Dishwasher Repair: Fix It or Replace It? Common Problems and Local Solutions

When your dishwasher, a household appliance designed to clean dishes automatically using water and detergent. Also known as a dishwashing machine, it’s one of the most used appliances in the home—yet often the last one people think to repair. If it’s not cleaning properly, leaking, or just won’t start, you’re not alone. Most dishwashers last between 8 and 12 years, but wear and tear, hard water, and clogged filters can cut that life short. A broken dishwasher doesn’t mean you need a new one—often, it just needs a simple fix.

Common problems like dishwasher not draining usually come down to a clogged filter, a faulty pump, or a blocked drain hose. These aren’t expensive to fix, and many can be cleared with a quick clean or a $20 part. Other issues—like dishes coming out still dirty, strange noises, or error codes flashing—often point to worn spray arms, a failing heating element, or a broken control board. You don’t need to be a technician to check the filter or run a vinegar cycle, but some fixes require knowing what’s inside the machine. That’s where local expertise matters. In Glastonbury, many homeowners waste money replacing appliances that could’ve been fixed for under £100.

Before you buy a new unit, ask: Is the dishwasher over 10 years old? Is the repair cost more than half the price of a new one? Are parts still available? If the answer is no to any of those, repair might be the smarter move. A new dishwasher costs £400 to £1,000, plus installation. A professional repair? Often under £150. And you’re keeping a working appliance out of landfill. Plus, older models tend to be built tougher than today’s budget versions.

It’s not just about cost—it’s about convenience. Waiting days for a delivery, dealing with installation delays, or having to hand-wash dishes for a week? That’s a hassle you can avoid. Many dishwasher repairs can be done in under two hours. A technician can check the door seal, test the water inlet valve, inspect the drain pump, and reset the control board—all on-site. You don’t need to guess what’s wrong. Just call someone who’s seen it before.

Hard water is a silent killer in this area. If you’ve got limescale buildup, it’s not just your kettle—it’s your dishwasher too. Mineral deposits clog jets, coat heating elements, and make detergent less effective. Regular descaling with white vinegar or a dedicated cleaner can double the life of your machine. But if you’ve ignored it for years, you’re playing Russian roulette with the motor and pump.

There’s no magic number for when to replace, but here’s a rule of thumb: if your dishwasher is older than 8 years and needs a major part like the pump or control board, it’s time to weigh your options. But if it’s just a seal, a filter, or a simple sensor issue? Fix it. You’ll save money, save time, and save the planet a little bit.

Below, you’ll find real fixes from people who’ve been there—how to tell if your dishwasher is beyond repair, what common errors really mean, and when to call a pro instead of wasting hours on YouTube tutorials. No fluff. Just what works.