How Much Does Dishwasher Repair Cost?
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How Much Does Dishwasher Repair Cost? and hope the blog can help you.
A broken dishwasher can disrupt the flow of a home and result in unexpected repairs. Dishwasher repair cost ranges from $50 to $600, with the national average at $215.
Highlights
- Homeowners can typically expect to pay between $50 and $600 for dishwasher repair, with the national average cost at $215.
- Some of the main factors that affect dishwasher repair cost include the type of repair, the age and brand of the dishwasher, the type of problem, and the cost of labor.
- There are several signs for homeowners to watch for that may signal dishwasher repair is needed, such as unclean dishes, lukewarm or cold dishes, water leaks, rust, unusual noises, and a malfunctioning door latch or pump.
- A homeowner who has experience repairing appliances may be able to perform a DIY dishwasher repair, but many homeowners prefer to leave this task to a professional who is familiar with appliance repair and working with electricity and plumbing.
Dishwasher on the fritz?
Maybe it's time to call an appliance repair pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from services near you.
For many people, the dishwasher is the most used home appliance. Not only does it clean the dishes but it can save 230 hours, or almost 10 full days a year, by tackling the job of washing dishes, glassware, pots, and pans. When an old dishwasher starts showing signs of age, it may be time to do some dishwasher troubleshooting to find out what needs to be repaired. How much does it cost to repair a dishwasher? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, dishwasher repair costs range from $50 to $600, with the national average at $215. When the time comes to fix a dishwasher, calling in a dishwasher repairman is usually the first response. Dishwasher repair pros will typically recommend replacing a malfunctioning or broken part instead of repairing it since it’s often the most cost-effective option, depending on the dishwasher lifespan. A dishwasher service technician will typically charge between $70 and $100 an hour to repair a broken dishwasher. The overall cost to replace dishwasher parts depends on the dishwasher brand, age of the dishwasher, whether the machine is still under warranty, the type of repair or part that’s needed, and the service technician’s level of experience. This guide will examine the important factors that influence dishwasher repair cost, additional costs and considerations that can change the overall price of repairs, the various types of dishwasher repairs, and some frequently asked questions about dishwasher repairs.
Factors in Calculating Dishwasher Repair Cost
While many homeowners spend between $50 and $600 to repair a dishwasher, the overall price can vary from the national average of $215 based on a few important factors. These can include repair type, dishwasher age, dishwasher brand, problem type, and local labor prices.
Repair Type
The type of repair that a dishwasher needs is the main factor that influences the repair cost. A pump replacement can cost from $150 to $350, while the cost to replace the motor can range from $400 to $600. Some of the most common dishwasher replacement parts are the control panel, door latch, door spring, drain hose, filter, heating element, motor, pump, rubber gasket, soap dispenser, sprayer arm, tray, and water inlet valve. Each of these types of repairs is discussed in a section below along with the average price range.
Dishwasher Age
An older dishwasher may be more expensive to repair than a newer model. This is because the parts for an older dishwasher are harder to find than for a new dishwasher. For many people, buying a new dishwasher may make more financial sense than paying to repair an older model, since the average dishwasher price can equal the cost of repairs very quickly.
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 9 or 10 years, depending on how well it’s maintained, the brand, and how often it’s used. Some dishwashers can last 12 years or more with careful maintenance and care.
Dishwasher Brand
There are many dishwasher manufacturers, and the price to repair dishwashers from each manufacturer differs due to the quality and technology of the parts. Machines from high-end dishwasher brands, such as KitchenAid and LG, tend to be the most expensive to repair since the electronic parts are more complicated, and in turn, more expensive to replace. Mid-range dishwasher brands, such as Maytag, Kenmore, and Frigidaire, typically have a longer lifespan and their parts are more expensive than those of the more budget-friendly options, such as Bosch and Whirlpool. Below are the average price ranges to repair some of the most popular dishwasher brands.
| Dishwasher Brand | Average Price Range for Repairs (Labor Included) |
| Bosch | $50 to $450 |
| Frigidaire | $50 to $500 |
| Kenmore | $50 to $550 |
| KitchenAid | $50 to $600 |
| LG | $50 to $600 |
| Maytag | $50 to $500 |
| Whirlpool | $50 to $400 |
Problem Type
While there may be an obvious problem, such as the dishwasher will not fill with water or the machine leaves a residue on the dishes, the part that’s causing the issue may not be as apparent. That’s why it’s important for a homeowner to call in a dishwasher expert for appliance repair in the home. Below are some of the most common dishwasher problems and the average price range for the repair costs.
| Dishwasher Issue | Average Repair Cost (Including Labor) |
| Bad odor | $50 to $400 |
| Broken dishwasher door | $150 to $600 |
| Cracked dishwasher handle | $50 to $150 |
| Dish residue | $50 to $300 |
| Dishwasher door leaks | $50 to $300 |
| Dishwasher will not drain | $50 to $400 |
| Dishwasher will not fill with water | $75 to $600 |
| Dishwasher will not start | $100 to $600 |
- Bad odor. Repairing a dishwasher that has a bad odor costs between $50 and $400, depending on the cause. The remedy for a smelly dishwasher can be as simple as cleaning the filter; however, a bad odor could signal a more serious problem, such as a drain hose or pump issue. An offensive odor can result from stagnant water inside the machine that’s causing bacteria growth; this can be a serious health hazard.
- Broken dishwasher door. Fixing a broken dishwasher door ranges from $150 to $600, depending on the brand and model of machine. It’s important to address a broken door since it can trigger water to leak, which can damage the floor and surrounding cabinets. Doors can break as a result of age or due to a significant impact. Doors on high-end dishwashers will be the most expensive to replace.
- Cracked dishwasher handle. Dishwasher handles can be repaired if the issue is with the hardware; otherwise the handle will need to be replaced. The cost to repair a handle ranges from $50 to $150. While a dishwasher handle is designed to stand up to repeated use, the handle can fail due to age or strong impacts.
- Dish residue. Residue can be left behind on dishes for a few reasons, such as hard water, not using the correct detergent or rinse aid, a dirty dishwasher filter, or a faulty heating element. Fixing this issue costs between $50 and $150, depending on the complexity of the repair. Making adjustments in the control panel or installing a water- softening system in the home can fix the water issue, or the heating element may need to be replaced if the water isn’t heated to a high enough temperature to eliminate food residue in the machine.
- Dishwasher door leaks. The cost to fix a leaking dishwasher door ranges from $50 to $300. A leak in the door can be caused by a drain hose leak, broken or cracked seals around the door, or problems with the tub. The overall price hinges on the actual cause, and it’s recommended to fix this problem promptly to avoid water damage to the floor and surrounding cabinetry.
- Dishwasher will not drain. Fixing a dishwasher that will not drain runs from $50 to $400. An early sign of drainage issues can be an unpleasant smell, which points to standing water in the machine. The cause of drainage problems can be a clogged filter or an issue with the drain hose or the pump.
- Dishwasher will not fill with water. A repair for a dishwasher that won’t fill with water will cost about $75 to $600. Relatively minor issues can cause this problem, such as an old inlet valve or a problem with the float, if the dishwasher has one. A failing or broken motor would be a more expensive fix.
- Dishwasher will not start. A dishwasher that will not turn on is one of the more expensive repairs, and it can cost from $100 to $600. Repairs on the lower end of the cost range might be for an error message from the control panel regarding issues with the door switch or a clogged filter. If the motor has stopped working, it may be worth it to replace the machine with a more efficient model instead of paying for costly dishwasher motor replacement.
Labor
The more involved the dishwasher repairs, the longer they will take, which results in more expensive labor costs. Dishwasher repair professionals typically charge between $70 and $100 per hour, and this rate varies based on their level of experience and expertise. Labor pricing is typically more expensive in densely populated urban areas that have a higher cost of living than it would be for more rural locations around the country.
Don't be stuck with a broken dishwasher
Maybe it's time to call an appliance repair pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from services near you.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for dishwasher repair costs, many homeowners will discover that there are additional price factors and considerations that can impact the overall cost, causing it to be higher or lower than the national average of $215. These can include dishwasher repair versus replacement cost, service fees, accessibility, and whether the dishwasher is still under warranty.
Dishwasher Repair vs. Replacement
There are times when repairing a dishwasher makes more financial sense than paying for a full replacement. If a gasket or seal needs to be replaced, it’s typically a budget-friendly repair, but if the machine is older and requires multiple repairs, replacing it for a more energy-efficient model may make more sense. If a dishwasher is less than 5 years old, the replacement parts will typically be easier to find and purchase.
Service Fee
Many dishwasher repair technicians will charge a service fee of $35 to $100 to troubleshoot the appliance. If the homeowner decides to hire them to make the repairs, they will typically apply the service fee to the total repair bill. On the other hand, if the homeowner decides to go with someone else for the repairs or forgoes the repairs altogether, the service fee will be charged for the time and effort it takes to diagnose the dishwasher problem.
Accessibility
If the dishwasher is difficult to access due to new flooring that was installed after the dishwasher was inserted between the cabinets, the repair costs and labor fees might be more expensive. When the dishwasher is hard to access or it can’t be pulled out from the cabinetry, it can delay the repairs and drive up the overall costs.
Warranty
It’s always a good idea for a homeowner to double-check to see if the dishwasher is still under the manufacturer’s warranty. If it is, the cost of repairs may be covered. Homeowners will want to read the warranty carefully and be sure to schedule a dishwasher repair technician via the approved contact method to avoid any surprise charges. A manufacturer may void its warranty if maintenance has been neglected and the problem resulted from a homeowner ignoring obvious issues. A policy from one of the best home warranty companies, such as American Home Shield or AFC Home Club, may also cover the cost of dishwasher repairs and labor after the policyholder has paid a service fee.
Types of Dishwasher Repairs
To repair a dishwasher, the broken part needs to be replaced. The overall cost of the replacement depends on the part, how difficult it is to purchase the part, and how long the replacement job takes. Below are some common dishwasher replacement parts and their average price ranges.
| Dishwasher Replacement Part | Average Price Range for Materials and Installation |
| Control panel | $200 to $500 |
| Door latch | $150 to $250 |
| Door spring | $50 to $150 |
| Drain hose | $50 to $100 |
| Filter | $50 to $130 |
| Heating element | $150 to $300 |
| Motor | $400 to $600 |
| Pump | $150 to $400 |
| Rubber gasket | $50 to $150 |
| Soap dispenser | $50 to $80 |
| Sprayer arm | $75 to $150 |
| Tray | $50 to $150 |
| Water inlet valve | $75 to $150 |
Control Panel Replacement
The cost to replace a dishwasher control panel ranges from $200 to $500. As one of the most important parts of a dishwasher, the control panel is in charge of the temperature, cycle selection, timing, and programming. If the control panel simply needs to be readjusted or reset, the repair can cost as little as $50.
Door Latch Replacement
Replacing a door latch assembly can cost between $150 to $250. Since the door latch keeps the dishwasher door closed during the wash cycle, the machine will not work unless the latch is working properly.
Door Spring Replacement
A dishwasher door spring replacement costs from $50 to $150. Door springs can fail due to repetitive operation, or they can corrode with age. If a dishwasher door doesn’t open and close gently but falls to the floor quickly, the door spring is most likely to blame.
Drain Hose Replacement
It can cost from $50 to $100 to replace a drain hose. A dishwasher drain hose carries away dirty water and food debris. If the drain hose is blocked, the water will not drain properly and water will build up in the bottom of the dishwasher and possibly leak onto the floor.
Filter Replacement
Replacing a filter ranges from $50 to $130. The filter has the important job of catching food particles so they don’t end up clogging the drain or staying behind on the dishes and glassware. If there is a gritty residue or food particles on the dishes, the filter may be failing and may need to be replaced.
Heating Element Replacement
Replacing a heating element can cost from $150 to $300. The heating element not only heats the water to clean and sanitize the dishes, but it also heats the air for a spotless finish. A dishwasher may still run even if there is a failing heating element, but the dishes will not be clean or dry at the end of the cycle. If the heating element has stopped working, it will often short the electrical circuit, resulting in an inoperable dishwasher.
Motor Replacement
Replacing the motor, which is the most expensive part of a dishwasher, can run from $400 to $600. This is an expensive repair because the parts are costly and it takes a significant amount of time to take out the broken motor and install a new one. Many homeowners will choose to buy a new, more efficient dishwasher rather than replace the motor.
Pump Replacement
It typically costs between $150 to $400 to replace a pump on a dishwasher, but depending on the brand and type of dishwasher, it can cost as much as $400 to $600. A dishwasher pump pulls the wastewater out of the machine and into the drain pipe. If the water isn’t draining out of the dishwasher, the pump could be to blame.
Not sure what's wrong with the dishwasher?
Maybe it's time to call an appliance repair pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from services near you.