The cost of dishwasher repairs is $200 on average, but it can cost between $160 and $300 or more depending on the types of repairs you need.
Dishwasher repair costs $200 on average, though it can range between $70 to $600 depending on the specific issue. It's easy to rely on a dishwasher's convenience. These appliances work hard to make our lives a little simpler each day. But when this trusty appliance fails, the dishes begin to stack up, and cooking your favorite meal doesn’t seem as appealing anymore.
While the average cost to repair a dishwasher is $200, most homeowners pay between $160 and $300. However, the price can range quite a bit depending on factors like your dishwasher's age, whether the appliance is under warranty, and the type of repair or replacement needed.
For instance, if you need to replace your dishwasher's pump, then you'll typically pay around $150 to $350 to do so, but replacing a motor often costs $400 to $600.
Dishwasher repairs usually involve replacing a faulty part, like the motor or heating element. That’s why the cost to repair your dishwasher can vary quite a bit depending on the part that needs replacing.
| Part | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pump | $150–$350 |
| Motor | $400–$600 |
| Heating element | $150–$250 |
| Filter | $50–$100 |
| Sprayer arm | $75–$100 |
| Rubber gasket | $50–$100 |
| Door latch | $150–$250 |
| Water inlet valve | $80–$125 |
Your dishwasher's pump is responsible for draining its water, so if your dishwasher isn't draining properly or is leaking water onto the floor, it's likely a pump problem. A foul odor coming from your dishwasher can also indicate water build-up, and thus, pump problems.
It typically costs around $150 to $350 to replace a dishwasher pump, but the cost can reach as high as $400 to $600, depending on the type of dishwasher you have.
Your dishwasher's motor runs the aforementioned pump, which drains the water, so signs that the motor is out are similar to a faulty pump, like water pooling around the dishwasher or otherwise not draining properly.
However, motors are usually more expensive to replace than pumps, costing around $400 to $600. If you have a new or popular dishwasher model, then it'll likely cost a little less than if you have an older model, since it's easier to find and order motors for newer models.
Your dishwasher's heating element heats the water that cleans the dishes. It also heats the air during the drying process. If you notice that the dishwasher isn't warm immediately after a cycle, then you might have a faulty heating element. It usually costs around $150 to $250 to replace a heating element.
The dishwasher filter has the dirty but important job of keeping bits of food from getting stuck on clean dishes and clogging the drain. So, if you notice food remnants on clean dishes despite rinsing the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, then you might have a filter issue.
Fortunately, filters are among the more inexpensive parts to replace, typically costing around $50 to $100.
The sprayer arm is responsible for giving your dishes a final rinse after the wash cycle. A broken sprayer arm not only results in dirtier dishes but can also cause water to pool inside and outside of the dishwasher. The cost to replace a sprayer arm ranges from $75 to $100.
Rubber gaskets create a water-tight seal around the bottom of your dishwasher's inner door panel. The seal prevents water leaks, so if water is seeping out of the dishwasher, it could mean a problematic gasket.
This is a particularly common problem with older dishwashers since the rubber will invariably wear out over time. It usually costs around $50 to $100 to replace the gasket.
If your dishwasher isn't closing properly, then the door latch might need to be replaced since it's the part that secures the door shut. Replacement costs for door latches usually run around $150 to $250.
Water inlet valves ensure that your dishwasher fills with the appropriate amount of water. If you notice leaks around the dishwasher when it's not running or your dishwasher is filling very slowly or not at all, then this valve might be broken. It usually costs around $80 to $125 to replace the water inlet valve.
It’s a huge inconvenience if you’re dishwasher is not drying properly. Learn the key factors that affect the cost of dishwasher repair, so you can get your favorite appliance back in working order as soon as possible.
If you're not keen on repairing the dishwasher yourself, then you'll need to hire a dishwasher service professional for the job. Dishwasher repair companies typically charge around $75 to $150 per hour.
So, the longer it takes for them to repair your dishwasher, the more it'll cost you. That said, you can potentially save money on the hourly rate by doing some preliminary work beforehand, such as identifying where the problem is and recording any symptoms you notice, such as leaks. Sharing this information with your pro can help them fix the issue faster, saving you some money on the hourly rate.
Because parts are easier to find and order for newer, more popular dishwashers than for older or more obscure dishwashers, it typically costs less to repair a new model than an old one.
Additionally, if your dishwasher is very old, then repairing it might only buy you a few more months before you need to replace it. In this case, it makes more sense to buy a new dishwasher rather than pay for repairs now and a new dishwasher in a few months.
If you decide that you’ll purchase a new dishwasher, and you don’t feel comfortable installing it yourself, you can always hire a dishwasher installation pro near you.
Since dishwasher repair technicians typically charge $75 to $100 per hour, you can definitely save money by repairing the dishwasher yourself. If you decide to take it on yourself, all you need to pay for is the cost of materials and any tools required to complete the repair.
Depending on the type of repair, you may need tools like a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, and/or plumber's tape, each of which you can usually purchase for $5 to $20.
"When it comes to appliances, you have to consider the extent of the issue. If it is minor problems or something that simply requires maintenance, then it might be more cost-effective to do a repair. If the failure is a major component of the appliance, then it will likely be easier and more affordable in the long run to just replace it and get peace of mind."
— Josh Rudin, Owner at ASAP Restoration LLC, Tempe, AZ
However, because your dishwasher is connected to your home's plumbing, you'll want to make sure you have the knowledge and skills required to fix the problem, otherwise, you could create even more costly problems, like flooding, and even potentially hurt yourself.
Since technicians often do a full inspection of your dishwasher before making repairs, you can potentially save some money by identifying the problem first, so your technician knows where to focus their time if you decide to hire a pro. If you're not sure where or what the problem is, then simply make note of all symptoms, such as water leaks or unusual noises. Sharing this information with your technician can help them diagnose the problem faster.
It can be challenging to know when to repair or replace an appliance. You can fix many dishwasher problems with simple repairs, but sometimes it makes more sense to replace the whole dishwasher. If your dishwasher is more than eight years old, you might want to replace the whole thing rather than spend money on repairs that will only buy you a few more months with it. Likewise, if your dishwasher requires multiple repairs over a short period of time, you might save money by buying a new one. First, check to see if your unit is still under warranty and if it includes repairs.
You can repair minor damage to a dishwasher drain hose with tape designed to handle moisture but it’s probably better to simply replace it. Dishwasher hoses are inexpensive items that, although they require some muscle to change, are best swapped out. You don’t want to find your kitchen has flooded because of a faulty part that usually costs between $10 and $30.
Dishwashers should be cleaned a minimum of once every 3 months, but really it should be done monthly. This is to prevent germ buildup and will help keep your machine running smoothly. Dishwasher maintenance isn’t too difficult, you’ll simply clean the filter, wipe down the spray arms with vinegar or rubbing alcohol, and run the cycle on empty. If there is any debris, you can remove it with a small metal pick. Do not use wood as the tip can break off inside the machine.
