How Long Should a Dishwasher Last?

By Katapult on Feb 9, 2026 3:20:08 AM

Most homeowners use their dishwasher every day but don’t think much about it until problems appear. You might notice cloudy dishes, leftover food after a cycle, or water that will not drain. Sometimes, the dishwasher makes strange noises or takes longer to finish. When these problems start piling up, it is normal to ask how long a dishwasher should last and whether it is better to repair or replace it.

This guide is for homeowners who want straightforward advice. Whether your dishwasher has suddenly stopped working or you are evaluating an older model, understanding the lifespan, warning signs, and costs can help you make the best choice for your home and budget.

How Long Should a Dishwasher Last?

Most dishwashers last between 7 and 12 years. How long yours lasts depends on how often you use it, how well you take care of it, and its build quality.

If you run your dishwasher every day, it will wear out faster than one used only a few times a week. Parts like motors, pumps, seals, and heating elements wear out over time. Even with good care, these parts will eventually need to be replaced.

Less expensive dishwashers usually last about 7 to 9 years. Higher-quality models that are well cared for can last 10 to 12 years. After about 10 years, you will likely see more problems and need more repairs.

Instead of just looking at the age, consider how well your dishwasher works, how often it has needed repairs, and how efficient it is.

What Are the Signs a Dishwasher Needs Replacing?

Most dishwashers give warning signs before they stop working. Spotting these signs early can help you avoid water damage, expensive repairs, or unexpected breakdowns.

Poor cleaning performance

If your dishes are still dirty after a full cycle or your glasses look cloudy even when you are using the right detergent, the spray arms or pumps may no longer be working effectively.

Strange or loud noises

Some noise is normal during a wash cycle, but grinding, rattling, or loud humming often signals that the motor or pump is wearing out, which can be expensive to repair.

Water drainage or leak issues

Standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher, slow drainage, or leaks around the door can indicate failing seals, clogged drains, or worn internal components.

If you are having to fix your dishwasher often, it may be nearing the end of its life. Calling a technician several times a year or replacing parts regularly can cost more than the dishwasher is worth.

What Factors Affect Dishwasher Lifespan?

Many things affect how long a dishwasher lasts, and your daily habits make a bigger difference than you might think.

Frequency of use

How often you run your dishwasher directly impacts its lifespan. Using it several times a day wears out internal components faster than using it only occasionally.

Water quality

Hard water can leave mineral buildup inside the dishwasher, forcing pumps and heating elements to work harder and reducing overall efficiency over time.

Maintenance habits

Regularly cleaning the filter, wiping down door seals, and running cleaning cycles helps prevent clogs and buildup. Skipping these steps allows small issues to turn into larger, more expensive problems.

Build quality and materials

The construction of the dishwasher matters. Models with stainless-steel tubs and higher-quality components typically last longer than those made primarily of plastic.

Do High-Efficiency Dishwashers Last Longer?

High-efficiency dishwashers use less water and energy, helping you save money on your bills. But being efficient does not always mean they will last longer.

Many high-efficiency models use sensors, electronics, and longer wash cycles to clean well with less water. These features help save resources but add more parts that might need repairs later.

In practice, a well-maintained high-efficiency dishwasher can last just as long as a standard model. Proper loading, regular filter cleaning, and following manufacturer recommendations are especially important for these designs.

If you want to save energy and get good performance, a high-efficiency model can be a smart choice, as long as you keep up with maintenance.

Can Repairs Extend the Life of a Dishwasher?

Sometimes, making repairs can help your dishwasher last longer.

Small repairs, like cleaning or changing a clogged filter, unclogging spray arms, or replacing a worn door seal, are usually affordable and worth doing, especially if your dishwasher is less than seven years old.

Bigger problems with the motor, control board, or pump can be expensive to fix. If several major parts break or repairs are needed more frequently, it may not be worth trying to keep the dishwasher running.

Many people use the fifty percent rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of a new dishwasher, it is usually better to replace it. Age is important too. Spending a lot on repairs for a ten-year-old dishwasher usually is not worth it.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Dishwasher?

Deciding whether to repair or replace your dishwasher depends on its age, how well it works, and the total cost.

If your dishwasher is fairly new and has not needed many repairs, fixing the problem usually makes sense. You will probably get a few more good years out of it.

If your dishwasher is over 10 years old, doesn't clean your dishes well, and needs frequent repairs, it is usually better to replace it. New models are quieter, more efficient, and better suited to today’s household needs.

Reliability matters too. An unpredictable dishwasher disrupts daily routines and adds stress. Replacing before a complete breakdown gives you control over timing and budget, rather than forcing a rushed decision.

If you decide to replace your dishwasher, lease-to-own options can help you upgrade without paying the full price upfront.

What If Replacing a Dishwasher Feels Financially Stressful?

Cost is often the biggest challenge when replacing a dishwasher. Even if it is the right choice, paying the full amount up front is not always possible.

Lease-to-own solutions can help in this situation. Instead of putting off replacement or paying for more repairs, you can get a new dishwasher now and pay for it over time.

Katapult offers a flexible lease-to-own option, so you can replace important appliances without using traditional credit or making a big upfront payment. This way, you can get back to your normal routine and pay in smaller, regular amounts.

You can learn more about lease-to-own appliances to find solutions that fit your household and budget.

Making a Confident Decision About Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers are a dependable part of daily life, and when performance starts to decline, the impact is felt quickly. Understanding how long a dishwasher should last helps homeowners evaluate issues clearly and avoid unnecessary stress. If your dishwasher is cleaning poorly, making unusual noises, or requiring frequent repairs, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. The newest dishwasher models offer improved reliability and efficiency, often using less water than hand washing when fully loaded, making replacement a smart long-term upgrade.

By honestly weighing age, maintenance history, and repair costs, you can choose the option that best supports your household. And if replacement feels financially overwhelming, Katapult’s lease-to-own approach provides a flexible, transparent way to upgrade essential appliances on a budget that works for you.