A drain obstruction, inlet valve, latch or rack part may justify repair; repeated leaks, tub damage, unavailable controls or multiple failures may not. Include cabinet/floor water damage and installation corrections in the decision. First, identify the first leak or failed circuit, age, parts availability, prior repairs and labor warranty.
What this covers
- A dishwasher with a confirmed failure and itemized estimate
What it does not cover
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedEstablish the exact starting state
ReversibleIdentify the first leak or failed circuit, age, parts availability, prior repairs and labor warranty.
Separate the fault or decision boundary
ReversibleExclude a blocked disposal inlet, air gap, hose, supply valve or household drain before condemning the machine.
Apply the narrowest correction
ReversibleCompare the complete repair with replacement, installation, water-line and disposal/air-gap work.
Identify the fault, the age and the parts availability
ReversibleNote the first fault or leak, the machine's age, previous repairs and whether the parts are still sold. A drain blockage, an inlet valve or a latch are usually cheap fixes, while a cracked tub is not.
Rule out the simple household causes before paying
ReversibleCheck the disposal inlet, the air gap, the drain hose, the supply valve and the household drain, since they can look like a machine fault. Fixing one of them may cost nothing.
Compare the complete repair with the complete replacement
ReversibleAdd up the repair, including labor and any water damage, and compare it with a new machine plus installation, the water line and the disposal or air-gap work. Machines over about ten years old with a major fault are often better replaced.
Clean the filter and check the drain before you get a quote
ReversibleWhirlpool lists dirty dishes, odors and gritty dishes as signs of a dirty filter, which is a free fix.
Compare the repair with a new dishwasher's running cost, which is already low
ReversibleAt about $50 a year to run, ENERGY STAR's figure means efficiency is a small part of the decision; age and repeat failures matter more.
Verify before escalating
ReversibleAfter either choice, run a full cycle while inspecting fill, wash, drain, heat and every connection.
The numbers
Life expectancy and running costs for dishwashers
Dishwashers are the shortest-lived of the major appliances in InterNACHI's chart, and ENERGY STAR gives the running-cost figures.
- Expected life
- InterNACHI's life-expectancy chart gives a dishwasher 9 years.
- Running cost
- ENERGY STAR says a standard-size certified dishwasher costs about $50 a year to run and can save about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime.
- Against hand washing
- ENERGY STAR says a certified dishwasher uses less than half the energy of hand washing and saves 8,400 gallons of water a year, and that it heats water to 140 degrees for better disinfection.
- Filter first
- Whirlpool's maintenance page says to clean the filter monthly, and a dirty filter produces poor cleaning and odors that look like a failing machine.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Turn off the water and power and stop using the machine if it leaks, since water damage to the cabinet and floor is usually the costliest part.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “Should you repair or replace a dishwasher?”
How long should a dishwasher last?+
Commonly around ten years, depending on the model and use.
Is it worth repairing an older dishwasher?+
For a small repair such as a pump or a valve, yes. For a leaking tub, a failed control on an old machine or several faults, replacement is usually better.
What repairs can I do myself?+
Cleaning the filter, clearing the drain and checking the hose. Leave electrical and water-connected parts to a technician unless your manual describes them.
Will a new dishwasher fit my space?+
Standard built-in dishwashers share widths, but check the height, depth and connections before ordering.
Does a new dishwasher save much water?+
ENERGY STAR says a certified dishwasher saves about 5,800 gallons over its lifetime compared with a standard one, and 8,400 gallons a year compared with hand washing.
What repairs are usually cheap?+
Filters, spray arms, door latches and some inlet valves. Control boards and pumps cost more.
What repairs suggest replacement?+
A rusted tub, repeated leaks or multiple failures usually mean replacement is better value.