The most common problem with a dishwasher is a lack of water flow or a clogged drain. This can be caused by blockages in the line, a faulty water inlet valve, or a broken pump motor.
How long do dishwasher control boards typically last? With proper care, a control board can last the lifetime of the dishwasher (about 10-15 years). However, factors like power surges or excessive moisture can shorten its lifespan.
Control Panel - The control panel is the interface for operating the dishwasher. If it fails, you won't be able to select a cycle. The average cost to fix a control panel is around $250, with a range of $200 to $400.
There are several signs that your dishwasher's control board may be faulty. The most obvious sign is that your dishwasher won't turn on or won't respond to your commands. You may also notice that your dishwasher is running for longer than usual or that it's not cleaning your dishes properly.
Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.
Electrical Surges
Often caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the power grid, these surges can cause irreparable damage to the electronic components, leading to either immediate or gradual failure of the control board.
You're better off putting the money toward a new $500 appliance. But for a $1,000 dishwasher, a $140 repair is often worth pursuing for the better part of a decade. Most appliances are covered under warranty in their first year.
The control board or electronic control unit is typically the most expensive part in a dishwasher. It manages all the dishwasher's functions, such as the wash cycles, water temperature, and the timing of the washing and drying processes.
The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports. However, issues with the appliances tend to develop within the first five years.
If it is over ten years old, it might be time for a new one. When you factor in the energy efficiency of a newer machine, you may be saving yourself some money in the long run. However, if your machine is under six years old, then a repair might be the most cost-effective option.
Bosch, ASKO, GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid stand out as reputable choices known for their commitment to quality and performance. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, these brands consistently deliver reliable dishwashers equipped with advanced features and durable construction.
Dishwasher installation costs $600 to $1,700 on average, including a new unit. The cost to replace a dishwasher is $200 to $500 for labor only. The labor cost to install a dishwasher is $300 to $1,300 where there was none before. A new dishwasher unit alone costs $400 to $1,200.
If your dishwasher is within the five-year limit, it's definitely worth fixing. But if your dishwasher is closer to ten years, finding replacement parts might be too expensive, so you'd be better off replacing your machine.
Average Life Span of a Dishwasher
While the average is a decade, a few standout brands create dishwashers known for exceptional durability, even reaching up to 20 years of use.
Washing machines should operate in a predictable manner. If your machine starts acting erratically, like stopping mid-cycle, skipping cycles, or not completing a cycle, the control board might be malfunctioning. Modern washing machines have digital displays that indicate cycle status, errors, and settings.
You will need to test for the continuity between the control board and the plug. To do this, you'll need to check how the power comes down through the live pin (bottom left) and neutral pin (bottom right) on the plug. The power will then possibly pass through an on/off switch if your dishwasher model has one.
There should be a reset or drain sequence that resets the dishwasher. If not just flip the breaker or unplug (if you can) the unit for thirty seconds and then run again.
The most common cause for a dishwasher not draining is a clog or obstruction in your dishwasher drain or nearby garbage disposal. Removing the blockage typically resolves the problem.