Homeowners can all agree that washing dishes can be tedious, time-consuming and forthright frustrating. Those are the exact reasons as to why homeowners purchase and own dishwashers, to create a sense of ease for the chore. There’s an irony in the sense that the simple task of washing dishes fills up about ten days throughout the year, if you want to be technical, it is actually 230 hours.
Like many of the major appliances you own, the power of water and electricity are combined to perform the mundane tasks of your daily life. Figuring out the costs of replacing or repairing your dishwasher all depends on what parts and jobs you’ll have to pay for.
The first conceptual design of the dishwasher was actually invented in the 17th century. A wealthy socialite from Illinois, Josephine Cochrane was a daughter born into a family of engineers. By measuring out her fine china, she molded some wire racks to suspend the plates and material in place.
Although it may seem primitive compared to our technology, it was extraordinary when Josephine Cochrane thought of this design. Her conceptual design was built with a wooden wheel, kept in place inside a copper boiler filled with hot water. Built with a motor, or a crank, the installed wheel would rotate and splash hot water from the boiler onto the dishes.
Once she received a patent, production flashed like lightning and so was exposure. Cochrane formally introduced the first dishwasher concept at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. She won first prize and the word spread faster than expected. The first purchases were made through restaurants and hotels.
Cochrane didn’t just stop there, she started a company and repetitiously updated her design. She added centrifugal pumps, drains, revolving washing systems, and many more features. Fast forward to today, we still adopt most of the originality of the first design that the modern appliances derive from.
Today’s dishwashers have brass and stainless steel installed to them with electronic touchpads to keep the maintenance and controls stable. With the repairs of dishwashers, labor costs are measured either by a simple flat fee, which is for the simpler and smaller repairs, or by an hourly rate, which would be for the grandiose repairs.
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What Kind of Repair Is Needed?
Like any useful appliance in your kitchen, the dishwasher is made up of many different parts that all cost differently and need to be repaired either in a simple or complex process. This is the reason why most professionals need a flat rate for the simpler jobs. So if you’re facing any of these troubles, then it might be time to call your repair technician.
Some of the most common signs your dishwasher needs a repair will involve the sink as a whole. If your dishwasher isn’t starting, that’s a pretty obvious sign that your dishwasher needs to be checked, but if it doesn’t fill or doesn’t stop filling, if it leaks, if it doesn’t drain, or if the appliance doesn’t dry the flatware, then you’ll have to find a repair specialist near you.
With even just minimal information and knowledge of what kind of parts are included in your dishwasher, you’ll be able to explain your worries to the specialist. Any operation that entails a source of electricity, always unplug the cord as it must be intended. If you decide to try and fix your dishwasher yourself, keep in mind to always unplug your dishwasher.
| Control Panel | $200 to $500 |
| Door Spring | $50 to $150 |
| Gasket | $50 to $150 |
| Heating Element | $150 to $300 |
| Hose | $50 to $100 |
| Inlet Valve | $75 to $150 |
| Motor | $400 to $600 |
| Pump | $150 to $400 |
| Spray | $75 to $150 |
| Rack | $50 to $150 |
Control Panel
The dishwasher control panel is what you need to check and manage the status of your dishwasher’s temperatures and time cycles. It is a part that is right below your dishwasher door. The replacement of the part will cost between $15 and $30, while the overall professional repair cost, including the part, will estimate about $200 to $500.
The repair specialist needs to collect the research of what kind of dishwasher model and make you own. Since the control panels of major retailers evaluate a higher price for an access panel replacement, you can expect all kinds of prices involved with the one you’ll need to purchase.
Door Spring
Springs are simple but integral for many different applications. The coil shapes they’re in have the weight of some kind of force that applies onto them. Resistance made from the force that gravitates into them is repelled as the force pushes back into shape. When you want to open or close a door, you have to make sure that it isn’t loose or too tight.
In a situation where your dishwasher’s door is too easy to open or too hard to close, or vice-versa, it probably means that your springs are worn out. The average cost that your dishwasher’s door springs will estimate into will most likely be $50 to $150.
Truthfully, you can do this kind of job by yourself. It may be simple but House Tipster would still suggest you hire a professional to do the job instead. But if you insist on doing this job yourself, before anything, you’re going to need to unplug your power source. Once you do, locate the springs, find some pliers and remove the springs from the rear bracket. Now, attach your springs the same way you took them out. Replug the necessary wires and cords and you’re done.
Gasket
Leaks are actually very preventable. It’s surprisingly easy to keep your dishwasher from running water along the floor and further worsening the damage in your kitchen. On average, the gasket will cost between $50 to $150, it probably makes the most sense to repetitively keep this part of your dishwasher in good condition. It also takes very little time and effort to repair and replace a gasket.
Your tub gasket or door gasket is placed around your dishwasher’s basin, it seals the grooves inside your appliance to where your dishwasher is installed. A professional repair specialist will probably have extra gaskets available with the readied supplies.
Heating Element
From the excerpt above, Cochrane used the copper boiler inside her design to keep the water from cooling off. The heating element in today’s dishwasher models work exactly like those mechanisms. This part of your dishwasher is what helps maintain the temperature of the water that will cycle through the things you put into your appliance. Hot water is key to cleaning what you need to clean so if your heating element is faulty, you’ll have to replace it eventually.
The average cost of a heating element ranges between $150 and $300. It is located underneath the bottom of your dishwasher tub and it is responsible for washing and rinsing whatever you decide to put inside your appliance. To remove and reinstall your heating element, shut off your dishwasher, then remove the front access and toe panels. Pull out your dishwasher and remove the heating element. Install your newly purchased heating element and reinstall the dishwasher.
Hose
A replacement of a drain hose will, on average, cost about $50 to $100. It’s an inexpensive part of your dishwasher and it drains any remaining waste and water inside your unit. Leaving it damaged will result in leaving reused water and retains the smell that you’d basically be flushing out. Most drain hoses are compatible with any of the dishwasher makes or models you'll find out there.
The part alleviates an air gap that stops negative pressure. It typically causes back siphoning which fills pockets of air into the system underneath the sink. Installing a drain hose will require a skilled set of hands, someone experienced in repairing the part into your dishwasher.
Inlet Valve
This is the part of your appliance that supplies water into the system. It averages into a cost of around $75 to $150. Commonly located behind the back of your lower kick plate panel either on the right or left corner of the appliance. The most typical issues you’ll be facing when repairing your broken inlet valve involve leaks, filling up water, or improper cleanings.
Motor
Practically the more expensive part that you might need to replace in your dishwasher, the average cost of your motor will estimate around $400 to $600. Since the motor requires more expertise and has a more complex repair process, it will probably set your budget costs highly. With lower-end models of dishwashers, you’ll most likely find a cheaper motor.
Pump
The dishwasher pump is the heart and soul of your appliance. If it was a singer in an opera about dishwashers, it would act as the soprano or the mezzo-soprano. The pump connects to your spray arm and transfers the water for the hose to spray out and about. There are two types of pumps in the appliance: the reversible and the direct-drive. On average, these pumps will range in costs between $150 and $400.
Reversible Pump
The reversible dishwasher pump adjacently shifts in directions of the motor and is vertically mounted.
Direct-drive Pump
The direct-drive pump switches one hose connection to the other and is occasionally mounted horizontally.
Seal
Easily the simplest and cheapest repair jobs for a dishwasher, to repair a door seal ranges from about $50 to $125. One of the commonly seen issues involving your door seal involves leaks and little streams of water passing through. A new gasket and ring costs less than $10 while the labor costs are also applied to the average.
Spray
An average estimate of the sprayer arm costs between $75 to $150. It all really depends on the make and model of your dishwasher. Sprayer arms are dependent on the variety of dishwashers that are available in the market. Higher end dishwasher models have actually been utilizing jet sprays rather than rotating arms. Jet sprays require three different arms that provide rapid and thorough cleaning cycles.
Rack
There are instances within the dishwasher where one or many tines break off from the dishwasher rack. A tine is the upright or angled stands on a dishwasher rack. Over time the tines break when put under too much weight or impacted with enough pressure. The average range of a dishwasher tray can cost about $50 to $150. Although, this kind of issue can actually be repaired by oneself.
The misconception of your dishwasher racks is that they can keep falling out of the tracks, although this may seem like a cause for concern, you can simply close the track latches. If any of your tines on your rack are bent, you can try bending them back into shape. Instead of being bent, they can be broken and if so, you can use vinyl paint to glue them back into the rack.
If your tray or the tracks and wheels of your dishwasher is either rusty or unclean, just use either a latex finish for the rust or just use simple household cleaning supplies. In spite of the fact that your rack may have debris of leftover food, if your racks aren’t rolling forward, it’s probably due to the factor of gravity. To solve this issue, you can just figure out how to keep the rack and the dishwasher feet leveled. Rather than replacing or even repairing your dishwasher, you can just find the simple solutions to resolving the simple problems the model might be facing.
Replacement Costs
Before you think of going on the hunt for a replacement, you should know the different kinds of dishwashers that are available in the market.
Built-In
One of the most common dishwashers offered by the top reseller, the built-in dishwasher is the modern appeal for homeowners. The reason that homeowners have concerns about buying a built-in dishwasher is because it is typically permanent as an installation into your home. Say, you sold your home and you bought a new one in the market. Unfortunately, you can’t bring it to your new home unless you decide to pay for the removal.
But the bright side of buying a built-in dishwasher is that the capacity is wide and holds the standard of 12 and 14 place settings. The built-in dishwasher is usually purchased for homeowners with large families or homes with a huge array of dishes and bowls and utensils. Since the built-in is a more accessible appliance than the rest of the other dishwashers, it is expected to have a higher cost.
Compact
In terms of size, the compact dishwasher is as big as what it is named for. The traditional measurement of the standard built-in dishwasher is 24 inches, however, the compact dishwasher is about 18 inches wide in capacity. Often, the compact dishwasher is installed for kitchenettes or smaller kitchens. The homeowners looking to buy a dishwasher within a set timeline and need one quickly, the compact dishwasher might just be the thing you’re looking for. This type of dishwasher also is the most inexpensive option in the market.
Portable
The portable dishwasher is sized to be as big as the standard compact dishwasher and is about 18 inches wide, but it has a twist that makes it an expedient convenience. As stated before, the downside to built-in dishwashers is that they’re somewhat permanently installed. But the portable dishwasher can move around and be placed in other locations in the kitchen. This type consists of a fitted drain called a unicouple which you need to connect to your faucet. By doing so, your portable dishwasher fills with water and drains back from the connection you hooked in. Another convenience made for portable dishwashers is that there is quite a selection of larger sizes as well.
Freestanding
Many of the features that the freestanding dishwasher has is very similar to the built-in dishwasher. The key difference is that built-in units have more utility and more features included in them. Some features that built-in dishwashers have that freestanding dishwashers do not have are the count of spray arms, special wash cycles and the built-in model aims its sprays for murkier targets.
Like the portable and compact dishwasher models, the freestanding dishwasher is smaller than your standard built-in. The reasons as to why homeowners find the freestanding model more convenient because there isn’t any need for carpenting nor an installer.
Under Sink
Under the sink dishwashers have the same width as the standard built-in models but they can be sized up to 36 inches, if that is the space you need underneath. This type of appliance needs the space for the model to be pushed lower than the regular space in the back. The In-the-sink dishwasher needs at least six inches.
There are settings for about five places for the few pots and pans you have at hand. Many of the dishwashers that were discussed in this article have eco-friendly features included with them, especially nowadays, but the benefit of in sink models is that they use 50 percent less water. The greatest benefit of an under-the-sink dishwasher is that you save cabinet space and cut the distance between the sink and the unit.
Maintenance and How to Prevent Dishwasher Troubleshooting
There are certain items that you should avoid inserting into a dishwasher. These are preventative measures but also measures to ensure your items don’t get damaged or broken. Wooden utensils, for example, because they’re made of wood can be warped from the heat of the water.
Certain plastics, although obvious, should never touch a dishwasher. This is because the plastic can melt and damage your racks. Never overload the appliance either. If you place too many things into your dishwasher and overstuff everything, the wash cycle will have more than one complication to deal with.
Dishwasher models manufactured between 10 to 15 years ago include a filter that acts as the barrier between your dishwasher and your drain. If you take a look at the filter, it is shaped like a cylinder and is easy to remove. A simple twist from the top, and it lifts right up. Run the filter under warm water once every month or so, or whenever you notice food and debris clogging it up. Dishwasher nozzles also collect build-up over time, especially if you have hard, mineral-rich water. Use a safety pin or wire coat hanger to loosen any deposits.
Especially if your dishwasher is on the older-side, you may begin to notice that the seals around the door are loosening or peeling away. You can use a strong adhesive like super glue to secure it, or you can replace the entire seal with a self-sealing tub gasket that can be found at any home improvement store.
Dishwashers that aren’t level are prone to leaks and inefficient washing. To determine if your dishwasher is level, use a level and place it at the bottom of the unit. Then, remedy by adjusting the leveling screws located on the bottom.
It may seem odd, but yes, your dishwasher can get remarkably dirty over time due to mineral, soap, and food build-up and, as a result, your dishes may not be getting as clean as you’d like. The best solution is to sanitize the unit every month or so by filling a bowl with 1-1.5 cups of white distilled vinegar and placing it in the bottom of the dishwasher. Then, run it using the hottest, longest cycle.
If caked-on gunk is an issue for you, go ahead and sprinkle some baking soda on the problem areas as well. The combination of baking soda and white vinegar is sure to handle anything that ails your unit.
Because it’s a hot, humid environment with a lack of airflow, mold and mildew can easily grow in a dishwasher. That’s why it’s necessary to allow the insides of your dishwasher to fully dry whenever possible.
Detergents come in several different formulas, including liquid, powder, and tablets. Depending on the make, model, and capacity of your unit, you may have to purchase a specific detergent. Tablets are your best bet if you’re looking for a consistent clean, just take care to keep them away from small children who may mistake them for candy. Powders can clump and age quickly, decreasing their overall effectiveness. And never use dish soap in your dishwasher unless you want a sudsy mess throughout your kitchen!
Some newer models come with a separate compartment for dishwasher rinse aid, which is designed to help your dishes dry better. Be sure to keep this product on hand if you notice your dishes aren’t drying properly.
Dishwashers are well worth their cost because they save you a ton of time and money in the form of smaller water bills. But if you really want to get the biggest bang for your buck, focus on keeping your dishwasher in excellent shape with regular maintenance and care.
Hiring a Professional or Professionals Through House Tipster
Many considerations go into installing a brand-new dishwasher but if your older model is broken, and all it needs is a simple fix, why try to replace it? Besides all that money you’d have to spend to buy a new model and reinstalling it, your older dishwasher might still work for less than half of what you’d spend to replace it.
Before even making a purchase, you should understand what should go into the process. Safety and costs are the first things to remember pertaining to all of your installations. Your ongoing search for information and finding a professional can be achieved through House Tipster. This site is a one-stop shop for both research on home renovations and estimates by local experts. Consider hiring a professional through our site, within the comfort of your home.
Check out House Tipster, and find the perfect pro for your home repair needs. How Much Do Dishwasher Repairs Cost? Find out from professionals in your area.
Featured Image by Nenad Stojkovic from Flickr
