Is It Worth Repairing My Dishwasher?
The honest answer depends on age, repair cost, and what's broken. Get a virtual second opinion from a 35-year expert for $49.
Dishwashers sit in an interesting spot on the repair-vs-replace spectrum. Repairs typically run $100-300, and a decent replacement is $400-900. Because dishwashers are relatively affordable to replace, the 50% rule kicks in sooner. But the flip side is that most dishwasher repairs are also cheap — well under that 50% threshold. Let's break it down.
How long should a dishwasher last?
Average lifespan: 10 years (range: 8-12 years)
For dishwashers, the 50% threshold is $200-450 (half of replacement cost). Most individual repairs fall below this, but if you're looking at multiple repairs at once — say a pump and a control board — the total can cross that line.
Common dishwasher repairs and what they cost
Drain pump
$100-250Standing water in the bottom is usually a failed drain pump. The part is $40-80, and the repair is straightforward.
Worth repairing? Yes
Water inlet valve
$80-200If the dishwasher won't fill with water, the inlet valve is the usual suspect. Cheap part, quick repair.
Worth repairing? Yes
Door latch/switch
$50-150Dishwasher won't start? The door latch is the first thing to check. One of the cheapest repairs possible.
Worth repairing? Yes, always
Spray arm or wash motor
$100-250Dishes not getting clean usually means blocked spray arms or a weak wash motor. Both are affordable fixes.
Worth repairing? Yes
Heating element
$100-250Needed for drying and some wash cycles. Worth replacing on newer dishwashers; on older ones, consider whether you can live without heated dry.
Worth repairing? Yes, if under 8 years
Control board
$200-400At $200-400, a control board on a $400 dishwasher doesn't make sense. On a $900 Bosch? Worth it.
Worth repairing? Only on newer or premium models
Tub leak/seal
$200-350Leaking from the bottom can mean a failed tub gasket. If the dishwasher is under 6 years old, fix it. Over 8? Replacement territory.
Worth repairing? Borderline
Almost always worth repairing
- Door latch or switch ($50-150) — cheapest dishwasher repair
- Water inlet valve ($80-200) — simple fix for filling problems
- Drain pump ($100-250) — fixes standing water issues
- Spray arm replacement ($30-80) — quick DIY fix for poor cleaning
Probably not worth repairing
- Control board + pump failure together on a machine over 7 years old
- Tub leaks on dishwashers over 8 years old
- Rack rust-through on both racks (rack replacements are $80-150 each but indicate overall age)
- Motor failure on a bottom-tier model — repair approaches replacement cost
The dishwasher's dirty secret: most problems aren't mechanical
Before you assume your dishwasher is broken, check the basics. Dishes not getting clean? Clean the filter (yes, your dishwasher has a filter — check the bottom). Not draining? Clear the drain hose and check the garbage disposal connection. These 'repairs' cost nothing and solve the problem more often than you'd think.
When replacement makes sense
If your dishwasher is over 9 years old and needs a repair over $200, seriously consider replacement. Newer dishwashers use 30-40% less water and energy than models from 10+ years ago. The operating cost savings can offset the purchase price over 3-5 years.
What you'll get
- Diagnosis of why your dishwasher isn't cleaning, draining, or starting
- Part numbers and cost estimates for the repair
- Whether it's a DIY fix (many dishwasher repairs are)
- Recommendation on repair vs. replace based on your model and age
Simple pricing
Pick your level
Both include a written report with diagnosis, parts list, and fix-vs-replace recommendation.
Diagnosis
$49
15 minutes
- Live video call with Simon's team
- Expert diagnosis of your appliance issue
- Parts list with part numbers & prices
- Fix-vs-replace recommendation
- Written report emailed to you
Best for: "Tell me what's wrong and what I need"
Guided Repair
$79
30 minutes
- Everything in Diagnosis, plus:
- Step-by-step repair walkthrough on video
- Real-time guidance as you do the repair
- Safety checks before & after
- Extended time if needed ($29/15min)
Best for: "Walk me through fixing it myself"
Can't diagnose it? You don't pay. · In SoCal? $49 credited toward in-home repair.
FAQ
My dishwasher has standing water in the bottom — is it done?+
Probably not. Standing water usually means a failed drain pump ($100-250) or a clogged drain line ($0 if you clear it yourself). Check if the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed when installed — a surprising number of 'broken' dishwashers are actually just plumbing issues.
My dishwasher is 10 years old — repair or replace?+
At 10 years, you're at the average lifespan. For repairs under $150 (latch, valve, simple pump), go ahead and fix it. For anything over $200, the newer energy efficiency alone might justify a replacement.
Are Bosch dishwashers worth repairing?+
Usually yes. Bosch dishwashers cost $700-1,800 to replace, so the 50% threshold is higher ($350-900). Parts are available and the build quality means repairs tend to add more lifespan than on cheaper brands.
Can you diagnose a dishwasher over video?+
Yes. Dishwashers are actually one of the easiest appliances to diagnose over video. We'll have you run a cycle while we watch and listen, check the filter, inspect the spray arms, and look at error codes. Most issues are identifiable within 10 minutes.
Diagnose by Appliance
Need in-home repair?
In SoCal? Your $49 video fee is credited toward an in-home repair.
Learn about in-home service