Signs It's Time to Consider Replacing Your Dishwasher| Don's Appliances

A man and a woman smiling while reviewing a dishwasher

At a Glance:

How to Replace Dishwasher: A Quick Guide

Knowing when to replace dishwasher models can be tough. Little repairs add up over time, and sometimes you want to skip the headache of DIY troubleshooting and calling a professional altogether. If you’re thinking about replacing dishwasher for a brand-new model, determining your top priorities and must-have features is a great way to start. In this dishwasher buying guide, we’ll explain what you need to know before you buy, discuss common dishwasher issues, and recommend a model tailored to solving that problem so that you can handle day-to-day kitchen cleanup with ease.

Discover the Best Dishwasher Deals

With the selection of reliable dishwashers at Don's Appliances, keeping your kitchen in smooth, working order is easier than ever.

Shop Now

Before You Buy

Before you head to the store to browse dishwashers, there are a few things you should know.

Average Repair Costs

You could try to repair dishwasher problems by fixing it yourself or hiring a professional. Here are the typical costs to repair a dishwasher for the following common problems:

A broken dishwasher hose typically costs $50 to $100.

Leaky gaskets typically cost $50 to $150 with professional repair.

A bad water pump can range from $150 to $600, and it’s best to hire a pro.

A damaged spray arm costs around $75 to $150.

Some dishwasher issues surpass the extent of the average Joe’s dishwasher troubleshooting abilities. If your dishwasher isn’t heating, the spray arms aren’t spinning, the machine isn’t draining well, or any electronic components stop working, fixing or replacing dishwasher parts like these might require a professional’s help.

Average Dishwasher Prices

A brand new dishwasher typically costs anywhere from $250 to $3,500 with a national average of $970. You can break the cost for dishwasher models into three categories: budget dishwashers for $250 to $800; mid-range dishwashers for $900 to $1,200; and high-end dishwashers for $1,500 to $3,500. You must also budget for delivery, installation, and removal of your old dishwasher, which increases the overall cost of replacement. On average, labor to install a dishwasher can range from $70 to $500.

How to Prep for a Dishwasher

To prep your kitchen for a dishwasher, start by measuring the kitchen cutout to ensure the height, width, and depth are adequate for a standard dishwasher.

Next, check the plumbing; make sure there’s a hot water supply line with a shut-off valve and a suitable drain line in place. You should also verify that there's a grounded electrical outlet available and turn off the power to this circuit.

While you can handle measuring, clearing, and preliminary setup, it’s advisable to leave the final plumbing and electrical connections to a professional to ensure they are done safely and correctly.

How to Choose the Right Dishwasher for Your Needs

Dishwashers vary in size, style, and features, so the key is to figure out what features are on your must-have list.

If budget is your biggest concern, you can get a quality dishwasher for under $1,000 from top brands like Whirlpool and GE. You can also find sales on dishwashers from brands that are just above $1,000, like KitchenAid and Samsung. Staying on the lookout for sales means you can upgrade to advanced tech features and better washing systems without breaking the bank.

If you have a large household, you can narrow your search by how many place settings a dishwasher holds and whether or not it has adjustable racks. A dishwasher that holds around 15 to 16 place settings is important for large families and frequent entertainers. However, the average household can get by with a dishwasher with about 12 to 14 place settings, and opting for a model with lower place settings often means a cheaper price tag.

If you want an eco-friendly dishwasher, consider ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers, which must meet stringent water and energy standards. They also help save on energy and water costs, so if slimming down utility bills sounds appealing, these models are worth exploring.

If you want a quiet dishwasher, research dishwashers based on decibel ranges. For reference, wash cycles at 39 to 42 dBA are the quietest, 43 to 49 dBA are considered standard noise ratings, and dishwashers with 50+ dBAs are considered loud.

If you feel lost in a sea of features, don’t be overwhelmed! Here are a few popular dishwasher features and why customers love them:

✅ Advanced Wash Systems and Specialty Spray Jets: These ensure thorough cleaning by reaching all corners and tackling tough stains, making dishwashing more efficient.

✅ Smart Features and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Smart dishwasher features allow for remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps, offering a convenient way to manage dishwashing cycles.

✅ Heated Drying: Specialty dishwashers with heating features ensure that dishes come out dry and ready to use, eliminating the need for manual drying and reducing water spots. If energy consumption is a concern, some dishwashers opt for an auto-release door that opens at the end of a cycle for ambient air drying.

✅ Adjustable Racks and Third Racks: Flexible organization systems offer customizable loading options to accommodate various dish sizes and shapes, maximizing space and efficiency.

✅ Noise Reduction Technology: This provides a quieter operation, making it ideal for open-plan living spaces and maintaining a peaceful home environment.

Learn more: How to Troubleshoot a Broken Dishwasher

How to Replace Dishwasher: A Quick Guide

A man installing a dishwasher

To replace your dishwasher, you must remove your old one and then install your new one. Make sure to disconnect your power source by turning the breaker off and unplugging the dishwasher cord. Also, shut off the dishwasher’s water supply.

The home experts at the Spruce offers six simple steps for removing an old dishwasher:

Remove the bottom faceplate.
Disconnect the water supply.
Disconnect the drain line.
Unfasten the mounting brackets.
Lower the dishwasher.
Remove the dishwasher.

Safety is the top priority closely followed by maintaining the integrity of your new dishwasher while you install it, so we recommend consulting a professional. At Don’s, we provide delivery, installation, and removal services that you can add to your cart when you’re purchasing your appliance for a seamless process in a single transaction. Reaching out to us for the dishwasher repair Pittsburgh can trust with more than 50 years of experience is as simple as filling out our online Service Request Form.

Reasons to Upgrade Your Dishwasher

There are several signs that it’s time for a dishwasher upgrade, including:

You own an outdated dishwasher.
Your dishwasher is no longer cleaning properly.
Your dishwasher doesn’t have enough space.
Your dishwasher doesn’t match your kitchen.
Your dishwasher keeps breaking down.
Your dishwasher is too loud.
Your dishwasher doesn’t sanitize your dishes.

Replacing an old or faulty dishwasher is a quick and easy way to eliminate the hassle of dealing with a bad dishwasher—especially if it’s been more than a decade since last updating the household dishwashing machine. Keep reading to see how.

Learn more: Appliance Repair Cost: What You Can Expect to Spend

You Own an Outdated Dishwasher

Anyone who’s wondered “How long does a dishwasher last,” knows most models don’t last as long as buyers would like to think. Typically, the dishwasher lifespan of a well-maintained appliance is nine to 10 years. If you’re creeping past that time frame and are unsure about replacing dishwasher experts agree it’s better safe than sorry. That’s because using an old dishwasher comes with its fair share of risks—your dishes won’t get as clean, you’ll pay higher utility bills because older models aren’t as energy efficient, and you may not be able to find replacement parts if your dishwasher breaks down.

No Longer Cleaning

If your dishes come out of the dishwasher with food particles or grease, it could be a quick fix. Start by cleaning your dishwasher filter and then clean your dishwasher itself by rinsing the filter in hot, soapy water and cleaning the spray arms. A high mineral content in your water, also known as hard water, may leave your glasses looking cloudy. Rinse your glass dishes in distilled vinegar for 15 minutes and then rinse. For caked-on food, you may need to pre-rinse your dishes more thoroughly.

The problem with pre- and post-rinsing is that you’re using excess water. A dishwasher is far more energy efficient than washing your dishes by hand, and if you have a dishwasher, you don’t want to waste time doing extra work before and after each cycle. If poor performance is the issue, narrowing your search by powerful wash systems is a good place to start, such as this model from Bosch.

Not Enough Space

The idea of replacing dishwasher models may not even stem from performance issues—you may just want more space. While older models can feel limited, the latest dishwashers feature handy upgrades like adjustable racks to rearrange your items to maximize space.

To get a sense of how spacious a dishwasher is, you want to take into account how many racks it has, whether or not those racks are adjustable to accommodate tall or oversized items, and how many place settings it can hold. A place setting includes one of each of these items: a large dinner plate, a small plate, a cup, a saucer, a bowl, a drinking glass, and a set of cutlery (knife, two teaspoons, dinner fork, and small salad fork).

Here’s a breakdown of how many place settings each household might need.

Place Settings	8-10	10-12	12-16	16+
Ideal Users	Small households or couples	Average-sized families (3-4 people)	Larger families (5-6 people)	Very large families or frequent hosts
Benefits	Sufficient for daily use and occasional guests; requires less storage space.	Enough for daily meals and small gatherings; reduces the need to run the dishwasher often.	Suitable for busy families, ensuring availability of clean dishes during busy times.	Ample dishware for extensive gatherings; ideal for frequent entertainers and large parties.

Remember: Adjustable racks, third racks, movable silverware caddies, and fold-down tines for special items can also be a game changer for arranging your dishwasher to accommodate the items you need to wash.

Doesn’t Match Your Kitchen

You spend hours in your kitchen every week, and it’s likely in a central location where family and guests alike see it often. Getting dishes clean is important, but so is having a beautiful kitchen that you enjoy living in. When your appliances match each other and the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, it promotes a sense of calm and creates a kitchen you can feel proud of.

To create a truly seamless aesthetic, you can opt for a panel ready dishwasher that blends into your cabinetry. A full suite of panel ready appliances means that your dishwasher doesn’t break the sight lines but rather integrates perfectly with your chosen style.

Keeps Breaking Down

If you’re tired of your dishwasher constantly breaking down, you’re probably searching for the most reliable dishwasher you can find. Whether it’s a series of small problems or big ones, it’s frustrating when you keep running into dishwasher issues. At a certain point, repair costs add up, and it’s better to replace your old dishwasher with a more reliable choice. But if you want to avoid repeating the same tale, investing in a durable dishwasher is essential—and our pick is the perfect solution.

Dishwasher Makes Too Much Noise

A noisy dishwasher can disrupt your peaceful evening, drown out your favorite TV show, or make it hard to work in a nearby room. This can be especially problematic in open-plan living spaces. In contrast, a quiet dishwasher provides a more peaceful environment, allowing for uninterrupted activities and a more pleasant atmosphere.

Doesn’t Sanitize

All bells and whistles aside, the main job of a dishwasher is to clean dishes. Having a dishwasher with a sanitize feature is important because it ensures that your dishes are cleaned at high temperatures, killing bacteria and germs. This is especially beneficial for households with young children, elderly members, or those with weakened immune systems. The sanitize cycle can also help remove tough food residues and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Not all dishwashers come with a sanitize feature; it is more commonly found in mid to high-end models, so make sure to check dishwasher specs if this feature is a priority.

Recommend Solution: Whirlpool 24” Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher

Front view of the Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ dishwasher

Shop This Whirlpool Dishwasher

This Whirlpool dishwasher guarantees your dishes come out clean, especially when you use the Sani Rinse cycle, which eliminates 99.999% of food soil bacteria. There are plenty of other cycles to choose from too, including a Quick Wash cycle, Soak & Clean cycle, Heavy cycle, and a Sensor cycle to remove the guesswork of choosing the right cycle. In terms of flexibility, this Whirlpool dishwasher has a 3-piece silverware basket, folding tines, an adjustable second rack, and a third rack. We especially love the 24 Hour Delay Start, which delays your cycle for up to 24 hours, so you can wash them when you choose. If you want a dishwasher with effective cycles, energy efficient operation, and sanitize feature, check out this Whirlpool built in dishwasher.

⭐Featured Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ Review:

“Our twelve year old dishwasher stopped working and we replaced it with the Whirlpool large capacity dishwasher. The Whirlpool is very quiet and efficient. The dishes come out clean and thoroughly dry. I tested a bowl with dried oatmeal during the normal wash cycle and it came out totally clean. I am especially pleased with the one hour quick wash cycle.”

Learn more: Are Your Dishes Not Drying? Dishwasher Dry Settings & How to Use Them

These seven signs your dishwasher is dying will help you figure out whether you need to try a DIY repair, call a professional, or upgrade to a new dishwasher model. Replacing dishwasher models doesn’t have to be hard, even though there are so many options to choose from. Don’s Appliances has the best selection of dishwasher Pittsburgh options from trustworthy brands like Miele, Bosch, and Samsung. Stop by one of our appliance showrooms to compare dishwashers in person today.

Why Trust Don’s Appliances?

Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.

When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.

Shop Dishwashers at Don’s

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dishwashers online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you replace dishwasher models that are no longer working in exchange for the latest models — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!

Learn More: What Are the Best Types of Dishwashers?

Signs It's Time to Consider Replacing Your Dishwasher