is typically more expensive in densely populated urban areas that have a higher cost of living than it would be for more rural locations around the country.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When budgeting for dishwasher repair costs, many homeowners will discover that there are additional price factors and considerations that can impact the overall cost, causing it to be higher or lower than the national average of $215. These can include dishwasher repair versus replacement cost, service fees, accessibility, and whether the dishwasher is still under warranty.

Dishwasher Repair vs. Replacement

There are times when repairing a dishwasher makes more financial sense than paying for a full replacement. If a gasket or seal needs to be replaced, it’s typically a budget-friendly repair, but if the machine is older and requires multiple repairs, replacing it for a more energy-efficient model may make more sense. If a dishwasher is less than 5 years old, the replacement parts will typically be easier to find and purchase.

Service Fee

Many dishwasher repair technicians will charge a service fee of $35 to $100 to troubleshoot the appliance. If the homeowner decides to hire them to make the repairs, they will typically apply the service fee to the total repair bill. On the other hand, if the homeowner decides to go with someone else for the repairs or forgoes the repairs altogether, the service fee will be charged for the time and effort it takes to diagnose the dishwasher problem.

Accessibility

If the dishwasher is difficult to access due to new flooring that was installed after the dishwasher was inserted between the cabinets, the repair costs and labor fees might be more expensive. When the dishwasher is hard to access or it can’t be pulled out from the cabinetry, it can delay the repairs and drive up the overall costs.

Warranty

It’s always a good idea for a homeowner to double-check to see if the dishwasher is still under the manufacturer’s warranty. If it is, the cost of repairs may be covered. Homeowners will want to read the warranty carefully and be sure to schedule a dishwasher repair technician via the approved contact method to avoid any surprise charges. A manufacturer may void its warranty if maintenance has been neglected and the problem resulted from a homeowner ignoring obvious issues. A policy from one of the best home warranty companies, such as American Home Shield or AFC Home Club, may also cover the cost of dishwasher repairs and labor after the policyholder has paid a service fee.

Types of Dishwasher Repairs

To repair a dishwasher, the broken part needs to be replaced. The overall cost of the replacement depends on the part, how difficult it is to purchase the part, and how long the replacement job takes. Below are some common dishwasher replacement parts and their average price ranges.

Control Panel Replacement

The cost to replace a dishwasher control panel ranges from $200 to $500. As one of the most important parts of a dishwasher, the control panel is in charge of the temperature, cycle selection, timing, and programming. If the control panel simply needs to be readjusted or reset, the repair can cost as little as $50.

Door Latch Replacement

Replacing a door latch assembly can cost between $150 to $250. Since the door latch keeps the dishwasher door closed during the wash cycle, the machine will not work unless the latch is working properly.

Door Spring Replacement

A dishwasher door spring replacement costs from $50 to $150. Door springs can fail due to repetitive operation, or they can corrode with age. If a dishwasher door doesn’t open and close gently but falls to the floor quickly, the door spring is most likely to blame.

Drain Hose Replacement

It can cost from $50 to $100 to replace a drain hose. A dishwasher drain hose carries away dirty water and food debris. If the drain hose is blocked, the water will not drain properly and water will build up in the bottom of the dishwasher and possibly leak onto the floor.

Filter Replacement

Replacing a filter ranges from $50 to $130. The filter has the important job of catching food particles so they don’t end up clogging the drain or staying behind on the dishes and glassware. If there is a gritty residue or food particles on the dishes, the filter may be failing and may need to be replaced.

Heating Element Replacement

Replacing a heating element can cost from $150 to $300. The heating element not only heats the water to clean and sanitize the dishes, but it also heats the air for a spotless finish. A dishwasher may still run even if there is a failing heating element, but the dishes will not be clean or dry at the end of the cycle. If the heating element has stopped working, it will often short the electrical circuit, resulting in an inoperable dishwasher.

Motor Replacement

Replacing the motor, which is the most expensive part of a dishwasher, can run from $400 to $600. This is an expensive repair because the parts are costly and it takes a significant amount of time to take out the broken motor and install a new one. Many homeowners will choose to buy a new, more efficient dishwasher rather than replace the motor.

Pump Replacement

It typically costs between $150 to $400 to replace a pump on a dishwasher, but depending on the brand and type of dishwasher, it can cost as much as $400 to $600. A dishwasher pump pulls the wastewater out of the machine and into the drain pipe. If the water isn’t draining out of the dishwasher, the pump could be to blame.

Rubber Gasket Replacement

A rubber gasket replacement ranges from $50 to $150. This seal around the inner door panel of the dishwasher can get brittle with age and cause leaks. If the watertight seal has failed, water may seep out of the dishwasher door.

Soap Dispenser Replacement

The cost to replace a soap dispenser is between $50 and $80. The soap dispenser latch can break, which prevents it from opening during the wash cycle. If the soap dispenser doesn’t work properly, the dishes will not be clean and sanitized.

Sprayer Arm Replacement

Homeowners can expect to pay between $75 and $150 to replace a dishwasher sprayer arm. This dishwasher part sprays water over the dishes during the wash and rinse cycles. A broken sprayer arm results in the dishes not getting clean, and it can cause pooling water inside and outside the machine.

Tray Replacement

A dishwasher tray, or rack, will cost from $50 to $150 to replace. Older dishwasher trays may break or have individual tines that snap off, which makes loading the dishwasher efficiently very difficult or even impossible.

Water Inlet Valve Replacement

The cost to replace a dishwasher water inlet valve ranges from $75 to $150. The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing just the right amount of water into the machine to clean the dishes properly. A faulty water inlet valve may not let enough water into the dishwasher or it may allow too much, which can result in leaks due to overfilling.

Do I Need Dishwasher Repair?

Prolonging the life of a dishwasher involves paying attention to any issues that may pop up—no matter how insignificant they may seem. Some red flags that indicate a dishwasher may be in need of repair are unclean dishes, lukewarm or cold dishes, water leaks, rust, unusual noises, and a malfunctioning door latch or pump.

Unclean Dishes

If the dishes are not clean after running the wash cycle, it’s a sign that the dishwasher isn’t working properly. There can be many reasons the dishes aren’t as clean as they used to be: the filter or the sprayer arms may be clogged; the water may not be hot enough; or the water inlet valve may be failing.

Lukewarm or Cold Dishes

If the dishes are only lukewarm or even cold at the end of the wash cycle, there is probably an issue with the heating element. The machine needs to heat the water to a high temperature to properly clean and sanitize the dishes.

Water Leaks

Leaking water is an obvious sign that a dishwasher needs repair. If there is pooling water on the floor outside the machine, the door seal could be cracked, the drain could be clogged, or the entire unit may need to be replaced.

Rust

Rust inside a dishwasher is a sign that water is getting into areas that it shouldn’t. Seeing rust on the inside of the machine or having flakes of rust on dishes and glasses is a sign to call a dishwasher repair technician.

Unusual Noises

Depending on the age and type of dishwasher, some models are just noisier than others. However, if there are unusual sounds coming from the machine, it’s a sign that it may need repair. An extra-noisy machine or a dishwasher that makes an unusual humming sound at the start of a wash cycle may be exhibiting signs of a failing dishwasher motor.

Door Latch Malfunctioning

If the door latch won’t catch and close properly, the dishwasher may not operate at all. If it does, there is the risk of water leaks and flooding the kitchen. This is an issue that shouldn’t be ignored.

Pump Malfunctioning

If the dishwasher will not fill with water or drain the dirty water at the end of the wash cycle, the pump may be to blame. The pump sensor may be stuck, dirty, or it may have failed altogether.

Dishwasher Repair: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Depending on the type of repair and the homeowner’s level of experience with appliance repair, some smaller dishwasher fixes may be a good DIY project. While a homeowner may be tempted to save on labor costs and tackle dishwasher repairs on their own, it may be in their best interest to hire a pro, especially since repairs involve plumbing and electricity. Dishwasher repair technicians know how to troubleshoot common dishwasher problems and diagnose the issue quickly. Since a dishwasher is connected to the plumbing and electrical systems, attempting a repair without the proper experience could cause flooding issues or personal harm. While dishwasher repair costs range from $50 to $600, it’s often more cost-effective to repair the machine than replace it, especially if it’s less than 5 years old. For an older machine, the cost of appliance repair or frequent repairs can end up being much more expensive than replacing it with a new model. A dishwasher professional can recommend the best dishwasher options for a homeowner’s needs and estimate the overall price of dishwasher installation, if needed.

How to Save Money on Dishwasher Repair Cost

While dishwasher repair cost can run from $50 to $600, many homeowners are interested in saving as much money as possible with common appliance repairs. Below are some money-saving tips when it comes to dishwasher repairs.

• Get multiple estimates. Get at least three estimates from reputable dishwasher repair professionals in your area to find a rate that works with your budget.
• Maintain the machine. Resolving minor issues quickly and maintaining the dishwasher by cleaning the filter and the dishwasher door seals can prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
• Check the warranty. You can save money if the dishwasher is still under warranty, but if the repair is needed because the machine was not maintained properly, the costs will not be covered.
• Look for early signs. If you think the dishes aren’t quite as clean as they used to be or if the water temperature isn’t as hot as it once was, that’s the time to contact a repair tech. Don’t wait until the machine fails to work.
• Sell for parts. If the time has come to replace the dishwasher but some parts are still usable, sell them as spare parts to recoup some of the replacement expenses.
• Test the water. If you have hard water, it can lead to mineral deposits and buildup on the moving parts of the dishwasher and a cloudy film on the dishes. Installing a water softener can eliminate potential problems.

Questions to Ask About Dishwasher Repair

Asking the best appliance repair services the right questions can help save money and avoid miscommunication. Below are some important questions for homeowners to ask about dishwashers and the common repairs they need.

• Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?
• Do you offer free estimates?
• How long have you been repairing dishwashers?
• When do you recommend that a dishwasher should be replaced instead of repaired?
• Will you provide references?
• How long will the repair take?
• What happens if the floor, cabinets, or kitchen is damaged during the repair process?
• Who will make the repairs on my machine?
• Do you offer a warranty on new parts? If so, for how long?
• Do you warranty your service?
• What can I do to prepare for the dishwasher repairs?
• What are your payment options?
• How can I leave a review of your work?

FAQs

When homeowners are dealing with a failed dishwasher, it’s important for them to have all the necessary information available, including common signs of a failing dishwasher and the repair process itself. Below are some frequently asked questions about dishwashers and dishwasher repairs.

Q. What causes a dishwasher to stop working?

There are several reasons a dishwasher would stop working. A malfunctioning control panel, blown fuses, and broken wires could all be the cause of a dishwasher failing. Individual parts could be worn out, such as the motor, and since the motor is such an expensive part to replace, many people may choose to replace the entire dishwasher instead of paying for repairs to an older model.

Q. Should I hire a pro or repair the dishwasher myself?

Whether a homeowner should repair the dishwasher on their own or hire a professional dishwasher repair technician depends on their level of experience and comfort with repairing an appliance that involves plumbing and electricity. Homeowners can save money on labor costs by fixing the dishwasher on their own, but if they’re not sure how to make the repairs, it could result in additional damage to the appliance or personal injury from not properly observing safety precautions when working with electricity. If the homeowner can troubleshoot the problem and inform a dishwasher tech what is wrong with the machine, it could save time on the repairs, and ultimately money on the cost of labor.

Q. When should I replace rather than repair my dishwasher?

Making a simple repair or two can extend the life of a dishwasher for many years. If the dishwasher needs a major repair, the homeowner will always want to check to see if it’s still under the manufacturer’s warranty. If they find that they’re making frequent repairs or if the machine is more than 8 years old, it may be time to replace the dishwasher. Hiring professionals that install dishwashers is recommended over a homeowner attempting to do it on their own. Since installing a new dishwasher involves hooking up electricity and adhering to local plumbing codes, it’s best to leave the installation to the pros.

Q. How long do dishwashers last?

On average, the lifespan of a dishwasher is typically between 9 and 16 years, or 12 years on average. Depending on the dishwasher’s age and the needed repairs, it may make more financial sense for a homeowner to replace an older dishwasher with a new, more energy-efficient model.

Q. How do I know if my heating element is bad in my dishwasher?

If the heating element is failing in the dishwasher, the homeowner may notice that the machine may still run, but the dishes aren’t as clean as they used to be or they aren’t dry at the end of the cycle. Many times, a broken heating element will short the electrical circuit and the machine will not turn on or work at all.

Q. Is it worth it to repair a dishwasher?

It’s worth fixing a dishwasher if the appliance is less than 5 years old or if repairs are a rare occurrence. If it’s a smaller and inexpensive repair, such as replacing a gasket or installing a new filter, it’s absolutely worth it. If the dishwasher is older and needs frequent repairs, replacing the machine with a new, energy-efficient model may make the most sense.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr

 

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