- The average dishwasher repair cost is likely to be $200 to $500.
- You can fix many common dishwasher problems yourself, with a little bit of online research (and checking the owner’s manual).
- A brand new dishwasher starts at about $500, plus installation.
- If your dishwasher is more than eight years old, it probably makes more sense to replace it than to repair it.
You probably don’t want to deal with the hassle of repairing your dishwasher. However, it might not be worth the money to buy an entirely new one. Where does that leave you? Well, it all depends on what kind of problems you’re having with your dishwasher. Can those issues can be resolved with simple repairs? Or is a brand new dishwasher the answer? A quick online search can help you answer that question.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common dishwasher problems and their estimated repair costs, so you can know what to expect if you run into any issues with your own dishwasher. Once you’ve determined the problem, you can search online for service or replacement options.
The Most Common Dishwasher Problems
The most common problems with dishwashers include a build-up of food, damaged parts, or a broken (and leaky) door. The motor, pump, heating element, or door seal (gasket) are all parts that eventually wear out and stop working properly. If you experience any of these problems on a consistent basis, it’s time to start seriously thinking about dishwasher replacement.
However, before you replace your dishwasher, you may want to see how much money it will cost to repair it. You could end up saving hundreds of dollars by getting your dishwasher repaired instead of totally replaced.
How Much it Costs to Fix Dishwashers
According to Appliance Parts Pros, the average dishwasher repair costs range from $100 and $559. On average, professional labor costs around $190 by itself, even if a new seal ring only costs about $30. If you’re unsure how much it will cost to fix your dishwasher, contact a local plumber or handyman to get an idea of how long the repair will take and what parts are needed for a complete fix. If your dishwasher is still relatively new, make sure you look into warranty options first. Your repair could be covered.
If you’re calling a professional repairman, you can expect to always spend a couple hundred bucks. Meanwhile, brand new dishwashers start at around $400 (but can go up to $1800). Paying to repair an older dishwasher might not make financial sense, unless you think you can get a few extra years out of it by doing so.
Pros and Cons of Replacing Your Dishwasher
When should you replace your dishwasher? This can be a tricky question. However, if your dishwasher is older than eight years and you’re seeing issues, it may be time for an upgrade. There are many great new models on today’s market that provide better cleaning capabilities than earlier models ever did. As such, replacing your dishwasher may ultimately save you money in water and energy costs over time.
If you’re still having trouble deciding whether or not to replace your dishwasher, consider these additional factors:
- Is it too expensive to repair? A full replacement might make more sense if repair costs are beyond what you feel comfortable spending.
- Is there any structural damage? If parts of your appliance have rusted or corroded away entirely, then replacement might be necessary.
Whatever you do, consider all of your options before making a final decision.
DIY Options
Instead of paying for an expert, there are some DIY options you can take when fixing your dishwasher. By using these methods, you can save yourself some money. Remember that all dishwashers have their own troubleshooting guides specific to them, so do not ignore your owner’s manual!
Taking apart and cleaning your own dishwasher will save you time and money. The first step is to find out what’s wrong with it. Many problems are easy to diagnose on your own, by reading over your user manual or looking at any error codes displayed on your control panel (if applicable). For example, many people forget (or neglect) to regularly clean out their dishwasher filter. This small step goes a long way to keeping your machine running smoothly.
The next step is usually disassembling various parts of it and making sure everything is clean and dry before putting it back together again. Once you get everything cleaned up, try running a cycle with hot water only—no soap—to see if that fixes anything. You can also run your dishwasher with only a bowl of plain vinegar on the bottom rack (along with sprinkling some baking soda around the bottom of the machine) to help remove any funky smells.
In Summary
Dishwashers can last for years, but the technology can be more complicated than you think. Whether you’re trying to repair or replace your dishwasher, it’s important to know how much everything will cost you and which parts are most likely going to break down. Make sure you consider all of these factors before deciding what your next move should be.
If you’re wondering whether a new appliance is right for you, keep in mind that replacing a dishwasher isn’t cheap. According to data from HomeAdvisor, replacing an old dishwasher with a new one costs an average of $500—and that doesn’t include any installation fees.
Shutterstock
