How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Dishwasher?

The dishwasher is one of the greatest inventions in the kitchen appliance industry. It not only saves time but also makes the process of washing dishes quick and easy. All you need to do is toss your dirty dishes in the dishwasher and it will do the rest for you. However, because of the demanding task that dishwashers perform, they are more likely to break down, especially if the machine is quite old. Common dishwasher problems include things like water leakage, drain issues, door not latching properly, dishes not getting cleaned properly, and dishes not drying properly. One common question that many people usually ask is how much does it cost to repair a dishwasher? If you are one of them then today you are in the right place. In this article, we will discuss in detail the average cost to repair a dishwasher.

How much does it cost to repair a dishwasher?

The cost of repairing a double drawer dishwasher varies depending on various factors including the issue that needs to be fixed, your location and experience of the repair technician, the dishwasher make and model, and much more. However, the average cost of repairing a dishwasher is between $160 and $400. Sometimes the cost of fixing the dishwasher can go as high as $600 if the damage is huge and complex to repair.

Factors that determine the cost of dishwasher repair

As stated earlier, the cost of repairing the dishwasher is not fixed, it varies depending on many factors. In this section, we will discuss crucial factors that determine the cost of dishwasher repair.

• The issue that needs to be fixed

The problem that needs to be fixed will determine the total repair costs. For instance, the cost of fixing a broken door latch is different from the cost of fixing a broken dishwasher pump. Some problems can cost as low as $30 to fix while other problems can cost up to $600 to fix. Dishwasher parts that are most costly to repair or replace include the filter, sprayer arm, pump seal, and heating element.

• Dishwasher age

Another factor that will determine how much it will cost to have your dishwasher fixed is the age of the dishwasher. The average lifespan of most dishwashers is about 10 years. If your countertop dishwasher is more than 7 years old, then finding spare parts can be a bit challenging and that can increase the cost of repair. Finding spare parts for older dishwasher models is often difficult and thus more expensive to repair compared to newer dishwasher models.

• Labor costs

Another factor that will influence the cost of fixing your dishwashers is labor costs. The cost of labor is influenced by many factors, including the experience of the technician, the complexity of the problem that needs to be fixed, and your location. For example, you will pay more on labor costs if you hire a more experienced technician to repair your single drawer dishwasher compared to hiring a less experienced technician. On the other hand, if you choose to repair your dishwasher on your own, then your overall repair costs will reduce because you will save on labor costs.

• Dishwasher brand and model

Your dishwasher brand and model will also determine the repair costs. For instance, premium brands like Bosch, Whirlpool, Kenmore Elite, and Samsung dishwasher are more costly to repair compared to low-end brands. High-end models from any brand are also more costly to repair compared to low-end models. If your damaged dishwasher is from a premium brand and it is a high-end model, then it will cost you more to have it repaired.

Dishwasher repair vs. dishwasher replacement, which is the best option?

The best option to choose depends on many factors including the extent of damage and age. If the cost of fixing the broken part is low, then repairing the dishwasher is the best option. On the other hand, if the cost of repair is nearly the same as buying a brand new dishwasher, then the best option, in this case, is to replace it.

If the extent of damage is huge or if your dishwasher is more than 7 years old, then the best thing to do is replace it with a brand new one. Although the cost of buying a brand new one is much higher than the cost of repair, in the long run, it will be much cheaper because you will not again worry that the dishwasher will break down. However, if your dishwasher is relatively new and the damage is minimal and costs less to repair, then you should have it repaired.

DIY vs. hiring an expert, which is the best option?

DIY will help you save on labor costs thus bringing your overall repair costs down. However, this option should only be taken if you know what you are doing. Sometimes cheap can turn out to be expensive. Your efforts to save on labor costs can end up creating more problems that could cost you more money to fix. So, if the problem at hand is complex and beyond your knowledge, then the best option is to hire an expert to fix the problem for you. Although this option will increase your overall repair costs, you will be certain that your dishwasher will be fixed properly. If the issue at hand is complex and difficult for you to diagnose and repair, then it is best if you hire a professional to do the job.

Is it worth fixing a damaged dishwasher?

YES, it is worth fixing your dishwasher, but only if it is not old (less than 5 years old) and it is still covered by a warranty. It is also worth repairing your dishwasher if the repair costs less than 50% of the machine’s value. If your dishwasher is older (more than 7 years old) or if the cost of repair is almost the same as buying a new unit, then you should consider buying a new dishwasher.

Final thoughts

If your dishwasher has broken down and you are wondering how much it will cost to have it fixed, you now have the answer. The average cost of fixing a damaged dishwasher ranges between $160 and $400. Talk to an expert to help you determine the exact amount you will spend to fix your dishwasher.