Your dishwasher leaves dishes dirty, won't drain, or leaks onto the kitchen floor. Dishwasher repairs are among the cheapest appliance fixes: $100-$300 covers 90% of problems. Most aren't worth replacing until after 10 years.
Cost Table: Every Common Dishwasher Repair
Drain pump: $150-$250. Water inlet valve: $100-$175. Door latch/switch: $75-$150. Spray arm replacement: $50-$100. Float switch: $75-$125. Control board: $250-$400. Heating element: $150-$250. Door seal/gasket: $100-$175. The majority of dishwasher calls we handle fall in the $100-$200 range. Control board failures are the outlier and the only repair that pushes into 50/50 territory on older units.
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Check These First
Before calling a technician: clean the filter (bottom of the tub, twist to remove). Run hot water at the kitchen sink for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher, so the first fill cycle gets hot water instead of cold. Check the spray arms for clogged holes and clear them with a toothpick. Use rinse aid. If you do all four and dishes still come out dirty, the wash pump, water inlet valve, or heating element needs professional diagnosis.
Dishwasher Not Draining: Usually a $150 Fix
Standing water after a cycle means the drain pump failed, the drain hose is kinked or clogged, or the garbage disposal knockout plug was never removed (common on new disposal installs). The pump replacement runs $150-$250. Clearing a clogged hose or removing the knockout plug takes 15 minutes and costs only the diagnostic fee.
When to Replace a Dishwasher Instead of Repairing
Dishwashers have the shortest lifespan of major appliances: 9-12 years. A 10-year-old dishwasher needing a $250+ repair has used 83-100% of its life. The 50/50 rule almost always points to replacement at this age. New dishwashers start at $400-$500 and use 30-40% less water and energy than models from 10 years ago. The utility savings alone can offset the purchase within 3-4 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repair a dishwasher?
Most dishwasher repairs cost $100-$300 on the Treasure Coast. Spray arms and latches are $50-$150. Pumps and valves are $100-$250. Control boards are $250-$400.
Is it worth repairing a dishwasher or buying new?
For dishwashers under 7 years old with repairs under $250, repair wins. For dishwashers over 10 years old needing $200+ repairs, replacement usually makes more sense financially and in energy savings.
Need Appliance Repair on the Treasure Coast?
Same-day service 7 days a week. Diagnostic fee applied toward repair. All brands.