How long do dishwashers last?

Signs your dishwasher is going bad.

Dishwasher issues can be frustrating, especially in a home that produces a lot of dirty dishes. Sometimes, a dishwasher is beyond repair — even an appliance repair professional may say there's no point in fixing it.

Here are some signs yours may be going bad and it's time for a new one:

• Frequent leaks
• Starting and stopping issues
• Poor drainage
• Unclean dishes
• Foul odors

Should you repair or replace your dishwasher?

You can easily fix some common dishwasher issues through troubleshooting or with the help of a dishwasher repair professional. Other times, you'll want to replace the entire appliance.

Here’s a look at how to handle the following dishwashing repair issues:

Dishwasher door won’t latch.

If your dishwasher door won’t close all the way, your dishwasher likely won't turn on at all. In this case, you’ll need to install a new door latch.

Signs it's time to replace your dishwasher: Sometimes, buying and installing a new latch isn’t possible. You may not be able to find a latch replacement. Or, the dishwasher may have warped to the point that swapping out a latch just won’t work.

Either way, it may be time to embrace the modern convenience of a new, high-quality dishwasher.

Severe mechanical issues.

Major mechanical and operational issues are difficult to fix yourself. The dishwasher manufacturer may replace your dishwasher if it’s under warranty. If you've had the appliance for 10 years or more, consider buying a newer model.

Signs it's time to replace your dishwasher: One major red flag is when a dishwasher’s control board no longer responds. If you recently serviced your dishwasher but it continues to stop working mid-cycle, replace it.

Heating element is malfunctioning.

Dishwashers use very hot water to effectively and safely clean dishes. It might be too hot to touch the clean dishes when you open the dishwasher door after a cycle. If the dishes are cold after a cycle, you may need to replace the heating element.

Signs it's time to replace your dishwasher: How much does it cost to repair your broken heating element? Compare that cost to the cost of buying and installing a new dishwasher.

Ask dishwasher technicians to provide quotes for repairing the heating element, including the cost of parts, equipment, and labor.

Excessive rust, mold, mildew or dirt.

You shouldn’t see rust in your dishwasher if it’s working properly, but various issues could lead to rust. Rust culprits include:

• Objects inside a dishwasher
• Water supply
• Water leaks

You can remove rust on your own by using citric acid to eliminate stains. However, you may need to replace your dishwasher racks even if you can remove the rust from them.

Mold and mildew might also appear in your dishwasher, causing terrible odors. You can remove mold and bad smells by deep cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda (don't use bleach). 

Signs it's time to replace your dishwasher: Are more of the dishwasher parts starting to corrode? Has the mold and mildew spread all over your appliance? If that’s the case, getting a replacement unit is probably better than repairing your dishwasher.

Dishwasher won’t drain.

A dishwasher that doesn’t drain properly could be a minor or a major problem that warrants repair or replacement.

It’s normal to see around 1 inch of standing water at the bottom of the tub. If there's more, it's possible that your dishwasher filter is clogged. After removing and cleaning the filters to remove food particles and debris, reinstall and test the system. You can also try cleaning your drain hose.

Signs it's time to replace your dishwasher: If that doesn’t work, the drain may be clogged, crumbled, or cracked. You can hire a dishwasher repair professional to unclog your drain. But if it’s beyond repair, you may need to replace the dishwasher.

Related: Dishwasher won't drain? Here's how to unclog and clean it.

Leaking dishwasher.

A variety of issues can cause dishwasher leaks, including using the incorrect detergent or overloading a dishwasher. The door seal may also be cracked or ripped.

You may be able to repair leaks by fixing a load or detergent problem. Or you may need to have the dishwasher door seal professionally repaired.

Signs it's time to replace your dishwasher: If the door seal is beyond repair (or if you fixed the seal and there's still a leak), it may be time to get a new dishwasher.

Related: How to install your new dishwasher (and remove the old one).

How to extend the life of your dishwasher.

Basic maintenance can help increase your dishwasher's average lifespan. Remember these tips to help you care for your appliance:

• Remove food scraps from your dishes before loading them into your dishwasher.
• Use a detergent that’s manufacturer recommended.
• Avoid using too much detergent.
• Load your dishwasher according to manufacturer specifications.
• Don’t overload the dishwasher.
• Replace broken components, such as door seals, quickly.
• Regularly clean and rinse the dishwasher filter, according to manufacturer instructions.
• Deep clean your dishwasher once a month.
• After the drying cycle completes, open the dishwasher door to air dry the dishwasher's interior and help prevent mold.
• Familiarize yourself with your dishwasher’s components so you can use it correctly and identify repair issues more quickly.

As your dishwasher ages, the cost of repairing it may exceed the cost of purchasing a more efficient model. If you're not sure which route to take, a dishwasher repair service can help.

Find dishwasher repair and installation services near you.

For dishwasher issues you can’t fix yourself, hire a dishwasher repair professional to help on Thumbtack. These pros understand the mechanics of many popular dishwasher brands. They’ll have expertise in plumbing to help identify and fix issues like clogged drains.

You can also find installation services to help you discard your old unit and hook up your new dishwasher. Start your next home project today by downloading the Thumbtack app.