Dishwashers last 9–12 years with typical household use. The main failure points are the pump, door latch, and heating element.
Dishwashers are one of the most reliable kitchen appliances — and among the easiest to neglect. NAHB data shows the average dishwasher lasts about 10 years, with a range of 9–12 years. Usage frequency matters enormously: a household running two cycles daily will wear out a dishwasher in 5–7 years, while a couple who uses it every other day may get 15 years. The most common failure points are the door latch mechanism, the pump, and the control board. Descaling and filter cleaning extend life significantly in hard water areas.
Replace your dishwasher when repair costs exceed $400–$500 on a unit over 8 years old, or when any repair requires replacing the pump, motor, or control board on a unit over 7 years old. Cosmetic issues (rust spots, minor door seal wear) don't warrant replacement — those are often DIY fixes. A new Energy Star dishwasher uses about 3.5 gallons per cycle vs. 6+ for older units, saving meaningful money on water and energy.
The filter-cleaning schedule varies wildly by household. If you cook with lots of garlic, onion, or fibrous vegetables, clean the filter every 2 weeks. If it's mostly plates and glasses, once a month is fine. A clogged filter is the most common cause of "dirty dishes" calls to appliance repair — and a 5-minute DIY fix.
Generally, no. If a dishwasher is over 8 years old and needs a repair costing more than $300–$400, replacement is typically the better value. Control board or pump replacements on older units often cost 50–70% of a new unit price.
The most common causes are a clogged filter, insufficient rinse aid, hard water buildup on the spray arms, or water temperature below 120°F. Clean the filter first — it solves this problem in about 80% of cases.
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