Dishwasher Repair: Common Problems and When to Fix or Replace
When your dishwasher, a household appliance designed to clean dishes automatically using water and detergent. Also known as a dishwashing machine, it’s one of the most relied-on tools in the kitchen stops working, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a daily hassle. You’re left washing dishes by hand, dealing with dirty plates piling up, and wondering if it’s even worth fixing. Most dishwashers last 8 to 12 years, but poor maintenance, hard water, or worn-out parts can cut that life in half. The good news? Many problems aren’t expensive to fix, and you don’t always need to buy a new one.
Common issues like dishwasher not cleaning, when dishes come out still dirty or covered in food residue often come down to clogged filters, faulty spray arms, or low water pressure. A quick clean of the filter—usually located at the bottom of the tub—can solve this more than half the time. Then there’s the dishwasher leak, water pooling around the machine or dripping from the door. That’s usually a worn door seal, a damaged pump, or a misaligned door latch. These aren’t always signs of total failure. Many leaks can be fixed with a $20 part and 30 minutes of your time. And if your dishwasher is making strange noises? It might just be a broken pump impeller or a loose spray arm, not a broken motor.
It’s easy to jump to replacement when things go wrong, but the dishwasher repair cost, typically ranging from £80 to £250 for parts and labor in the UK is often a fraction of buying new. A new dishwasher can cost £400 or more, not including installation. If your unit is under 10 years old and the main components (motor, control board, tub) are still intact, repair makes financial sense. But if you’re dealing with repeated breakdowns, rust inside the tub, or a control panel that’s glitching constantly, it’s probably time to replace. And don’t forget dishwasher maintenance, simple habits like running a monthly cleaning cycle with vinegar or using rinse aid to prevent hard water spots. These small steps can add years to your appliance’s life.
Whether you’re dealing with a dishwasher that won’t start, won’t drain, or just won’t get your dishes clean, the fix is often simpler than you think. Below, you’ll find real-world guides from local technicians who’ve seen it all—from clogged drain hoses to faulty door switches. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, practical steps to get your dishwasher running again—or know for sure when it’s time to let it go.
