The typical cost to repair a dishwasher is $160 to $300
It's easy to rely on the convenience of dishwashers, which work hard to make our lives just a little bit simpler each day. But when this trusty appliance fails, it can throw a major wrench in your entire routine. The cost to repair your dishwasher will be $200 on average but depends on factors like repair type and whether or not you hire a pro to help.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dishwasher?
It typically costs between $160 and $300 to repair a dishwasher, with an average of $200. However, the cost can reach as high as $600 or more, depending on factors like your dishwasher's age, whether or not 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 need to pay around $150 to $350 to do so, but replacing a motor often costs $400 to $600.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dishwasher by Part?
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.
Dishwasher Pump Replacement Cost
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.
Dishwasher Motor Replacement Cost
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.
Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Cost
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.
Dishwasher Filter Replacement Cost
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.
Dishwasher Sprayer Arm Replacement Cost
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.
Dishwasher Rubber Gasket Replacement Cost
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.
Dishwasher Door Latch Replacement Cost
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.
Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Replacement
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dishwasher Yourself?
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.
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.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Repair a Dishwasher?
Life without your dishwasher isn’t ideal. Learn the key factors that affect the cost to repair a dishwasher, so you can get your favorite appliance back in working order as soon as possible.
Type of Repair Needed
The type of repair your dishwasher needs plays a major role in how much the repair will cost. For example, if your motor is out, you'll pay more than you would if your filter is broken.
Labor Costs
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 in your area 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.
Dishwasher Make, Model, and Age
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.
FAQs About Dishwasher Repair
Should I hire a professional or repair the dishwasher myself?
Whether or not you should hire a pro to repair your dishwasher or take on the project yourself depends on a few factors, like your comfort level with performing the repair and your budget.
You'll definitely save money on the repair by doing it yourself since you can avoid paying the pro's hourly rate, but if you're not sure about how to do it successfully, then you run the risk of creating more costly problems.
A good first step in making this decision is to perform some troubleshooting steps to see if you can identify the problem. Once you think you have an idea of what the problem is, consider watching some tutorials online about how to fix it.
Going through this process should help give you an idea of just how intensive (or not) the repair will be and whether you're equipped to take it on yourself.
What are some troubleshooting tips for dishwasher repairs?
Speaking of troubleshooting, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can take to help identify common dishwasher problems.
If your dishwasher won't run, make sure that it's fully plugged in, the kitchen fuse in your fuse box is working, and nothing is blocking the dishwasher's door from shutting completely. You should also check to see if the internal drain is clogged, since clogging can prevent the dishwasher from running as well.
If you go through these steps and everything looks good, but your dishwasher still won't run, then you should call a pro unless you're equipped to perform more complex troubleshooting tasks, which often require plumbing and electrical system expertise.
When should I replace rather than repair my dishwasher?
You can fix many dishwasher problems with simple repairs, but there are certain times when it makes more sense financially to replace the whole dishwasher.
For instance, if your dishwasher is more than eight years old, then it's likely already on its last legs, so 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.
Additionally, if you find that your dishwasher is requiring multiple repairs over a short period of time, then you might save money by getting a new one instead of paying hundreds for multiple repairs.
You should also check whether your dishwasher is under warranty. If the warranty is active and covers repairs, then it might cost you little to nothing to have someone come out and repair it, in which case you probably don't want to invest in a new dishwasher just yet.
