How long do dishwashers last?
Most dishwashers last 8 to 12 years. The NAHB life expectancy study lists about 9 years; 8 to 12 is the common spread.
Dishwashers tend to fail from hard water, clogged filters and worn pumps rather than from age alone. Cleaning the filter and spray arms is the single most useful habit.
Typical lifespan: 8 to 12 years
The NAHB life expectancy study lists about 9 years; 8 to 12 is the common spread.
Dishwasher maintenance checklist by season
Spring
Remove and rinse the filter, then check the spray arm holes for food bits or mineral deposits. A toothpick clears the holes. Wipe the door gasket.
Summer
Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or follow the cycle your manual describes. Check under the sink for damp around the supply line and drain hose connections.
Fall
Look inside the tub for rust spots, chipped racks or peeling coating on the rack tines. Replace damaged racks before rust spreads. Test that the door latches firmly.
Winter
If the kitchen is cold or the house will be empty, make sure the supply line and drain are not in an exterior wall that can freeze. If the unit is in an unheated space, drain it per the manual.
Signs your dishwasher needs replacing
- Dishes come out gritty or cloudy after cleaning the filter and arms.
- Water stays in the bottom after a cycle, or the drain pump hums without draining.
- The door will not latch, or water leaks around the door.
- Rust in the tub, or a smell that persists after a cleaning cycle.
- Repeated error codes or a repair quote near half the price of a new unit.
Typical dishwasher warranty
A limited one-year warranty on parts and labor is the usual baseline. Some brands add longer coverage on the tub, racks or electronic controls, and the terms differ by model. Registration is sometimes required for the extended portion.
An appliance warranty tracker keeps your dishwasher's coverage dates and receipt in one place.
What to keep for a dishwasher
- The receipt and installation invoice
- Model and serial number, often on the edge of the door or inside the tub
- The manual with the error-code table
- The filter and spray-arm part numbers
Common questions
How long do dishwashers last?
Most dishwashers last 8 to 12 years. The NAHB life expectancy study lists about 9 years; 8 to 12 is the common spread.
Should I repair or replace a dishwasher?
If it is past about 8 years and the repair, such as a new pump or control board, costs close to half of a new one, replacing usually makes more sense. A cheap part such as a door latch or filter is worth fixing at any age.
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Check your manual. Many makers suggest rinsing the filter about once a month, more often if you do not pre-rinse dishes.
How do I maintain a dishwasher?
Follow your manual first. Each season: spring, remove and rinse the filter, then check the spray arm holes for food bits or mineral deposits. A toothpick clears the holes. Wipe the door gasket. Fall, look inside the tub for rust spots, chipped racks or peeling coating on the rack tines. Replace damaged racks before rust spreads. Test that the door latches firmly.