Dishwasher repairs cost $100 to $300, on average, depending on the severity of the problem. Minor repairs such as fixing a clogged hose cost less than major repairs like replacing a motor or control board. Dishwasher repair companies cost $50 to $125 per hour with minimum service fees of $70 to $130. The service fee typically includes the first hour of labor.

Dishwasher repair service costs depend on the brand, repair type, and whether the appliance is still under warranty. Some average dishwasher repairs costs include:

• Replacing a pump – $100 to $400.
• Replacing heating elements – $200 to $350.
• Replacing a motor – $350 to $500.

In general, it is cheaper to repair a dishwasher than to replace one. However, if the dishwasher is more than 5 years old finding parts may be challenging, which can increase the repair time and costs. Also, if the unit needs multiple parts replaced it may be more cost-effective to replace the appliance.

A new dishwasher costs $600 to $1,700, installed, and should last 8 to 15 years. Another advantage of replacing the old appliance is to get an updated appliance with improved features and better energy efficiency.

If your dishwasher is under warranty, the repair will be free or limited to the cost of a service call. A dishwasher warranty typically covers parts and labor starting from the date of purchase and lasts for 1 to 5 years, depending on the manufacturer.

Look for the manufacturer's contact information on your appliance manual or on their website. The manufacturer can often check your warranty status even if you can't find any proof of purchase and don't remember when you bought the appliance.

Using the model number, the manufacturer can tell you the manufacture date of the dishwasher and whether the appliance could still be under warranty. The model number is usually found on the inside of the dishwasher door or tub wall.

There are a few different people you can call for dishwasher repair, including:

• The dishwasher manufacturer – If your dishwasher is under warranty, your first step is to contact the manufacturer for a list of authorized repair technicians.
• A local appliance repair company – Check HomeGuide for a list of appliance repair companies near you.
• A handyman – If you're on a budget, a handyman costs $50 to $80 per hour to diagnose and make minor repairs. For more serious problems, it is better to spend a bit more on a professional appliance repair company.
• A plumber –Technically, you could call a plumber for a dishwasher repair if the problem is related to the water supply or drainage. If the problem is with the electrical components of the dishwasher, they won't be able to make the repair.

A routine maintenance program will keep your dishwasher running properly and extend the lifespan of the appliance. Here are some things you can do to maintain your dishwasher:

• Clean the filter regularly.
• Don't overload the dishwasher.
• Run a cleaning cycle once a month to remove detergent residue or limescale.
• Schedule a professional service appointment every 1 to 2 years to catch problems early and prevent costly repairs later on.

Asking questions about costs, experience, and certifications will help you feel more confident in your decision. Here are some important questions to ask the repair service:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long have you been repairing dishwashers?
• Do you have experience repairing my brand of dishwasher?
• Do you offer a warranty on your repairs?
• What are your rates?
• Will you provide references?

Always check with the manufacturer for a list of authorized repair technicians, especially if the dishwasher is still under warranty. To help you narrow down your list of preferred service technicians, follow these tips:

• Look for licensed and insured technicians with several years of appliance repair experience.
• Get multiple estimates and don't settle for the lowest quote which may indicate poor workmanship.
• Check their online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Insist on professionalism. A repairman that cancels appointments last minute or shows up late is an indicator that they aren't a professional and should be avoided.