Dishwasher Repair Cost: What to Expect in 2026
A broken dishwasher means hand-washing dishes, wasting water, and losing precious time. The good news is that most dishwasher repairs are relatively affordable, ranging from $100 to $400 with an average cost of about $230. This guide walks you through the costs of every common dishwasher repair so you know exactly what to expect.
Common Dishwasher Repair Costs
Dishwashers are simpler machines than many people think, which keeps repair costs manageable for most issues.
- Door latch or switch: $80–$150. If your dishwasher will not start, a faulty door latch or switch is often the reason. The dishwasher must detect that the door is securely closed before it will begin a cycle.
- Drain pump: $150–$300. A failed drain pump prevents the dishwasher from emptying water at the end of the cycle. You will notice standing water in the bottom of the tub.
- Water inlet valve: $100–$250. This valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher. A failing valve can cause the machine to fill slowly, not fill at all, or leak.
- Spray arm replacement: $75–$150. Cracked or clogged spray arms result in dishes that are not getting clean. This is one of the cheapest dishwasher repairs.
- Wash motor or pump assembly: $200–$400. The wash motor powers the spray arms. When it fails, the dishwasher fills with water but does not wash.
- Heating element: $150–$300. The heating element heats water during the wash cycle and dries dishes at the end. A failed element means dishes come out wet and possibly not sanitized.
- Float switch: $80–$150. The float switch prevents the dishwasher from overfilling. A stuck or failed float can cause overfilling and leaks, or prevent the machine from filling at all.
- Detergent dispenser: $80–$175. If your detergent pod is still in the dispenser after a cycle, the latch mechanism has likely failed.
- Control board: $200–$400. The electronic brain of the dishwasher. When it malfunctions, the machine may not start, may stop mid-cycle, or may display error codes.
- Rack repair or replacement: $50–$150. Rusted or broken rack tines can snag dishes and damage the interior. Rack repair kits are a budget-friendly option, while full replacement costs more.
What Influences Dishwasher Repair Costs
The actual price you pay depends on several important factors.
Brand and Model Complexity
Basic dishwashers from Whirlpool, Frigidaire, or Amana use straightforward designs that are easy and affordable to repair. Mid-range models from GE, Samsung, and LG cost moderately more. Premium dishwashers from Bosch, Miele, and KitchenAid use advanced components and compact European-style engineering that can increase both parts and labor costs by 20–40%.
Built-In vs Portable
Built-in dishwashers are more common and more expensive to access for repairs because the technician must pull the unit out from under the countertop. Portable or countertop dishwashers are easier to work on but may have limited parts availability.
Parts Sourcing
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are always recommended for the best fit and longevity. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper but can void warranties and may not last as long. Your technician should always disclose whether they are using OEM or aftermarket parts.
Labor Rates
Labor is typically the largest portion of a dishwasher repair bill. Rates vary by region, with major metro areas charging $80–$120 per hour and smaller markets charging $60–$90 per hour. Most dishwasher repairs take 30–90 minutes.
Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Repair
Watch for these common warning signs:
- Dishes are not clean after a cycle: Could indicate a clogged spray arm, low water temperature, a failing wash motor, or a detergent dispenser issue.
- Standing water in the bottom: The drain pump or drain hose is likely clogged or failed.
- Leaking onto the floor: Check the door gasket, inlet valve, and hose connections first.
- Strange noises during operation: Grinding or humming sounds often point to a worn wash motor or a piece of broken glass in the pump.
- Dishwasher will not start: Could be the door latch, control board, or a power supply issue.
- Bad odor: Usually caused by food debris trapped in the filter or drain. Regular cleaning prevents this.
How to Save on Dishwasher Repairs
Smart homeowners can reduce their repair costs with these strategies:
- Clean the filter monthly. Most modern dishwashers have a manual filter that needs regular cleaning. A clogged filter is the number one cause of poor cleaning performance and can strain the drain pump.
- Run hot water before starting a cycle. Turn on the kitchen faucet and let hot water run for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher. This ensures the first fill is hot, improving cleaning and reducing cycle time.
- Inspect spray arms periodically. Remove spray arms and clear any debris from the nozzles. Toothpicks work well for this.
- Use the right detergent. Use only dishwasher-specific detergent. Regular dish soap creates excessive suds that can damage the machine.
- Address leaks immediately. A small leak today becomes water damage tomorrow.
Cost Comparison: Repair vs Replace
Dishwashers have an average lifespan of 9–12 years. Use this framework to decide between repair and replacement:
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher < 5 years old, repair < $300 | Repair |
| Dishwasher 5–9 years old, repair < $200 | Repair |
| Dishwasher 5–9 years old, repair > $300 | Consider replacing |
| Dishwasher > 10 years old, any major repair | Replace |
| Multiple repairs in the past year | Replace |
A new entry-level dishwasher costs $400–$600, while mid-range models run $600–$900. Factor in the cost of installation ($100–$200) when comparing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won't drain? Drain repairs typically cost $150–$300. The issue is usually a clogged drain hose ($100–$150 to clear) or a failed drain pump ($150–$300 to replace).
Is it worth repairing a dishwasher? For dishwashers under 7 years old, repairs costing less than $300 are almost always worth it. For older units, compare the repair cost to 50% of a new dishwasher's price.
How long does a dishwasher repair take? Most repairs are completed in 30–90 minutes during a single visit. Parts that need to be ordered may require a follow-up appointment.
Why is my dishwasher not cleaning well? The most common causes are a clogged filter, blocked spray arms, low water temperature, or a failing wash motor. Start by cleaning the filter and spray arms before calling for service.
Can I run a dishwasher with a broken door latch? No. The door latch is a safety feature. The dishwasher will not start if it does not detect a secure door closure, and attempting to bypass this is dangerous.
Dishwasher Maintenance That Prevents Costly Repairs
A little regular maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding expensive dishwasher repairs:
- Clean the filter monthly. This is the single most important maintenance task. A clogged filter causes poor cleaning, unpleasant odors, and can strain the drain pump.
- Run a vinegar cleaning cycle monthly. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run an empty hot cycle. This dissolves mineral deposits, grease, and odor-causing bacteria.
- Inspect and clean spray arms quarterly. Remove the arms and clear debris from the nozzle holes with a toothpick. Blocked nozzles cause poor water distribution and unclean dishes.
- Check the door gasket regularly. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and look for cracks, mold, or food debris. A degraded gasket leads to leaks.
- Scrape dishes, don't rinse. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food particles, but large chunks can clog the pump. Scrape heavy debris, but skip the pre-rinse to maintain proper soil sensing.
- Use quality detergent. Cheap detergent leaves residue and may not dissolve properly, leading to buildup on spray arms and filters.
Understanding Dishwasher Error Codes
Modern dishwashers display error codes that help diagnose problems:
- Bosch: E15 (water in base), E22 (filter clogged), E24/E25 (drain issue), E09 (heating)
- Samsung: 5E (drain error), 4E (water supply), HE (heating error), LE (leak detected)
- LG: OE (drain error), IE (water supply), LE (motor error), HE (heating)
- Whirlpool/KitchenAid: F2 E2 (water supply), F6 E4 (flow meter), F8 E2 (drain)
Error codes are a starting point for diagnosis. A qualified technician uses the code along with visual inspection and testing to determine the exact failed component and provide an accurate repair quote.
Trust EasyBear for Dishwasher Repair
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