Short answer

Repair a dishwasher when one part has failed — a drain pump, inlet valve, latch, or heater — and the tub and racks are sound. Replacement is usually better when several parts are failing at once, the tub is cracked or rusted through, or the racks are corroding. Panel-ready dishwashers lean toward repair because a replacement has to match your cabinetry.

Stainless dishwasher installed under a quartz counter between wood cabinets

Rule out the simple fixes first

Many 'broken' dishwashers just need the filter cleaned, the spray arms cleared, or the disposal connection checked. Hard water can also make a working dishwasher look like it's failing. Try those before getting a quote.

Dishwasher drain and filter

Black-and-white close-up of a dishwasher tub floor with standing water and debris around the drain — Before: Debris and standing water in the bottom of the tub.

Empty dishwasher lower rack and spray arm inside a stainless tub — After: Clear tub floor: water drains and the spray arms get full pressure.

Example photos of the condition — different appliances, not RepairHearth jobs. Photos: Richard Stachmann (Unsplash) · Castorly Stock (Pexels).

Dishwasher not draining: what to check

Common failures and the usual call

Failure	Usual call
Clogged filter or drain path	Clean — no repair needed
Drain pump	Repair
Inlet valve	Repair
Door latch or switch	Repair
Heating element	Repair
Circulation pump or motor	Compare
Cracked or rusted-through tub	Replace

Signals at a glance

Leans repair	Leans replace
One failed part	Several failures at once
Tub and racks in good shape	Rust on racks or tub
Panel-ready or built into custom cabinetry	Standard freestanding-cutout unit
Recent model with available parts	Discontinued parts

Efficiency

Newer ENERGY STAR dishwashers are designed to use less water and energy. If your dishwasher is old and needs a significant repair, efficiency is a reasonable tiebreaker.

Before you decide, check

Under the dishwasher and the sink base for water damage — it changes the urgency and the total cost
Whether the drain hose, air gap, or disposal connection is the real problem
Warranty status and any open recall for your model
Installation costs for a replacement: water and drain connections, electrical, and haul-away

Common questions

Is a leaking dishwasher worth repairing?

Often, if the leak is from a gasket, hose, or pump seal. A leak from a cracked tub usually isn't. Check for floor damage either way.

Should I replace a dishwasher that leaves dishes cloudy?

Usually not. Cloudy film is most often hard-water mineral deposits or a rinse-aid problem. Try rinse aid and your dishwasher's hard-water setting first.

Why would I repair an older panel-ready dishwasher?

Because replacement has to fit the same cutout and accept your custom panel, which limits choices and can add installation work.

Call for appliance repair

Pricing, timing, and appointments are confirmed by the repair provider.

Our phone line is being set up. Please check back soon.

Should you repair or replace your dishwasher?