Dishwasher Replacement Cost: What to Budget in 2026
Replacing an existing dishwasher costs $600-$1,400 total (appliance + installation). Labor alone is $150-300 when existing hookups are in good condition.
Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown
Appliance Cost
Basic Installation Labor
Haul-Away of Old Unit
Minor Parts (if needed)
When Replacement Gets More Complicated (and More Expensive)
| Complication | Extra Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Old unit is hardwired (not plugged in) | +$80-150 | Electrician may be needed to install outlet or reconnect hardwire |
| Different size unit (18" to 24" or vice versa) | +$100-400 | Cabinet modification or trim kit needed |
| Old unit leaked, cabinet damage | +$200-800 | Carpentry repair before new unit can be installed |
| Old plumbing is corroded | +$50-200 | New supply lines and possible shutoff valve replacement |
Repair vs Replace: How to Decide
Consider Repairing If...
- +Unit is under 5 years old
- +Repair cost is under 50% of replacement cost
- +Door latch failure ($75-150 repair)
- +Pump or motor failure on a quality unit
- +Spray arm blockage (often DIY)
Replace If...
- !Unit is 10+ years old
- !Control board failure (often 60%+ of unit cost to repair)
- !Leaking from door seal (costly repair)
- !Visible rust on interior tub
- !Not draining despite cleaning (pump failure)
Related Guides
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher?
Replacing a dishwasher costs $600-$1,400 total including a mid-range appliance and standard installation labor. Labor alone is $150-300. A budget replacement (GE or Maytag entry-level + labor) runs $550-800. A premium Bosch 800 Series or Miele replacement can reach $2,000-$2,500 total. Home Depot and Lowe's offer bundled pricing ($99-150 install with appliance purchase) that can save money on a straightforward swap.
Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?
Replace if the unit is over 8-10 years old, the repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost, or the control board has failed. Control board repairs often cost $400-600 on a unit you could replace for $500. Repair if under 5 years old with a door latch, spray arm, or drain pump failure - these run $75-200 and extend the unit's life significantly. A new dishwasher is roughly 30% more energy efficient than a 10-year-old model, so replacement pays off over time.
What makes a dishwasher replacement more expensive?
A standard replacement becomes more expensive when: the old unit is hardwired rather than plugged in (electrician needed, +$80-150); the new unit is a different size requiring cabinet modification (+$100-400); the old supply line is corroded and must be replaced; or there is cabinet damage from a previous leak that needs repair before the new unit goes in. Always have the installer inspect hookup condition before committing to a flat-rate quote.