Should I Repair or Replace My Dishwasher?

There are few things more stressful than having dishwasher problems and trying to decide whether to find a local repair technician or purchase a new model altogether. We are here to help you determine if you should repair or replace your broken dishwasher.

Things to Consider

There are several factors that play into deciding if it is best to purchase a new dishwasher or repair the one you already have. Here are the top things to consider before making your decision.

Appliance Repair Costs

One of the most significant factors to consider is the cost of repair. We suggest reaching out to your local technician for an accurate quote, but here are estimated repair costs by replacement part, according to Home Advisor, to help you get a general idea of the expense.

• Heating Element Replacement: $150 to $300
• Inlet Valve Replacement: $75 to $150
• Door Latch Repair: $150 to $250
• Spray Arm Replacement: $75 to $150
• Front Control Panel Replacement: $200 to $500
• Pump Replacement: $150 to $400

You will want to compare the cost of repair to the price of a new dishwasher and decide if it makes more sense to purchase a new dishwasher. If the cost of the repairs is 30% more than the cost of a new dishwasher, you may want to consider investing in a new model.

Dishwasher Age & Likelihood of Continued Issues

We have all heard the adage that bad things come in threes. It can often seem that once things start going wrong with an appliance, more issues quickly follow.

Most dishwashers are built to last about 10 years (ConsumerReports.org). If your dishwasher is approaching its lifespan, it is possible that what seems like a small fix now, like a failing pump or leaking seal, is a precursor of bigger issues to come.

If you already know what the issue is with your dishwasher, it may be helpful to do some research on related issues and see what other people’s experience has been. This can give you an idea of whether more issues are likely to pop up soon after.

Your Dishwasher’s Efficiency

When comparing the cost of repair to the cost of a new dishwasher, it is also important to consider energy efficiency.

On average, Energy Star-rated dishwashers cost about $35 per year to run and save almost 4,000 gallons of water over their lifetime (EnergyStar.gov). If you have an older dishwasher, the energy savings from an upgrade could have a significant impact on your annual budget.

Your Budget

Once you have crunched the numbers and compared the cost of repair vs replacement, the next thing to consider is your budget. If you would prefer to replace your dishwasher but just do not have the budget to at this time, you may feel like the decision has already been made for you.

Mountain High Appliance offers special financing that can help you stretch your budget further and allow you to make an investment that will pay off in the long run. Learn more about our appliance financing options today and find out how you can buy today and pay for your dishwasher over time.

Tips for Shopping for a New Dishwasher

If you have decided to purchase a new dishwasher rather than repair your current one, there are tips you will want to keep in mind to ensure you are happy with your selection.

• Cheap is not always better. Looking for a cheap dishwasher under $300 near you can seem like a budget-friendly solution but may not be the best in the long run. Oftentimes, cheap dishwashers are costly to run and have short lifespans. Investing in a higher-end model can also improve your home's value.
• Decide on dishwasher type before shopping. It is helpful to go into your shopping experience with a solid game plan. Before shopping, decide whether you want a portable dishwasher or a built-in dishwasher to help narrow your options.
• Consider energy efficiency. It is important to compare the sticker price between dishwasher models, but we also suggest looking at the Energy Guide on appliances. This will help you compare the amount of money you will likely spend on electricity to run your dishwasher over the course of a year.
• Read reviews & work with experts. If you are simply shopping for the most convenient dishwasher near you to purchase, you may find yourself sacrificing quality. We suggest reading reviews online before purchasing your next dishwasher and working with appliance experts to get honest feedback on each appliance's performance and ensure you are purchasing a dishwasher that will last for years to come.