Dishwasher Replacement: When to Fix It vs. When to Buy New
When your dishwasher replacement, the process of swapping out a broken or outdated dishwasher for a new one. Also known as dishwasher installation, it’s not just about buying a new machine—it’s about deciding if it’s smarter than fixing what you’ve got. Most people assume a dishwasher lasts forever, but the truth is, they usually run for 8 to 12 years. After that, parts get hard to find, energy use goes up, and repairs start costing more than a new unit. If yours is older than 10 years and throwing out error codes or leaving dishes dirty, it’s not broken—it’s just done.
Before you rush to replace it, ask yourself: is the problem fixable? A leaky door seal, a clogged filter, or a faulty pump can often be repaired for under £100. But if the control board is fried, the tub is cracked, or the motor’s worn out, you’re throwing money at a sinking ship. A dishwasher repair, the act of diagnosing and fixing mechanical or electrical faults in a dishwasher makes sense only if it’s cheaper than 50% of a new model’s price and your unit is under 8 years old. Anything beyond that? Replacement usually wins. And don’t forget the long-term savings: newer dishwashers use up to 30% less water and electricity. That adds up over time.
Then there’s the dishwasher lifespan, how long a dishwasher typically functions before it becomes unreliable or inefficient. Manufacturers say 10 years, but real-world use—hard water, overloading, skipping cleanings—can cut that in half. If you’ve been ignoring the salt refill, letting food gunk build up, or running it half-empty every night, you’ve shortened its life on purpose. A well-maintained dishwasher can hit 12 years, but if yours is struggling just to drain, it’s not a repair job—it’s a replacement project.
You’ll find a lot of advice online about fixing dishwashers yourself, and some of it’s useful. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably past the point where a YouTube video will help. The posts below cover the real talk: how much a new dishwasher actually costs, what features matter for your home, why some repairs are traps, and when it’s better to walk away. Whether you’re dealing with a 5-year-old model that’s acting up or a 15-year-old beast that’s seen better days, you’ll find clear, no-fluff guidance to help you decide—without the sales pitch.
15 November 2025
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Most dishwashers last 9-12 years. Learn the signs your unit is nearing end-of-life, when repairs make sense, and how to pick a long-lasting replacement for better efficiency and value.
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