Dishwashers are, on the whole, one of the less expensive major appliances to repair — most common faults involve inexpensive, well-documented parts, and the labour involved is usually modest compared to a washing machine or refrigerator. Knowing where a given fault sits on the range still helps decide whether it is worth fixing.
Typical repair cost by fault
| Common fault | Relative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter | Free (DIY) | Should be cleaned every 1–3 months as routine maintenance anyway |
| Worn door gasket | Low | Inexpensive, replaceable seal |
| Spray arm replacement | Low | Common, cheap part |
| Drain pump or drain hose | Low–moderate | Straightforward, well-documented repair |
| Water inlet valve | Low–moderate | Common fault, inexpensive part |
| Heating element | Moderate | On some models built into the circulation pump, which raises the cost |
| Main control board | Moderate–high | Varies by brand and part availability |
| Motor/pump assembly replacement | Moderate–high | The most expensive common dishwasher repair |
What changes the price
As with other appliances, labour typically makes up a larger share of the bill than the part itself for anything beyond a filter or seal. Dishwashers where the heater is integrated into the pump assembly (common on some European-style brands) cost more to fix for what would otherwise be a simple heater fault, since the whole assembly needs replacing rather than just the element.
When the cost points to replacement instead
Dishwashers typically last 9–12 years. Given how inexpensive most dishwasher repairs are relative to that lifespan, replacement usually only makes clear sense for a motor/pump assembly failure on a machine already near the end of its expected life — see our general repair-or-replace guidance for the fuller picture.
What you can rule out yourself first
Clean the filter, check the spray arms turn freely and are not clogged, and confirm the door latches and seals properly — all covered in our dishwasher troubleshooting guide. Many “broken” dishwashers turn out to be a filter that has not been cleaned in months.
