How Much Does Dishwasher Repair Cost?

Average Cost to Repair a Dishwasher

Dishwasher Repair Costs by Part

You must replace the part when something goes wrong with your dishwasher, not just repair it. This is usually the most cost-effective option. Therefore, many dishwasher repair pros charge a flat fee per part. Look at the table below, with the most common dishwasher parts needing replacement and how much a pro will charge for completing the job.

Soap Dispenser

Replacing the soap dispenser costs between $50 and $80. While it's a relatively small part, it's essential, because without a fully operational soap dispenser, your dishes won't get clean. Often, the latch breaks, which stops it from closing, or the springs develop a fault, which prevents them from opening and releasing the detergent during the cleaning cycle.

Drain Hose

Replacing a dishwasher drain hose will set you back between $50 and $100. Drain hoses are generally a universal fit. Their purpose is to carry wastewater and food particles away from your home. If it develops a blockage or starts to leak, the dishwasher won't drain properly, and you'll end up with water in the kitchen or stagnating in the bottom of the dishwasher. 

Filter

Expect to pay between $50 and $130 to replace a dishwasher filter. Filters capture food particles to prevent them from recirculating and adhering to your dishes. But they degrade over time and get clogged. When they start to fail, you'll notice food particles stuck to your dishes or a gritty feeling from all the particles that have dried back onto your glassware.

Gasket

The dishwasher gasket typically costs $50 to $150 to replace. The gasket keeps the water inside the dishwasher until it exits via the drain hose. If the gasket fails, the dishwasher will leak, and you'll end up with a mess in your kitchen.

Tray

Replacing a dishwasher tray will set you back around $50 to $150. Also known as racks, the dishwasher trays safely hold your dishes and glassware for cleaning. You'll need to choose a replacement tray that fits the size and configuration of your dishwasher.

Door Spring

The door spring costs an average of $50 to $150. These springs make the dishwasher door open and close gently. If they fail, you'll notice your dishwasher door falling as you open it rather than descending in a controlled manner. The springs can corrode, degrade with age, or fail due to continued rough treatment.

Water Inlet Valve

Replacing a water inlet valve can cost anywhere from $75 to $150. This valve is small but crucial and must be in good order. If faulty, the inlet valve may not let enough water into the dishwasher to clean your dishes. It may also let in too much water, causing your dishwasher to overfill or leak.

Sprayer Arm

Replacing a sprayer arm will set you back between $75 and $150. It sprays water onto the contents of your dishwasher, so if it breaks, the dishwasher can't effectively clean your dishes. While sprayer arms often get clogged and are easy to unclog, many do eventually wear out and require replacement.

Door Latch

Expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $250. The door latch assembly keeps the dishwasher door closed while in operation. Many models won't start a cycle if the door latch isn't working properly, effectively rendering your dishwasher useless until you get it fixed. 

Heating Element

The cost to replace the heating element in a dishwasher can set you back anywhere from $150 to $300. This part is responsible for heating the water and air that cleans, sanitizes, and dries your dishes. Depending on what's wrong with the heating element, the dishwasher cycle may still run but won't dry the dishes or clean them effectively. However, a blown heating element often shorts the electrical circuit, making the dishwasher inoperable. 

Pump

The cost to replace a dishwasher pump is typically around $150 to $400, depending on the make and model of the dishwasher. A dishwasher pump moves wastewater out of the dishwasher and into the drain pipe. If the pump fails, you'll get stagnant water sitting in your dishwasher that can rapidly lead to unsanitary conditions and bacteria growth.

Control Panel

To replace a dishwasher control panel, you can spend anywhere from $200 to $500. The control panel is responsible for the timing, temperature, cycle selection, and programming, so if it fails, it renders the dishwasher unusable until it's repaired or replaced. In some instances, the control panel just needs resetting or adjusting, which can cost as little as $50.

Motor

Replacing a dishwasher motor typically costs $400 to $600. Dishwasher motors are expensive to repair or replace because the work is time-consuming, and the parts are comparatively costly. If the motor isn't functioning, your dishwasher won't work, requiring immediate attention. If you have an old machine, it often makes more sense to buy a new, more efficient dishwasher than to replace the motor in the old one.

Dishwasher Leak Repair Cost

Expect to pay between $50 and $300 to repair a dishwasher leak. How much you'll pay depends on the cause of the leak. For example, a gasket or drain hose replacement is a relatively quick and easy fix that costs toward the lower end of the budget, while broken door springs or a failed water inlet valve can cost much more. Rather than tinkering with the leak yourself, it's best to hire a local plumber, let them find the leak, and fix it.

Repair vs. Replace a Dishwasher

It's worth fixing a dishwasher when the machine is less than five years old and breakdowns are a rare occurrence. Similarly, if the repair is something quick and inexpensive, such as replacing a gasket, repair is likely the best option. 

However, if your dishwasher is old and has a history of breakdowns, replacing the unit with a new high-performance, energy-efficient model may make more financial sense. 

"If you're not sure what is causing your dishwasher problem, search for the problem and your model number,” says Andy Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. “Some dishwashers have a filter that needs to be cleaned periodically. Also, running a dishwasher cleaning product periodically can help performance. Beyond that, it's best to contact a pro."

DIY vs. Hire a Professional

Since dishwashers require plumbing and electricity to work, it's best to hire a professional for repairs. Appliance repair technicians can properly assess and diagnose the problem and get your dishwasher up and running once again. They can also tell you if replacing or repairing your unit is better. 

While repairing a dishwasher averages between $160 and $300, replacing a dishwasher costs $670 to $1,270. For more minor repairs on a dishwasher that's only a few years old, repairing probably makes more sense than replacing. Find an appliance repair technician near you for a professional opinion.

FAQs

What is the average life expectancy of a dishwasher?

Dishwashers typically last between nine to 10 years and could last up to 12 years. The time a dishwasher lasts depends on the brand, how well it's maintained, and how frequently you use it.

Do dishwashers have two pumps?

Most dishwashers have one pump that separates into two sections. The first compartment is for moving the water around and the second is for draining water.

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

You may need to replace your heating element if your dishes are soaking wet after running them through the dishwasher. However, make sure your appliance settings are set to dry your dishes. Some models have an option to skip heat drying, which would leave your dishes wet after cleaning.