A good dishwasher lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care. Learn the signs it’s time to repair or replace, how hard water affects lifespan, and what features to look for in a new model.
How Long Does a Dishwasher Last? Real Lifespan and When to Replace
When you buy a dishwasher, a kitchen 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—and one of the easiest to take for granted until it breaks. Most dishwashers last between 9 and 12 years. That’s not forever, but it’s long enough that many people forget to check for warning signs until it’s too late. Unlike your fridge or oven, dishwashers deal with constant moisture, heat, and food debris, which wear down parts faster than you’d think.
The real lifespan of your dishwasher depends on how often you use it, what kind of water you have, and whether you keep it clean. Hard water? That’s mineral buildup eating away at the spray arms and heating element. Skipping the rinse aid? Your dishes come out spotted, and the machine works harder. Not cleaning the filter? Food gunk clogs the drain, and that’s the #1 reason people call for dishwasher repair, professional service to fix malfunctions like leaks, poor cleaning, or failure to drain. A clogged drain isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign the pump or motor is under stress. And once those start failing, repair costs can creep close to the price of a new unit.
So when should you repair and when should you replace? If your dishwasher is under 7 years old and the issue is something simple—a broken spray arm, a faulty door latch, or a dirty filter—you’re usually better off fixing it. But if it’s older than 10 years and you’re dealing with leaks, strange noises, or dishes that come out still dirty? That’s not a repair job. That’s a sign the appliance longevity, the total usable life of a home appliance before it becomes unreliable or too costly to maintain. is hitting its limit. Replacing a 12-year-old dishwasher isn’t giving up—it’s saving money on energy bills and avoiding water damage from a failing seal.
And don’t let the brand fool you. Just because it’s a well-known name doesn’t mean it’s built to last forever. What matters is maintenance. Clean the filter every month. Run a vinegar cycle every few months. Don’t overload it. These small habits add years to its life. If you’ve been ignoring these steps, your dishwasher might be dying not from age—but from neglect.
Below, you’ll find real stories from people who faced the same questions: Is it worth fixing? How much does it cost? What’s the most common problem? We’ve pulled together the most helpful posts from local experts who’ve seen it all—broken pumps, rusted tubs, control boards that quit mid-cycle. No fluff. Just what actually happens when dishwashers wear out, and how to decide what to do next.