How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher drain pump?

Author: Thurman Moen IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 8, 2026

The average cost to fix a pump is around $150, with a range of $100 to $350. To troubleshoot, check for a clogged filter or faulty motor.

Is it worth repairing a dishwasher pump?

In general, if the machine is in good condition repairs would be worth it if not a catastrophic failure. I consider a drain pump or blockage to be minor.

How much does it cost to replace a drain pump in a dishwasher?

The cost to replace a dishwasher drain pump is $100 to $400 on average. Dishwasher-drain pump prices are $20 to $100 for the part alone, depending on the brand. Drain pumps remove dirty water from the dishwasher by pumping it out to the drain hose and sewer line.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain pump is bad?

Finally, to be sure your drain pump is working properly, you can test it with a multimeter on the two terminals. Your multimeter should show a reading of about 200 ohms for a working drain pump.

How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that is not draining?

Repairing a dishwasher that does not drain averages $50 to $400. The usual cause is an issue with the drain hose, but it might also be a problem with the pump, which costs more to fix. There is also a chance that your filter might be clogged and need to be cleaned out.

How To Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Drain

Is it easy to replace a dishwasher pump?

On some models, replacing a drain pump will only require you to remove the lower access panel or panels, reach under the dishwasher, disconnect the wire harness from the pump, then depress a retaining tab and rotate the old pump counter-clockwise to release it from the sump housing.

What is the most common cause for a dishwasher not to drain?

Kinks or Clogs in the Drain Hose

Fats, oils, and greases may be the most common drain issues you'll experience likely to have a bearing on slow draining from the dishwasher.

What does a bad dishwasher drain pump sound like?

Grinding or buzzing noise

You can hear your dishwasher grind or buzz when it forces water down the drain. If the sound is very loud, check your pump impeller. To do this, you will need to remove the lower basket, spray arm and filter unit.

What causes drain pump to go bad?

Some of the most common reasons for a bad drain pump include: Faulty pump motor: The motor should only move water, dissolved soap, and dirt. It can fail when hard objects, like coins or rocks in your pockets, enter the pump system. Damaged impeller: The impeller works like a fan with blades directing water outward.

Is it worth fixing a 7 year old dishwasher?

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.

What is the most expensive part of a dishwasher?

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.

What is the life expectancy of a drain pump?

While you can probably expect to get 8-12 years out of the average pump, there are any number of factors which will have an effect on the lifespan of your sump pump; from the sturdiness and build quality to how often it's turned on.

Is it cheaper to fix a dishwasher or buy a new one?

More complex problems or major component damage, however, could push the cost to $500 or more, depending on the type of repair and price of replacement parts. If the quoted repair costs approach the price of a new dishwasher of similar quality, it's probably a better use of your money to buy a new one.

Is it expensive to replace a dishwasher pump?

Pump - The pump is responsible for circulating water throughout the dishwasher. If it fails, your dishes won't be cleaned properly. The average cost to fix a pump is around $150, with a range of $100 to $350. To troubleshoot, check for a clogged filter or faulty motor.

How long should a dishwasher last?

However, dishwashers don't last forever. The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain pump is not working?

If your drain pump is working properly, the multimeter should show a reading of between 160 and 260. If the reading is too high, too low, or if there's no reading at all, it means the drain pump is faulty and needs to be replaced with a new one.

How to force a dishwasher to drain?

Press and hold the cancel button for at least three seconds—or the amount indicated—to activate the draining mechanism. Once the drainage sound completes, and your dishwasher shuts off, check the inside of the unit for standing water.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain is clogged?

6 Signs Your Dishwasher Problems Are Caused By a Clog
  1. You Hear Gurgling Sounds. ...
  2. Your Dishwasher Is Backing Up Water in Your Sink. ...
  3. You Notice Slow Draining In Your Dishwasher. ...
  4. You See Water Backup In the Dishwasher After the Cycle. ...
  5. Your Dishes Are Not Cleaned. ...
  6. Your Dishwasher Smells.

How do I know if I need a new dishwasher pump?

Water will not pump into the dishwasher.

Dishwashers have sensors and water pumps they use to let the computer inside them know when to pump water in and pump it out. If this sensor is dirty, has become stuck, or has broken, it needs to be repaired. If the pump has failed, it also needs to be replaced.

How do I know if my drain pump is broken?

There might be some obstruction preventing the water from draining out and not allowing the washer pump to operate. To see if your washer drain pump is broken, here are some reasons: You cannot hear the drain pump when it drains the water. You can listen to a low sound, but the water is not draining out.

What is the average price for a dishwasher?

A new dishwasher costs $400 to $1,200 on average for a standard 24" wide built-in model. Small dishwasher prices are $250 to $500 for countertop models. The cost of a dishwasher depends on the type, size, and brand.

How to unblock a dishwasher pump?

How to unblock the drain pump
  1. Turn the appliance off.
  2. Take out the baskets.
  3. Take out the lower spray arm.
  4. Remove the water by using a sponge.
  5. Remove the filters.
  6. Unclip the pump cover using a spoon.
  7. Remove all foreign bodies.
  8. Check if the impeller can rotate freely.

How do you unclog a dishwasher with standing water?

Try vinegar and baking soda

Mix together about one cup each of baking soda and vinegar and pour the mixture into the standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. Leave for about 20 minutes. If the water is draining or starting to drain at that time, rinse with hot water and then run the dishwasher's rinse cycle.

How to fix a dishwasher that isn't draining?

Clean the drain

Since it is common for debris to get stuck in the dishwasher drain, try cleaning it with a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour the baking soda and vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then run a rinse cycle at the highest heat setting.

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