Dishwasher Not Draining Repair Cost: What to Expect (2026)
Quick Answer: Professional dishwasher drain repair costs $100-$300 on average, with the national average at $200. Simple clogs (filter, hose) run $50-$150, while drain pump replacement costs $150-$400 including parts and labor. If your dishwasher is over 8 years old and repair exceeds $200, replacing the unit ($400-$700) is usually the better investment.
Your dishwasher won’t drain. You’ve probably already tried the basics. Now you need to know what a repair tech will charge before you pick up the phone.
We pulled cost data from Fixr’s 2026 national survey and cross-referenced it with Angi’s 2026 dishwasher repair cost data to build a drain-specific breakdown. Every number below focuses on drainage problems, not general dishwasher repairs.
Dishwasher Drain Repair Cost at a Glance
Professional dishwasher drain repair costs between $100 and $300 on average in 2026, with the national average at $200 according to Fixr cost data.
| Repair Type | DIY Parts Cost | Professional Cost (Parts + Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Filter cleaning/replacement | $0 (cleaning) / $50-$125 (replacement) | $50-$150 |
| Drain hose repair/replacement | $15-$30 (hose) / $50-$100 (Fixr part cost) | $100-$200 |
| Dishwasher check valve replacement | $15-$40 | $100-$200 |
| Drain pump replacement | $50-$150 (brand-dependent) | $200-$450 |
| Motor replacement | $400-$600 | $350-$600 |
| Diagnostic/service call fee | N/A | $50-$75 |
The most common professional drain repair is pump replacement, averaging $200-$450 total. The most common fix overall is a clogged filter or kinked hose, both of which cost nothing if you do it yourself.
Before paying for a service call, try the free fixes: cleaning the filter and checking for a kinked drain hose. These solve most drainage problems. See our complete guide on dishwasher not draining for step-by-step instructions.
What Drives the Cost Up or Down?
Five factors determine where your repair falls in the $100-$300 range.
Repair type is the biggest factor. A simple clog runs $50-$150. A drain pump replacement pushes $200-$450. A failing motor hits $350-$600. Know your problem before calling and you will have a better idea of the final bill. If your pump is running but not draining, the pump itself may not be the issue, which often means a cheaper fix.
Labor rates vary by region. The standard range is $50-$100 per hour, and most drain repairs take under one hour. Drain pump replacement is the exception. It sometimes runs 1-2 hours depending on your model and how accessible the pump is.
Parts markup adds cost. Technicians typically mark up parts 20% over wholesale. A pump that costs $100 wholesale shows up on your invoice at $120. You can save by ordering the part yourself and paying labor-only, though not all techs allow this.
The diagnostic fee is unavoidable. Expect $50-$75 for a service call. Most shops apply this toward the repair if you proceed. If you decline, you still owe the fee. Always confirm the policy before scheduling.
Brand affects parts cost. Budget brands have cheaper parts; premium brands cost more.
| Brand | Typical Repair Range |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool | $50-$400 |
| Bosch | $50-$450 |
| Frigidaire | $50-$500 |
| Maytag | $50-$500 |
| Kenmore | $50-$550 |
| LG | $50-$600 |
| KitchenAid | $50-$600 |
Most drain-specific repairs fall in the $100-$300 range regardless of brand. The top end of each brand’s range covers motor or control board work, which is less common for drainage issues.
Warranty status matters. If your dishwasher is still under manufacturer warranty (typically 1-2 years for parts and labor), drain repairs are covered at no cost. Check your warranty status before paying out of pocket.
DIY Fixes vs Professional Repair
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0-$100 (parts only) | $100-$450 (parts + labor) |
| Time | 15 min (filter) to 2 hrs (pump) | 30-60 min typical |
| Risk | May void warranty; electrical risk with pump | Warranty-safe; insured |
| Skill level | Filter/hose: no experience needed. Pump: moderate | Any repair type |
| Best for | Clogged filter, kinked hose, dirty air gap | Pump replacement, motor issues, persistent problems |
What DIY parts actually cost:
- Filter cleaning: $0 (warm water and a brush)
- New drain hose: $15-$30 online
- New check valve: $10-$25
- New drain pump: $50-$150 depending on brand
We recommend trying the free fixes first. Clean the filter and check for a kinked drain hose. If those don’t work and you’re not draining after cleaning the filter, the problem is downstream, and a technician’s $50-$75 diagnostic fee is worth it to avoid replacing the wrong part.
DIY pump replacement saves $100-$200 in labor. If you’re comfortable disconnecting water lines and electrical connections, it’s manageable with a model-specific tutorial. See our dishwasher drain pump guide for testing steps and replacement instructions.
If the drain pump is humming but water is not moving, the pump likely needs replacement. See our dishwasher drain pump guide for testing steps, or call a technician and expect $200-$450 total.
Should You Repair or Replace?
We recommend replacing any dishwasher over 8 years old when drain repair costs exceed $200. At that age, another component failure is likely within 1-2 years.
Here are the numbers that drive the decision.
The 50% rule. If the repair costs more than half the price of a new dishwasher, replace it. New dishwashers cost $400-$700 (Fixr 2026 data), so any repair over $200-$350 on an aging machine warrants replacement. The Consumer Reports repair vs replace guide backs this threshold.
The age threshold. Fixr recommends replacing if the unit is 8-10+ years old, regardless of repair cost. Parts get harder to source for older models, and labor costs go up when techs have to work around discontinued components.
The frequency test. If the same dishwasher has needed 2+ repairs in the past year, the unit is dying. Fixing the drain today will not prevent a motor failure next month.
Brand matters too. Premium brands (Bosch, KitchenAid) cost $800-$1,200+ to replace, so a $300-$400 repair can make sense. Budget brands (basic Whirlpool, Frigidaire) cost $400-$600 to replace, making repairs over $200 harder to justify.
A $200-$300 pump replacement on a 5-year-old dishwasher is almost always worth it. The same repair on a 9-year-old unit is not. Put that money toward a new machine instead.
| Factor | Repair | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 7 years | Over 8 years |
| Repair cost | Under $200 | Over $300 |
| 50% rule | Repair < 50% of new unit | Repair > 50% of new unit |
| Repair history | First major issue | 2+ repairs this year |
Replacement costs. A new entry-level dishwasher runs $400-$700, plus $100-$300 for professional installation (Fixr 2026 data). If you are replacing, check Energy Star dishwasher ratings to save on water and energy costs.
How to Save on Dishwasher Drain Repair
Here is how to keep costs down:
- Try DIY first. Filter cleaning and hose checks cost $0 and solve most drainage problems.
- Ask about the diagnostic fee. Most shops apply it toward the repair bill. Confirm before scheduling.
- Get 2-3 quotes. Prices vary a lot between service companies, especially on pump replacement.
- Check your warranty. Manufacturer warranties typically cover 1-2 years of parts and labor. Extended warranties or home warranty plans may cover more.
- Order the part yourself. Some techs charge labor-only if you supply the part, saving the 20% markup.
- Check your home warranty. If you have a home warranty plan, appliance repairs may be covered with a flat service fee ($75-$125 typical).
FAQ
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won’t drain?
Professional dishwasher drain repair costs $100-$300 on average, with the national average at $200. Simple clogs cost $50-$150 to fix professionally. Drain pump replacement, the most common major repair, runs $200-$450 including parts and labor.
Is it worth replacing a dishwasher drain pump?
Yes, if the dishwasher is under 7 years old. Pump replacement costs $150-$400 installed, compared to $400-$700 for a new dishwasher plus $100-$300 for installation. On a unit over 8 years old, replacement is usually smarter because another failure is likely within a few years.
Can a plumber fix a dishwasher that doesn’t drain?
Yes. Plumbers handle drain hose clogs, air gap issues, and plumbing-related drainage problems. For internal components like the pump, motor, or control board, call an appliance repair technician instead. If there is not draining but no blockage, the problem is usually internal and needs an appliance tech.
How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher drain hose?
The drain hose part costs $50-$100 according to Fixr 2026 data. Professional installation adds $50-$100 in labor. DIY replacement costs $15-$30 for the hose alone and takes about 30 minutes.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a dishwasher?
Repair if the unit is under 7 years old and repair cost is under $200-$350. Replace if the unit is 8+ years old or repair exceeds 50% of a new dishwasher price ($400-$700). A $200 pump repair on a 4-year-old dishwasher saves $300-$500 compared to buying new. A $300 repair on a 10-year-old machine is wasted money on a unit near the end of its life.