Dishwasher Not Draining Repair Cost: What to Expect (2026)
Quick Answer: A professional will charge $100 to $300 for average dishwashing drain repairs, with a national average around $200. For straightforward clogs in the filter or hose, you might spend between $50 and $150; replacing a faulty pump can set you back $150 to $400, including both parts and labor. If your dishwasher is older than 8 years and repairs cost more than $200, consider replacing it outright for $400 to $700.
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
Drain issues for dishwashers can set you back anywhere from $100 to $300 on average as of 2026, reports Fixr. Plugged drains typically need a pump with at least a 50 PSI rating to clear; failure to do so could trip your breaker and leave the unit running dry.
| 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.
Worth checking.
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.
Same again.
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. 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 isn’t 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.
50% rule. When repair costs hit over $200 to $350, replace the dishwasher; new ones run $400-$700 (Fixr 2026). For an old machine, a costly fix often makes sense. Consumer Reports agrees this is wise.
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 won’t prevent a motor failure next month.
Brand really matters. If a Bosch or KitchenAid pump fails, brace yourself for a hefty $800 to $1,200 bill for a new one; hence, repairing a $300 to $400 issue makes sense. When dealing with less fancy models, like basic Whirlpool or Frigidaire ones, replacing them usually costs around $400 to $600, so repairs over $200 might not be the best choice.
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 isn’t. Put that money toward a new machine instead.
Skip it.
| 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’re replacing, check Energy Star dishwasher ratings to save on water and energy costs.
How to Save on Dishwasher Drain Repair
Here’s how to keep costs down:
First, try DIY solutions such as filter cleaning and hose checks; these are free and can fix most drainage issues. Next, ask about the diagnostic fee at the repair shop and confirm that it will be applied to your bill if you proceed. Then, get quotes from 2-3 different service companies, noting that prices for pump replacement can vary significantly. After that, check your manufacturer’s warranty, which usually covers parts and labor for 1-2 years; consider extended warranties or home warranty plans as well. Once you confirm the terms of your warranty, if available, order any necessary part yourself to avoid markup from technicians, saving about 20% on labor costs. Finally, verify whether your home warranty plan covers appliance repairs, which may only require a flat service fee ranging from $75 to $125.
FAQ
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that won’t drain?
Drain clogs in a dishwasher can easily set you back $50 to $150 for professional help, though minor cases might just need a simple cleaning. Replacing a drain pump, the most frequent major issue, typically falls between $200 and $450 with both parts and labor factored in. If your unit fails to start or trips the breaker, it could signal a pump that’s lost prime, check the connections first before considering replacement at around $350 including parts from a reputable brand like Bosch. Always ensure the drain is clear of debris; a clogged line can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Is it worth replacing a dishwasher drain pump?
A pump failure in dishwashers under 7 years can be cost-effective to repair rather than replace. A typical repair ranges from $150 to $400, encompassing labor; however, installing a new model may set you back approximately $650. Older units past 8 years often develop recurring issues, making replacement the wiser choice to avoid continuous hassles and repairs.
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’s not draining but no blockage, the problem is 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?
A 10-year-old dishwasher pump failing indicates the unit is reaching the end of its useful life. If the cost to repair it at $300 surpasses your budget, replace it outright as repairs on an 8-year-old model may already be infeasible. For a $400-$700 new dishwasher, you’ll save $200-500 versus costly maintenance on older models prone to such failures. Check the pump’s PSI rating; if it dips below 100, consider an upgrade.