Dishwasher Repair Cost

If your dishwasher has stopped draining, isn’t cleaning properly or won’t turn on at all, you’re probably wondering about the dishwasher repair cost and whether it’s worth fixing.

Dishwashers are a huge time-saver, so when they break down, it can quickly disrupt your routine. The good news is that many common faults are simple and affordable to repair, especially if the appliance is fairly new.

In most cases, repairing your dishwasher is far cheaper than replacing it.

In this guide:

• We break down the average dishwasher repair cost in the UK
• What affects the price
• When repair makes more financial sense than replacement

If you’re ready to get it sorted, you can compare quotes from appliance repair specialists to find the best deal for the job.

How Much is Dishwasher Repair?

The average cost of a dishwasher repair in the UK is around £150. However, the actual price of a dishwasher repair can vary depending on the type of fault.

• The type of fault – Minor repairs will cost less to fix than more complex faults
• Dishwasher type – Integrated dishwashers typically cost more to repair than freestanding models
• Brand and model – Premium brands may require more expensive parts
• Labour rates – Regional differences can affect the overall cost
• Urgency – Emergency or same-day callouts will typically cost more

Built-in dishwashers are much harder to access, so this will add additional labour time to the job.

Also, those based in and around the London area can expect to pay more for labour than those in the North or other parts of the UK.

Dishwasher Repair Prices

Below is a table outlining common dishwasher faults, the typical repair options, and the average cost that you can expect to pay:

Supply Costs for Dishwasher Repair

Many dishwasher repairs require replacement parts for the fix. The supply costs for these parts can make up a large portion of the total price. The exact cost depends on the brand, model, and whether you choose to use original or aftermarket components.

Below is a list of common oven parts that you may need as part of a repair job:

Pumps

The cost for a dishwasher pump replacement can vary depending on the issue and the brand. Drain pumps will typically cost around £10-£40, and circulation or wash pumps will typically cost around £100-£300. The price will often depend on whether you choose generic parts or manufacturer-specific parts.

Seals

Dishwasher door seals will usually cost around £5-£50 for the seal itself. You will need to ensure the seal is compatible and will fit around the door of your dishwasher. You may also need gaskets, which will come at an additional cost.

Spray Arms

Replacement dishwasher spray arms will usually cost around £8-£35, depending on the brand and whether they are for the lower or upper rack. Specialised corner or premium models can cost more.

Dishwasher control boards will usually cost around £50-£200+ for the part itself. The prices can vary greatly depending on the brand and model. Common models or budget models will usually have cheaper parts, whereas premium brands will often have parts that are priced higher.

Hoses

The cost for dishwasher hoses is usually around £5-£30. Basic drain or fill hoses are usually on the cheaper end, whereas branded hoses or specialised hoses will cost more.

Additional Costs for Dishwasher Repair

When you are budgeting for a dishwasher repair, you may need to be aware of some potential additional costs that may not be included in the initial quote.

Below is a list of the main things that could involve an additional payment:

• Call-out charges - Repair engineers may charge a call-out fee, especially if no repairs are carried out. This could be an additional cost if repairs are carried out.
• Diagnostic fees - Some companies may charge separately for fault diagnosis, particularly for more complex electrical issues.
• Emergency or out-of-hours repair services - Urgent repairs can cost significantly more, with prices possibly increasing by around 20 – 50% compared to standard bookings.
• Appliance removal if it’s beyond repair - If the dishwasher is beyond repair, removal and disposal may cost around £30-£100, depending on size and access.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Dishwasher Repair

Most dishwasher repairs can be completed within 1 – 2 hours; however, certain jobs may take longer. If your dishwasher is integrated, this could make access for some repairs more difficult, so this could add some extra time to the job.

The hourly rate for an oven repair specialist is usually around £40 - £80 per hour. Labour costs can vary depending on the complexity of the job, the oven’s accessibility, the engineer’s qualifications, and your location.

In some cases, you may need to hire other professionals for the work, which can increase the overall cost of the labour side of the job. For example, if you are dealing with electrical issues, you may need to hire a qualified electrician to do this type of work. Equally, if you are dealing with plumbing issues, you may need to hire a professional plumber to complete this type of work for you.

Those based in and around London can expect to pay more for the cost of labour overall than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Cost Factors for Dishwasher Repair

There are several things that can affect the overall cost of a dishwasher repair. Below is a list of the main cost factors when it comes to repairing a dishwasher:

• Appliance age and model – Older or premium brands may cost more to repair than budget brands or newer models, where the parts are more readily available.
• Whether it is integrated or freestanding, Integrated models are more difficult to access, and this could increase the time and costs of the job.
• Severity of the fault – Simple leaks are much cheaper to fix than more complex issues.
• Brand reputation and part availability – Some brands may have more expensive parts than others, and some parts may be easier to get than others.
• Labour rates in the local area – Where you are based can also affect how much you pay for the job. Those based in and around London can expect to pay more for the cost of labour overall than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.
• Urgency of the repair – Emergency callouts will cost more than a regular repair appointment.

Building Regulations Related to Dishwasher Repair

For the majority of standard dishwasher repairs, you won’t usually need to worry about building regulations. However, it is important that all electrical work meets Part P for electrical safety. It’s also important that all plumbing work meets UK safety standards. This is particularly true if any additional electrical or water supply changes are made.

You should always make sure that you hire qualified technicians to ensure the work is carried out safely and in line with any relevant standards. This will involve ensuring you hire a qualified electrician for any electrical work or a qualified plumber for any plumbing work.

Types of Dishwasher Repairs

Dishwasher faults can usually fall into a few main categories. There are certain repairs that work best in each category. Take a look at the list below:

Plumbing-Related Dishwasher Repairs

Plumbing issues are one of the most common reasons why homeowners will need to get their dishwasher fixed. These faults are usually due to problems with the water supply, drainage system, or internal seals.

In most cases, the dishwasher expert will check for blockages in the filter or hose before replacing components such as pumps or seals. Minor clogs can sometimes be resolved with some DIY cleaning, but persistent drainage problems or leaks will generally require the help of a professional.

Mechanical Dishwasher Repairs

Mechanical dishwasher repairs usually refer to the moving parts within the dishwasher. Issues with these parts can affect how the appliance opens and closes or how it distributes water during a wash cycle.

Mechanical repairs are usually quite straightforward, but sometimes you may need to get parts from the manufacturer, and this can result in higher costs. If you ignore mechanical problems with a dishwasher, this can lead to leaks or poor cleaning performance.

Electrical Dishwasher Repairs

Electrical faults are usually the most complex and most expensive type of dishwasher repair. These issues can affect the controls, power supply, and internal electronics. Electrical faults could prevent the dishwasher from working as it should. It could also prevent the dishwasher from turning on completely in some cases.

All electrical repairs on dishwashers should be carried out by a qualified professional to ensure the work is completed safely and within UK regulations. Replacing the control board or heating element can help restore functionality, but sometimes, the cost of repairing a dishwasher with electrical faults can be very expensive, and it may be more cost-effective to get a brand-new dishwasher.

Performance- Related Dishwasher Repairs

Performance issues occur when your dishwasher doesn’t perform as it should. For example, it may make strange sounds or not clean your dishes properly. Performance issues may not make the dishwasher break completely, but they could make it less efficient or less convenient to use.

Performance issues are usually due to blocked filters, worn spray arms, or failing heating elements. In some cases, a professional service or a minor part replacement can restore the dishwasher’s performance. The repairs will usually be quite cheap.

Control and Sensor Repairs

Modern dishwashers often rely on complex sensors and electronic controls to help regulate the water levels, temperature, and cycle duration. When these controls and sensors fail, the appliance may not perform properly or could stop mid-cycle or display error messages

Fixes to the controls or sensors usually involve replacing electronic components and recalibrating the system. With this in mind, these types of fixes are usually much more expensive than basic mechanical fixes.

Alternative Types of Dishwasher Solutions

If you decide that a dishwasher repair is not the right choice for you, you may want to explore some other options. Below is a list of alternatives that you may consider instead of going through with a dishwasher repair:

• Full dishwasher replacement – This is usually the sensible choice if the repair cost is over half of the cost of a brand new appliance.
• Buy a refurbished dishwasher – Refurbished dishwashers are usually much cheaper than buying a dishwasher brand new.
• DIY fixes – You can do some dishwasher fixes as a DIY job, such as cleaning filters or spray arms, to save some money. However, more complex jobs should be left to the professionals.
• Maintenance plans – Getting your dishwasher serviced regularly can help to keep it running as it should and prevent breakdowns.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Dishwasher Repair

Before you hire a professional dishwasher repair specialist, there are a few things you should do. Take a look at the list below for some tips on hiring a dishwasher repair specialist:

• Check experience with your dishwasher brand and model
• Ask for a breakdown of the quote (labour, call-out, parts)
• Look for relevant qualifications and customer reviews
• Confirm if any warranty is provided for the repair
• Clarify turnaround times and availability

Removing Dishwashers: Considerations and Costs

If your dishwasher is beyond repair, you may need to get rid of it to make way for a new one. Your dishwasher will need to be safely disconnected from the water, drainage, and electrical supplies before removal.

Freestanding models are usually quite quick to disconnect, while integrated dishwashers take longer due to cabinetry and hardwired connections. Hiring a professional helps to prevent leaks, electrical risks, and damage to the surrounding cabinetry. Due to the difficulty of all of this, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional to remove your dishwasher for you.

Dishwashers must be disposed of in line with UK WEEE regulations. Many tradespeople offer compliant disposal services; however, these services could be more expensive than typical removal costs. This type of removal ensures that the appliance is recycled responsibly without you needing to transport it yourself.

Integrated dishwashers may require cabinet doors, panels, or tiling to be removed for access to the fixings or pipework. These extra tasks can increase the labour times and overall costs. The average cost of a dishwasher removal expert is around £50 - £90.

FAQs