The national average cost to repair a dishwasher ranges from $50 to $300. The total cost depends on the exact problem, price of replacement parts, and the amount of time it will take the appliance repair professional to do the job.
It's beyond frustrating to open your dishwasher on a busy morning, expecting to grab a sparkling clean coffee mug, only to find your dishes still caked with last night's dinner, or a puddle of grimy water sitting in the tub because the water won't drain. Next to the pile of dirty dishes, the most stressful thing about a dishwasher malfunction is wondering how the unplanned repair will affect your budget.
Whether your dishwasher has a leak, the dishwasher door won't latch, or it's simply not cleaning dishes properly, a technician can help. Before you hire someone to fix this appliance, read this cost guide to get an idea of typical appliance repair costs and help you decide whether to hire a professional to fix your dishwasher or buy a new one.
What's in this cost guide?
What impacts the cost to repair a dishwasher?
Dishwasher repairs cost between $50 and $300 on average, depending on what's wrong and how long it takes to fix. The total includes an initial inspection, troubleshooting, replacements, and labor for the repair.
For example, a Thumbtack pro in Columbus, OH who specializes in repairing appliances charges a $70 trip and diagnosis fee, plus a flat rate for labor based on the problem and parts. The company's owner, Matthew Fitch, says his average dishwasher repair ranges from $120 to $230.
Types of dishwasher problems
The type of dishwasher problem will also impact repair costs. For example, replacing a gasket or cleaning a pump will be a different price than fixing a leaking hose. Here are a few examples of common dishwasher problems their cost to repair, provided by Fitch:
- Tripped breaker or parental lock on: $70
- Leak or improper draining due to blockage: $100-$110
- Door latch problem: $130-$200
- Control board or motor issue: $300-$350
One of the most common problems Fitch sees is a dishwasher not draining due to broken glass in the pump, he says. This is usually an easy fix, and costs only a trip fee plus labor.
Other common reasons for with dishwasher problems include:
- Water leaking at the bottom
- Drain issues
- Improper cleaning
- Water puddling in the bottom of the tray or incomplete drainage
- Broken seals on the interior and exterior of the door
Hourly rates
Most appliance repair specialists charge a flat rate to go to your home and diagnose the problem, plus an hourly charge for the repair. A trip fee is typically $40 to $80, and the national average for labor ranges from $35 to $85 per hour. “Most jobs are between 30 and 90 minutes," Fitch says, so you're not likely to rack up a bill that's more than a few hundred dollars.
Some appliance repair companies will credit the initial diagnosis and trip fee back to you if you have them do the repair. For example, a Thumbtack pro in Olathe, KS, charges a $39 service call fee, but will waive it if you hire them to fix your appliance.
Similarly, another Thumbtack pro and appliance repairer in Buford, GA charges a $79.99 diagnosis fee, which they will apply to the total if you hire them for the job. They perform service on a variety of dishwasher brands, including GE dishwashers, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Bosch, Electrolux, Samsung, and Jenn-Air.
The Ohio-based appliance specialist charges an initial trip fee of $70 and then charges labor separately as a flat rate of $30 to $100, depending on the complexity of the fix.
How much do dishwasher replacement parts cost?
For some issues, such as a broken dishwasher door spring or gasket, you'll also need to pay to replace the parts. The cost of a replacement depends on the parts, as well as the make and model of dishwasher. Some replacement parts are relatively inexpensive while others can really add to your total bill.
Here are a few examples of typical dishwasher replacement part prices:
| Part | Description | Average Price |
| Gasket | Gaskets usually prevent leaking and may need to be replaced if there's a dishwasher leak. | $2-$30 |
| Access panel | The access panel is the part directly below your dishwasher door. | $15-$30 |
| Door seal | Also called a tub gasket, the door seal may have to be replaced if your washer is leaking. | $5-$40 |
| Spray arm | The spray arm is the part that sprays water to clean your dishes. If it's not cleaning or rinsing your dishes properly, it may need to be replaced. | $30 |
| Drain pump | The drain pump is what pumps water into the spray arms during cleaning, and out of the washer to drain it. If your washer isn't draining or cleaning properly, it could be a problem with the pump. | $70 |
| Heating element | If your dishes aren't drying, it could be a problem with your heating element, which does more than just heat water. | $35-$200 |
| Dishwasher rack | The dishwasher rack is the part that holds your dishes. | $150-$200 |
| Motor | The motor controls the drain pump. Draining and cleaning issues could be a problem with either the motor or the pump. | $100-$200 |
| Control board | This is the command center of your washer, and controls everything from wash cycle to temperature. | $100-$300 |
| Hose | The hose is what brings water from the water source to your washer. | $10-$20 |
| Tub | Usually made of stainless steel or plastic, the tub is in the bottom, interior of your machine. | $150-$320 |
If you don't need to replace anything, that's a best-case scenario that can keep the cost of your repair to $100 or less.
Will the brand of my dishwasher affect the cost of repair?
The average cost to diagnose problems for more expensive, older, or high-end models ranges from $80 to $100. Examples of brands that make some of these higher-end dishwashers include Bosch, KitchenAid, and Thermador. "They're a little more technical, but sometimes you get extended warranties on control boards and certain parts," says Ohio-based pro, Fitch.
Very old dishwashers also can be costly to repair because diagnosis can be more difficult and parts harder to find.
Is it worth repairing my dishwasher?
Not always. The average lifespan of a dishwasher is nine years and if it's getting old, you may save money and future hassles by upgrading to a new model instead.
Even with newer models, a replacement may be less expensive than a repair. If you're not sure if it's worth repairing, an appliance repair company can help you determine whether or not you're better off with a replacement.
“I usually inspect, diagnose, and then give the customer all the options," Fitch says. “I will give them my honest opinion on whether to repair or replace it with a new dishwasher."
If your dishwasher is still under warranty, a repair is generally your best option. However, most dishwasher warranties last only one year.
How can I save money on dishwasher repair?
Fixing a leaky dishwasher or door that won't close properly doesn't have to break the bank. To save money on repairs, use the following tips:
- Check your warranty. See if it will cover any or all of the repairs you need.
- Prevent dishwasher disasters: Wash delicate glassware by hand, because broken glass in the pump is a common cause of a dishwasher not draining.
- Take on do-it-yourself repairs: You may be able to perform a simple dishwasher repair yourself with a few basic tools and the help of an online DIY. For example, you may be able to easily remove food clogging the drain basket without a technician.
- Compare dishwasher repair costs: Contact a few appliance repair companies in your area to compare prices for diagnosis and repairs. Look for a company that will credit the initial fee if you hire them for the repair.
- Read appliance repair company reviews: Research what other customers are saying to choose a reliable dishwasher repair company that can troubleshoot the problem right the first time. Nothing's worse than having an appliance break twice.
For most people, fixing a troublesome dishwasher (or any appliance) is not a DIY project. Fortunately, there are technicians who can inspect, troubleshoot, and fix dishwasher problems. Look for an appliance and dishwasher repair specialist near you on Thumbtack to get your dishwasher up and running again.
