Who Fixes Dishwashers? Here’s Who to Call

Your dishwasher is an essential household appliance, but it can suffer from a range of issues. Whether the dishwasher won't turn on or the dishwasher's not cleaning, understanding who fixes them is the key to a reliable repair. Find out who you need to call to fix your finicky dishwasher.

Benefits of Hiring a Dishwasher Repair Technician

Local dishwasher repair techs, also known as appliance repair techs, have extensive training and experience with various dishwasher models and brands. They can quickly diagnose and address issues to get your appliance back in working order. The average dishwasher repair costs between $160 and $300.

Safety is a significant concern when dealing with dishwashers, as they involve plumbing, electricity, and sometimes gas connections. Opting for a dedicated appliance repair technician supports your dishwasher’s warranty, which might be voided if unqualified individuals attempt to fix it. Dishwasher technicians have access to high-quality, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for a better and longer-lasting repair compared to using generic parts.

Can I DIY Dishwasher Repair?

Basic repairs, such as unclogging filters, cleaning spray arms, or checking for drain hose blockages, can often be tackled by the average homeowner. More complex repairs involving the appliances's electronics and mechanics, however, come with risks. The electrical components and plumbing pose a risk of electric shock. You should always disconnect a dishwasher from power and water supplies before starting repairs. 

Attempting DIY repairs can also void the dishwasher's warranty, as many manufacturers require certified technicians to perform repairs as part of the warranty terms. Additionally, specific tools and replacement parts are often required and homeowners may not have access to high-quality or OEM parts, leading to temporary or ineffective fixes.

Can I Hire a Plumber to Fix a Dishwasher?

Plumbers are qualified to address dishwasher problems like water leaks, clogged drains, or improper water supply. If your dishwasher is not getting water, for example, they may be able to help. 

However, a plumber may lack the training or experience to diagnose and fix more complex mechanical or electrical issues within the machine. If your dishwasher is still under warranty, hiring a plumber instead of a certified appliance repair technician could void the warranty, as manufacturers often require certified pros to handle repairs.

Opting to hire a local plumber may also be more expensive. The average plumbing repair cost ranges between $180 and $490, which is slightly more expensive than hiring an appliance technician.

How Do Appliance Repair Techs Fix Dishwashers?

Dishwasher repair techs begin with an assessment and diagnosis. They’ll talk with the homeowner to understand the issue and any troubleshooting attempts. The tech will then visually inspect the machine and may run a test load to see how it operates. They'll look for an error code and use tools to check the motor, heating element, pump, and sensors. They may also look at the plumbing and electrical connections.

After diagnosis, the tech should know which parts need repair or replacement. At this point, they’ll give a repair estimate. Once they get the go-ahead, they’ll disassemble the dishwasher and either repair or replace the troublesome part. After reassembling the dishwasher, they'll run a full cycle to ensure the repair was successful, checking for leaks, proper drainage, heating, and overall functionality.