How to tell if a dishwasher is dying?

Author: Jeremie Witting  |  Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025

If it's showcasing any of the seven symptoms below, chances are it's time to think about upgrading.
  1. The Dishes Don't Feel Hot When the Cycle Ends. ...
  2. Water Doesn't Drain Out of the Bottom. ...
  3. It's Rusting from the Inside Out. ...
  4. The Latch Is Broken. ...
  5. It's Over 10 Years Old. ...
  6. It Overfills or Under-Fills. ...
  7. Your Dishes Aren't Clean.

How to tell if a dishwasher needs replacing?

Six Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Dishwasher
  1. All the food particles don't come off the plates.
  2. The glasses are clean but look cloudy.
  3. The door doesn't latch.
  4. The dishes never dry.
  5. There's standing water in the dishwasher at the end of a cycle.
  6. The dishes are cold immediately after the cycle ends.

What is the average life expectancy of a dishwasher?

The average lifespan of a dishwasher is approximately 8-10 years. However, the longevity of your appliance can vary based on multiple factors such as usage, brand, and maintenance.

How do you know when your dishwasher is going out?

Common Signs It's Time To Buy a New Dishwasher
  1. Dishes Continue To Come Out Dirty. ...
  2. It's Over 10 Years Old. ...
  3. Dishes Don't Come Out Hot. ...
  4. The Door Doesn't Close Properly. ...
  5. Water Doesn't Drain.

How do you know when it's time for a new dishwasher?

Signs like spotty or dirty dishes after a cycle, food particles remaining on plates, cloudy appearance on glassware, or concerns about energy efficiency and safety, such as an outdated dishwasher without Energy Star certification or visible damage like cracks or a broken latch, indicate it's time for an upgrade.

Home Maintenance : How to Diagnose Dishwasher Problems

What is the standard life of a dishwasher?

All appliances have a limited lifespan before components start to wear out. While the expected life of dishwashers is 10-15 years with proper maintenance, over time performance will decline as parts deteriorate.

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.

How do you know when your dishwasher is dying?

Your Dishes Aren't Clean. One of the most obvious signs you may have a failing dishwasher is your dishes come out dirty. If you've tried everything you can, from switching detergents to putting fewer dishes inside each cycle and you're still having this problem, it's time to make a change.

How often should dishwashers be replaced?

Dishwashers usually last between 10 to 15 years. These appliances are very easy to repair, as it's often only a matter of one or two parts being out of place. The easiest way to tell if your dishwasher needs a repair is if your dishes aren't getting clean or if you hear any unusual sounds while running a cycle.

How to test if a dishwasher is working?

To test what is wrong with your dishwasher, first, check that the power is on and the door is securely closed. Then run a cycle and observe whether the dishwasher is filling, draining, washing, and drying correctly. If any of these steps don't occur, you may have a problem.

What is the most common failure on a dishwasher?

Issues like leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, foul odors and overall appliance operation, though infrequent, can be the most common problems with a dishwasher that isn't operating properly. In some cases, you can resolve these issues with a little elbow grease and the help of your product manual.

Which brand of dishwasher lasts the longest?

On the other hand, you can get an idea of how long a new dishwasher will last by checking its manual. Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Samsung can last up to ten years. Frigidaire, Kenmore, and Electrolux can operate for more than ten years. Miele can work for up to 20 years.

Should I really run my dishwasher every night?

Note: For fire safety reasons, only run appliances like dishwashers while you're home, and try to avoid running them when you're sleeping. If you're not a night owl, consider running the machine early in the morning before you go to work to still snag the cost savings.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a dishwasher?

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.

What is the best brand of dishwasher?

Bosch and Maytag dishwashers both offer quality, innovative features, and reliable performance, making them top choices for any household; you can't go wrong with either brand.

Do more expensive dishwashers last longer?

Dishwashers usually last for an average of 10 years. However, the longevity of a dishwasher can ultimately depend on how high quality it is. As such, cheaper dishwashers can occasionally have a much shorter lifespan. It's important to note that this isn't always the case.

How do you tell if you need a new dishwasher?

5 Signs You Probably Need to Replace Your Dishwasher
  1. Your dishes don't come out hot. Perhaps the most important factor in clean, germ-free dishes is hot, sudsy water. ...
  2. You see rust. ...
  3. The door doesn't latch properly — or at all. ...
  4. It doesn't drain properly. ...
  5. It isn't energy efficient.

How long does it take a plumber to replace a dishwasher?

On the other hand, a professional can likely install a dishwasher in about an hour. Installation time will take longer if you have to remove an existing dishwasher, reroute plumbing, or repair damaged flooring underneath the appliance.

Do dishwashers go bad if not used?

Your dishwasher should be just fine if you leave it unused for a while. However, leaving your dishwasher totally unused for more than a year may cause it to become faulty. As such, it's best to use your dishwasher a few times throughout the year to keep it nice and healthy.

How to tell when a dishwasher is done?

Depending on your model, you'll know that the cycle is complete if you see the LED light shining on the floor, or if CLEAN is illuminated in the dishwasher's display.

What is the expected life of a dishwasher?

The average life of a dishwasher is about ten years. 1 With extreme exposure to high-pressure water, acidic foods, and harsh cleaners, dishwashers can wear down even faster. "The usual lifespan is ten years.

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.

Can a dishwasher last 20 years?

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.

Is it hard to replace a dishwasher yourself?

The project doesn't require advanced plumbing or electrical skills. Installing a dishwasher successfully does require proper know-how and equipment, including a dishwasher installation kit that has a 90-degree fitting and water supply line. This guide outlines how to install a dishwasher.

Do I need a plumber to fix a dishwasher?

Unless the dishwasher problem is associated with plumbing, you should call an appliance repair company. Appliance repair specialists have the knowledge and expertise to fix or replace your dishwasher. They can repair electrical issues, replace parts, and even handle certain plumbing problems.

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