A dishwasher fault can range from a minor annoyance (dishes coming out dirty) to a proper problem (water pooling on the kitchen floor). Most faults are mechanical and fixable — and with new dishwashers costing £350–£900, repair is often the sensible choice. That said, dishwashers have a finite lifespan and sometimes the parts cost alone tells you all you need to know.
Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.
A dishwasher should comfortably last 9–13 years. Regular cleaning of filters and running a monthly maintenance wash will extend the life significantly. Budget models may only manage 6–8 years, while quality brands like Bosch and Miele are known to run 15+ years.
Under 6 years old? Almost certainly worth repairing — repair costs are usually well under half the replacement cost. Between 6–10 years, consider both the repair cost and whether it's the first or repeat fault. Over 10 years, factor in that newer dishwashers use significantly less water (6–9 litres per cycle vs 12–15 litres in older models), making replacement more financially attractive.
Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your dishwasher and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.
UK dishwashers come in two main formats. Freestanding models sit independently and can be placed anywhere with access to water and drainage — they're easier to replace and typically cheaper to buy, starting from around £250. Integrated (built-in) dishwashers are fitted behind a kitchen unit door for a seamless look. They cost more to replace (£400–£1,000+) because fitting requires matching your existing kitchen cabinetry. Slimline models (45cm wide) are available in both types for smaller kitchens. From a repair perspective, freestanding models are generally easier and cheaper to work on because access to components is simpler — something worth considering if you're weighing up repair vs replacement.
Modern dishwashers have become significantly more efficient. An A-rated model uses around 6–9 litres of water per cycle compared to 12–15 litres in machines from a decade ago. At current UK electricity prices (roughly 24p per kWh), an efficient dishwasher costs around £40–£55 per year to run — and is actually more water-efficient than washing the same load by hand. If your current machine is over 10 years old, upgrading to a new energy-efficient model could save £20–£30 per year on combined water and electricity bills. Look for the EU energy label (now A to G scale) when shopping — every step up the scale represents meaningful savings over the machine's lifetime.
Yes, usually — if it's under 8 years old and the repair costs less than £150. Common repairs like a wash pump (£80–£160) or door seal (£50–£100) are almost always worth doing on a relatively recent machine. Over 10 years, replacement often makes more sense.
Dishwasher repairs in the UK typically cost £70–£200. Simple fixes like spray arms or seals are at the cheaper end. Pump or control board replacements are pricier but still significantly cheaper than buying new.
Dishwashers typically last 9–13 years. Bosch and Miele machines are known for longevity and often exceed 12–15 years. Budget machines may only reach 6–8 years.
Dishes coming out dirty is usually a blocked filter, worn spray arms, or a failing wash pump. Start by cleaning the filter and running an empty hot cycle with dishwasher cleaner — this fixes the problem in many cases without any repair needed.
Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.
Not what you were looking for? Try one of these related repair vs replace calculators:
Join thousands of UK homeowners. Get money-saving advice, cost guides, and appliance lifespan tips straight to your inbox.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.