Dishwasher Repair Cost

Written by Kane Hughes
Kane Hughes
Writer
I have been an avid DIY'er for the last eight years now. I combine this with content writing experience to deliver quality content readable by all.
11th July, 2026
Edited by Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones
Editor-in-Chief
I have a degree in English & Writing. I have been working as a content developer for three years now and have also been freelance writing for three years. I have been focusing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
How we get our data
We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.
At a Glance
  • The average dishwasher repair cost in the UK is around £150 in 2026.
  • Most repairs take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
In this guide, you’ll find:
  • Average dishwasher repair costs by fault type and part.
  • What affects the price and how long the job takes.
  • How to find a local appliance repair specialist using MyJobQuote.

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.

man fixing dishwasher

The average cost of Dishwasher Repair:

It will take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the fault

£150

How Much is Dishwasher Repair?

The average cost of a dishwasher repair in the UK is around £150. The exact price will depend on the type of fault and the parts required.

What is the main issue with your dishwasher?

Not draining
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Leaking
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Not cleaning properly
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Door not closing
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Not filling with water
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Dishwasher Repair Prices

Below is a breakdown of common dishwasher repairs, when you are likely to need them, and the average cost:

Repair / Part When You Need It Average Cost
Drain or filter unclog Dishwasher not draining £40–£140
Supply line, inlet valve, or pump Not filling with water £60–£180
Water supply or drain line Dishwasher leaking £50–£200+
Filter, spray arms, or heating element Not cleaning properly £40–£250
Door latch or hinges Door not closing £60–£180
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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.

man wires dishwasher

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.

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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

A faulty door seal 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.

back of dihswasher hoses

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 the dishwasher is beyond repair, it will need to be safely disconnected from the water, drainage, and electrical supplies before removal. Integrated models may also require kitchen units, panels, or tiling to be removed for access. Dishwashers must be disposed of in line with UK WEEE regulations, and many tradespeople offer compliant disposal as part of the service. The average cost of professional dishwasher removal is around £50–£90, depending on the model and access.
man pulling dishwasher out

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.
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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 drainage issues, problems with the water supply, 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.

dishwasher arm repair

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 a faulty 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

Man orange top dishwasher

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.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Dishwasher?

Deciding whether a broken dishwasher is worth repairing depends on the age of the machine, the cost of the repair, and how frequently it has broken down. As a general rule, if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new dishwasher, replacement is usually the better option.

Repair is usually the right call when:

  • The dishwasher is less than 8 years old
  • The fault is straightforward, such as a blocked filter, door seal, or spray arm
  • The repair cost is less than half the cost of a replacement
  • The appliance is a higher-end or integrated model where replacement would be more disruptive
man front of dishwasher off

Replacement may make more sense when:

  • The dishwasher is over 8 to 10 years old and has broken down more than once
  • The fault involves the motor or control board, where repair costs can reach £200–£300
  • Spare parts are no longer available for the model
  • A newer model would offer significantly better energy efficiency

Alternative Types of Dishwasher Solutions

dishwasher full of dishes

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.

Checklist: Hiring a Dishwasher Repair Specialist

man fixing dishwasher

Consider these key points before hiring someone to repair your dishwasher:

  • Do they have experience with your dishwasher brand and model? Some engineers specialise in certain brands. Confirming this upfront can save time and avoid parts delays.
  • Can they provide a full breakdown of the quote? A clear quote should separate out labour, call-out, and parts costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
  • Are they qualified to work on electrical and plumbing connections? Dishwasher repairs can involve both. Make sure any electrical work is carried out by someone competent under Part P, and plumbing work meets UK standards.
  • Do they offer a warranty on the repair? A reputable specialist should stand behind their work. Ask whether parts and labour are covered, and for how long.
  • How quickly can they carry out the repair? If you need an urgent fix, check whether same-day or next-day availability is offered and whether this affects the price.
  • Do they have positive reviews from other homeowners? Check the feedback they’ve received from other customers on MyJobQuote before committing to a hire.

FAQs

Do dishwasher repairs include a call-out charge?

Yes, most appliance repair specialists in the UK charge a call-out or diagnostic fee on top of the repair cost. Always ask upfront whether this is included in the quote or billed separately, so you’re not caught out when the invoice arrives.

Can I repair my dishwasher myself?

Minor tasks such as cleaning the filter, unclogging spray arms, or checking hoses for blockages can be done yourself, but anything involving electrical components, the motor, or plumbing connections should be left to a qualified professional. Attempting complex repairs without the right training risks further damage and could be unsafe.

What are the most common dishwasher problems?

The most common dishwasher faults are drainage problems, failure to fill with water, leaks, poor cleaning performance, and door issues. Most of these can be repaired quickly by a professional, though the cost will vary depending on the underlying cause.

What is the most expensive thing to fix on a dishwasher?

The motor and control board are typically the most expensive dishwasher repairs. Motor replacement can cost between £210 and £300, while control board replacement usually ranges from £150 to £250. If either of these faults is diagnosed on an older machine, it’s worth comparing the repair cost against the price of a replacement before going ahead.

Do I need to follow any regulations when getting a dishwasher repaired?

For most standard dishwasher repairs, building regulations won’t apply. However, any electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, and plumbing work must meet UK safety standards. Always use a qualified electrician for electrical work and a qualified plumber for any changes to the water supply or drainage.

How long does a dishwasher last?

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is 8 to 10 years with regular use. If your machine is approaching or past this age and needs a significant repair, it’s worth comparing the cost of repairing it against the price of a replacement before going ahead.

Why is my dishwasher not cleaning properly?

Poor cleaning performance is usually down to a blocked filter, clogged spray arms, or a failing heating element. Cleaning the filter and spray arms regularly can prevent the issue, but if the problem persists after a basic service, a domestic appliance engineer should be able to diagnose and fix the underlying fault.
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