Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?
Most dishwasher faults — blocked filters, tired spray arms, worn seals — are minor and absolutely worth fixing on any unit under 7 years old. Pump, motor or control-board failures past 8 years are where replacement starts winning, especially as newer dishwashers cut water and electricity use significantly.
Updated April 25, 2026
- · Repair economics
- · Replacement price logic
- · Expected lifespan
- · Safety considerations
Live market data isn't available yet for this dishwasher
You can still get an honest repair-or-replace verdict — the calculator works fully with a manual replacement price. Here's how to estimate one well:
- ·Look up a comparable like-for-like new model from a reputable retailer.
- ·Avoid the cheapest unknown listings — they distort the benchmark.
- ·Include delivery, installation and disposal of the old unit.
- ·Subtract any realistic resale or trade-in value to get net replacement cost.
- ·Use a typical mid-range price, not the absolute cheapest or most premium.
We never show fabricated prices. If a live snapshot isn't there, it's because we don't have reliable offers for this category right now.
- · Replacement prices are fetched from configured live price providers when available.
- · The benchmark uses reliable in-stock offers — not the cheapest random listing.
- · Manual inputs are used when live data is unavailable; we never fabricate prices.
- · Repair costs are user-supplied unless clearly labelled as estimates.
- · Prices change. Always confirm before purchasing.
When repair makes sense — and when it doesn't
Repair when…
- ·Dishwasher is under 7 years old
- ·Fault is pump blockage, spray arm, seal, or heater
- ·Repair is under 30% of a new comparable model
- ·Otherwise quiet and reliable
Replace when…
- ·Motor, main pump, or PCB has failed and the unit is 8+ years old
- ·Multiple repairs in the last 2 years
- ·It's old and water/energy-inefficient
- ·Repair quote is above 50% of a new equivalent
Common dishwasher failures
Honest verdicts based on typical repair cost vs. remaining lifespan.
| Fault | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Not draining / blocked filter or pump | Repair | Often a low-cost service call; sometimes a DIY clean. |
| Not cleaning properly | Repair | Usually spray arms, jets, or detergent dispenser — cheap and quick. |
| Door seal leaking | Repair | Inexpensive part, big quality-of-life win. |
| Heating element failed | Repair if under 8 years old | Reasonable cost, but combined with age it can tip toward replacement. |
| Motor or main pump failed | Usually replace if 8+ years old | Big-ticket repair that competes with new mid-range pricing. |
Common problems that move the needle
These are the failure areas the TopOrHop calculator weighs when scoring your dishwasher. Severity and repair complexity directly influence the recommendation.
| Failure area | Severity | Repair complexity | Effect on recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter blockage | Usually minor | Low | Pushes the score toward repair — small cost, big remaining value. |
| Drain pump | Often moderate | Moderate | Decision depends on age and quote. Run the calculator. |
| Spray arms | Usually minor | Low | Pushes the score toward repair — small cost, big remaining value. |
| Door latch | Usually minor | Low | Pushes the score toward repair — small cost, big remaining value. |
| Heating element | Often moderate | Moderate | Decision depends on age and quote. Run the calculator. |
| Water inlet valve | Often moderate | Moderate | Decision depends on age and quote. Run the calculator. |
| Circulation pump | Can be major | High | Pushes the score toward replacement on older units. |
| Control board | Can be major | High | Pushes the score toward replacement on older units. |
We don't list precise repair costs here — they vary too much by region, brand and labour rates. Your actual quote drives the decision in the calculator.
- ·Dishwashers combine mains electricity, hot water and detergent — always isolate before any work.
- ·Use only a qualified appliance technician for any pump, motor or PCB work.
- ·Never run a unit with a leaking door seal long-term — it can cause floor and electrical damage.
Read the full methodology — inputs, scoring, lifespan model, confidence weighting, and what we never include.
Worked example
9-year-old built-in dishwasher, main pump failed
Repair is 65% of replacement. Worth a second quote — if you can find the part for under $150, repair wins by a small margin.
This is an illustrative example. Run the calculator with your actual figures for your specific recommendation.
Run the numbers on your dishwasher
We'll combine your repair quote, the live replacement benchmark above, lifespan and reliability into one transparent recommendation — with confidence and next steps.
Start the dishwasher repair or replace calculatorFAQ
How long does a dishwasher last?
Mid-range dishwashers typically last 9–12 years. Premium brands can run 15+.
Why isn't my dishwasher cleaning properly?
Usually it's clogged spray arms, a tired detergent dispenser, or low water pressure. Almost always a cheap fix.
Are new dishwashers more efficient?
Yes — A-rated 2024+ models use ~30% less water than units from 10 years ago.
Read next: deciding well
Five short guides that cover the most common questions about your dishwasher decision.
When the classic 'half of new' shortcut works — and when it misleads.
Sanity-check the quote, ask the right questions, decide objectively.
Age shifts the math more than most people realise.
Reliable offers beat random low-ball listings — here's why.
When a refurb of a newer unit beats fixing your old one.
Affiliate disclosure. Some replacement offers below may earn us a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate compensation does not influence the repair-or-replace recommendation — that is calculated from your inputs and benchmark prices before any offers are shown.