A dishwasher that won’t drain or leaves dishes dirty is usually an easy, affordable fix — most dishwasher problems are well worth repairing. Here’s how to decide.

The quick rule

If the repair costs less than about half the price of a comparable new dishwasher, and yours is within its normal lifespan, repair is the better value. Most dishwashers last 9–12 years, and a typical repair is a fraction of the $400–$1,200+ a new unit costs.

Common dishwasher problems — and whether they’re worth fixing

• Not cleaning dishes — often clogged spray arms, a worn pump, or low water temperature. Inexpensive.
• Not draining — usually a blocked drain hose or a faulty drain pump. A common, cheap repair.
• Not drying — typically a heating element or thermostat. Worth fixing.
• Door won’t latch or stops mid-cycle — often the latch, control board, or a sensor; usually repairable.
• Detergent not dispensing — a simple dispenser or door-mechanism fix.

When replacement makes sense

Lean toward a new dishwasher when it’s past ~10–12 years, has tub or motor failure on an older unit, the repair would cost more than half of a comparable new model, or it’s leaking from a cracked tub or sump.

If that’s the call, we sell brand-new dishwashers (never used or refurbished) — browse new dishwashers. Choosing a new one? See our dishwasher buying guide.

Not sure? Get an honest answer first.

A quick diagnosis tells you exactly what’s wrong and whether it’s worth fixing — no pressure either way.

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See our full repair-or-replace guide · Appliance repair FAQ