Quick answer
A dishwasher that will not drain, will not clean, leaks or will not start is usually a clogged filter or drain, a failed drain pump, a bad door latch, a worn door gasket or a faulty inlet valve. Appliance Repair Philly repairs dishwashers of every brand in Philadelphia and nearby towns. The diagnostic is $60 flat and credited toward the repair. Typical total is $150 to $350.
Common dishwasher problems
| What you see | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Water left in the bottom | Clogged filter or drain hose, drain pump, air gap or disposal blockage | Clean, clear or replace the pump |
| Dishes still dirty | Clogged spray arms, dirty filter, weak circulation pump, low water | Clean the arms, replace pump or valve |
| Leak at the door | Worn door gasket, door not latching, overfilling | Replace the gasket or latch |
| Leak underneath | Inlet valve, hose clamp, pump seal, tub crack | Replace valve, hose or pump |
| Will not start | Door latch or switch, control board, thermal fuse | Replace latch, fuse or board |
| Not drying | Failed heating element, rinse aid empty, vent | Replace element, check rinse aid |
| Loud grinding or humming | Foreign object in the pump, worn motor | Remove object, replace pump |
For the top two calls, see dishwasher not draining and dishwasher leaking.
Before you call: five safe checks
- Clean the filter. Pull the lower rack and twist out the filter. Rinse off food and grease. A dirty filter causes bad cleaning and slow draining.
- Run the disposal. If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, a blocked disposal holds water in the tub. New installs need the knockout plug removed from the disposal inlet, a classic missed step.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or a tight bend.
- Look at the spray arms. Spin them by hand and clear the holes with a toothpick.
- Inspect the door gasket for cracks, food or a flipped lip.
If water is on the floor, turn off the dishwasher at the breaker and shut the water valve under the sink before you investigate.
Why a dishwasher stops cleaning
Dishes come out gritty or cloudy when the filter is clogged, the water is not hot enough, the pump moves too little water, or the inlet valve lets in too little. Hard water also leaves a white film and can slowly coat the heating element. Rinse aid and a monthly cleaner help. If the same load comes out dirty after cleaning the filter and arms, the circulation pump or the valve is next.
Built-in, drawer and portable
Most homes have a standard built-in under the counter. Drawer models, such as two-drawer units, have more parts per door and need a technician who knows them. Portable dishwashers are simple and rarely worth a big repair. We work on all of them, and we say plainly when a part costs more than the machine is worth.
Is it worth repairing?
Dishwashers last about 9 to 12 years. Repair a pump, latch, gasket, valve, spray arm or heating element on a dishwasher under 8 to 10 years old. A control board on a machine past 10 years old is often not worth it, and a rusted tub is never worth repairing. More about the repair or replace rule is in the cost guide.
What dishwasher repair costs
| Job | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Clean a clog, replace a gasket or spray arm | $100 to $220 |
| Drain pump, inlet valve, latch or heating element | $150 to $350 |
| Control board | $250 to $450 |
You get the exact total before we start work.
How it works
- Send the brand, model and what happens, including any error code.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule.
- The technician finds the fault and quotes the total. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
Areas we serve
Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
Brands: Bosch, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung. Also see garbage disposal repair.
FAQ
Why is my dishwasher not draining?
Common causes are a clogged filter, a blocked drain hose or disposal, and a failed drain pump. Read our guide.
How much does dishwasher repair cost?
Most repairs are $150 to $350 including the part. The $60 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
Is it worth fixing a 10 year old dishwasher?
For a pump, valve, latch or gasket, usually yes. For a failed control board or a rusting tub, compare with a new one.
Why is my dishwasher leaking from the door?
The door gasket may be worn, the door may not latch, or there may be too much suds from the wrong detergent. See dishwasher leaking.
Do you repair Bosch dishwashers?
Yes. Bosch codes such as E15, E24 and E25 usually point to a leak, a drain pump or a clog, and our technicians know them. See Bosch appliance repair.