Is it worth repairing a dishwasher?

Repair a dishwasher for a small, cheap fix such as a clogged filter, a kinked drain hose or a worn part on a machine that is otherwise sound. Replace it when the written quote gets close to the price of a comparable new machine, or when the dishwasher is old and failing in more than one way. The quote and the machine's age and history decide it, not a single rule of thumb.

Fixes that are nearly always worth doing

Some faults are small and worth fixing on almost any dishwasher:

• Dirty dishes, smells or a gritty film. These are often a neglected filter. See how to clean a dishwasher filter. Whirlpool says many "clogged dishwasher" complaints originate from neglected filters or food debris in the sump.^[1]
• Water left in the bottom. Whirlpool lists a clogged filter, debris in the sump, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a problem at the garbage disposal or sink connection, or a jammed drain pump as frequent causes.^[1] Most of those are cheap.
• A worn part such as a door gasket or spray arm. A modest part on a sound machine is a good repair.

Signs it is time to replace

Replacement tends to win when:

• The quote is close to the price of a new dishwasher. Set the written repair quote beside a comparable new model. The nearer they are, the weaker the case for repair.
• The pump, motor or control board has failed. These are the costliest repairs, and on an older machine another part is often close behind. Whirlpool notes that, less commonly, a malfunctioning timer, drain solenoid (on certain older designs), or control board can interrupt the drain cycle.^[1]
• It has needed repeated repairs. A second or third fault in a short time usually means more are coming.
• Parts are hard to get. Waiting weeks for a part for an old model leaves you washing by hand and risks a bill for a repair that does not last.
• It leaks from the tub or door seal and the cabinet floor is damaged. Fix the leak path and the cabinet before the new machine goes in.

What a new dishwasher can save you

A newer machine is not only about avoiding repairs. ENERGY STAR says standard-size dishwashers that have earned the ENERGY STAR are approximately 20% more energy efficient and 30% more water efficient than standard models.^[2] It adds that a certified standard-sized dishwasher costs about $50 per year to run and can save you about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime.^[2]

If your dishwasher is old and inefficient, those savings tip a borderline repair toward replacement. If it is a recent, efficient model with a small fault, they matter less. Either way, a dishwasher beats washing by hand: ENERGY STAR says a new certified machine uses less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand and saves 8,400 gallons of water a year.^[2]

Check these before you decide

1. Warranty. A dishwasher still covered may be repaired or replaced at no cost, so check the maker's terms and your receipt first.
2. A written quote. The Virginia Board for Contractors advises getting at least three written bids or estimates so you can compare, and not automatically accepting the lowest.^[3] The advice is written for home projects, but it works for an appliance repair too.
3. What the quote covers. The fault, the part, the labor, any visit fee and any warranty on the work.
4. The old dishwasher. If you replace it, ask the seller or installer whether they haul the old one away.

Stop and call a pro if

• Water is leaking from inside the machine or pooling around it. Turn off the supply valve and the power, and call for service.
• There is a burning smell, damaged wiring or a breaker that trips repeatedly. Whirlpool says to stop and contact a qualified service technician.^[1]
• Replacing the dishwasher would mean new plumbing or wiring. In Virginia no individual may engage in, or offer to engage in, work as a tradesman unless licensed,^[4] and the trades are electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.^[5] Check the licence on the DPOR website first.

Getting help in Virginia

Read what dishwasher repair costs, browse appliance repair answers, or see appliance repair businesses on Loclis.

When you want a diagnosis and a written quote, describe the problem and local repair pros will respond.