What drives the price
A service call fee of $75-$125 plus parts and labor. Control boards and pump motors are the expensive failures; door seals, spray arms, and drain hoses are cheap.
- Which part failed (seal vs pump vs control board)
- Brand — parts for premium European brands cost notably more
- Whether the unit is still under warranty
- Built-in installation requiring removal to access components
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Try the free fixes first. A dishwasher that will not drain is very often a clogged filter at the bottom of the tub — pull it out and rinse it, which takes five minutes and costs nothing. Also check that the drain hose is not kinked and that the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed if the disposal is new. Beyond that, call someone.
Signs you need this repair
- Standing water in the bottom after a cycle
- Dishes still dirty after a full wash
- Leaking from the door
- Will not start or stops mid-cycle
- Grinding or humming during drain
How to not get overcharged
Apply the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit, replace it instead. Ask the tech for the repair total before authorizing work, and ask what the expected remaining life is after the repair. A $380 repair on an 11-year-old dishwasher is rarely the right call.
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Red flags to watch for
- Diagnosing a control board without testing simpler components first
- Not applying the service fee toward the repair
- Refusing to quote the total before starting work
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to repair a dishwasher?+
Dishwasher repairs typically cost $150-$400, averaging around $230. Once a quote passes about $400, replacement usually makes more financial sense.
Can I repair a dishwasher myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Try the free fixes first. A dishwasher that will not drain is very often a clogged filter at the bottom of the tub — pull it out and rinse it, which takes five minutes and costs nothing. Also check that the drain hose is not kinked and that the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed if the disposal is new. Beyond that, call someone.
How long does it take to repair a dishwasher?+
1-2 hours. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
Which part failed (seal vs pump vs control board). Brand — parts for premium European brands cost notably more. Whether the unit is still under warranty. Built-in installation requiring removal to access components.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
Apply the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit, replace it instead. Ask the tech for the repair total before authorizing work, and ask what the expected remaining life is after the repair. A $380 repair on an 11-year-old dishwasher is rarely the right call.