How Long Does a Dishwasher Last? Average Lifespan and When to Repair or Replace
Most dishwashers last around 9 to 10 years. Whether to repair or replace depends on the problem, the age, and the price of the fix. Here are the signs a dishwasher is near the end, which repairs are worth paying for, and how to make the next one last longer.
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The Short Answer
The average dishwasher lasts about 9 to 10 years. A home builders' study of home component life expectancy (from the National Association of Home Builders) put dishwashers at about 9 years, and Consumer Reports' figure is about 10. Some last well beyond that with good care, and some fail early.
Repair it when the fix is a filter, drain clog, door gasket, spray arm or a single inexpensive part. Replace it when the tub leaks or is rusted through, the control board fails on an older machine, or the repair would cost a large share of a new dishwasher.
What Affects How Long a Dishwasher Lasts?
- Use: a dishwasher that runs twice a day wears out faster than one that runs a few times a week.
- Hard water: scale builds up on the heater, spray arms and valves. A water softener or rinse aid and regular descaling help.
- Maintenance: a clogged filter makes the pump work harder and leaves food on dishes. See how to clean a dishwasher.
- Installation: a kinked drain hose, missing high loop or poor leveling causes drain problems and leaks.
- Build: stainless steel tubs resist cracking and staining better than plastic ones.
What Are the Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Replacing?
| Sign | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Water on the floor from a cracked or rusted tub | Replace. Tubs are rarely worth repairing. |
| Rust inside the tub or on the racks | Rusty racks can be replaced; rust through the tub means replace |
| Door will not latch, even after a new latch | Hinge or frame problems on an older machine; often time to replace |
| Dishes come out dirty after you have cleaned the filter and spray arms | Worn pump or heater; may be worth repairing on a younger machine (see dishwasher leaving dishes dirty) |
| Water left in the bottom | Often a fixable clog. See dishwasher not draining. |
| Repeated error codes or dead control panel | Control board or wiring. Expensive on many models; weigh against age. |
| Several different repairs in a year | The machine is wearing out as a whole |
Should You Repair or Replace Your Dishwasher?
A widely used rule of thumb: if the dishwasher is past about half its expected life and the repair would cost more than about half the price of a comparable new one, replace it. It is a guideline, not a law, but it keeps you from putting money into a machine that is likely to need the next repair soon.
| Problem | Under about 5 years old | Over about 8 years old |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter, drain hose or air gap | Fix it yourself | Fix it yourself |
| Door gasket, spray arm, racks, latch | Repair | Repair if the rest is sound |
| Drain pump or inlet valve | Repair | Usually repair; get a quote |
| Heating element | Repair | Compare the quote with a new machine |
| Control board | Repair, and check the warranty | Often replace |
| Leaking or rusted tub | Check the warranty | Replace |
Before you pay for any repair, check your warranty and the manufacturer's site for recalls with your model and serial number, which are on a label on the edge of the door or the tub opening. Repair and replacement prices vary a lot by area and brand, so get a written quote.
How Can You Make a Dishwasher Last Longer?
- Clean the filter about once a month, more often if you do not rinse dishes.
- Scrape, do not rinse, large food. Modern detergents need some soil to work against, but bones, seeds and labels clog pumps.
- Use rinse aid, especially with hard water.
- Run the kitchen tap until hot before starting a cycle, so the dishwasher starts with hot water.
- Do not overload or block the spray arms.
- Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or as the manual directs, about once a month.
- Check the drain hose for a high loop or air gap, and run the disposal before the dishwasher if they share a drain.
Replacing a Dishwasher: DIY or Pro?
Swapping a dishwasher in the same spot is a moderate DIY job: shut off the water and power, disconnect the water line, drain hose and electrical connection, remove the mounting screws, slide it out, and reverse for the new one with a new supply line. Use the parts and installation guide that come with the new machine; some need a different power connection than the old one.
Call a pro if there is no shut-off valve under the sink, the electrical connection is hardwired and you are not comfortable working in a junction box, there is water damage under the old unit, or you are moving the dishwasher to a new location. For a second opinion on a repair quote, ask a home repair expert.
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of a dishwasher?
About 9 to 10 years. A National Association of Home Builders study of home component lifespans put dishwashers at about 9 years, and Consumer Reports uses about 10.
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old dishwasher?
Only for inexpensive fixes like a filter, drain clog, gasket, latch or spray arm. For a control board, pump or heater on a 10-year-old machine, replacing it is usually the better value.
What usually fails first on a dishwasher?
Common failures include clogged filters and drains, door gaskets, latches, drain pumps, inlet valves and heating elements. Many of these are fixable; a leaking tub is not.
How do I know when my dishwasher needs replacing?
A leaking or rusted tub, repeated control failures, a door that will not latch, or several repairs in a short period on an older machine are all strong signs it is time.
How can I make my dishwasher last longer?
Clean the filter monthly, use rinse aid, run hot water at the sink before starting, avoid overloading, and deal with hard water. Run a cleaning cycle about once a month.
Do more expensive dishwashers last longer?
Not necessarily. Price often reflects features, noise level and finish more than lifespan. Stainless steel tubs and simple, well-supported brands with available parts tend to be easier to keep running.
