Should I Repair or Replace My Old Dishwasher?

When a dishwasher breaks down, many people panic, as repair or replacement costs can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands.

"According to David Borsani, President of Complete Appliance Service Inc, whether you replace or repair your dishwasher depends on the age of the dishwasher, what the problem is, and how much a new dishwasher will cost."

Advantages of Repairing

If your dishwasher is still covered under warranty, the problem can be fixed at little or no expense to you.

You help the environment by keeping your dishwasher out of the landfill, even if it doesn't have all the newest features that you want.

You'll need a truck to load up the dishwasher, which may involve extra rental expenses, and landfills charge a fee to dispose of large appliances. If your removal expenses are less than buying a new dishwasher, keep your old dishwasher.

Most thrift stores require household appliances to be in good working order, and may not take your dishwasher if you tell them it has a problem.

Can you breakdown the old dishwasher by yourself, or will you need to hire help, which can be expensive? If labor costs are out of your price range, keep your old dishwasher.

Is your doorway wide enough for the dishwasher to pass through, or will you need to incur additional expenses to alter the door? Adding up your repair costs will influence your decision to repair or replace the dishwasher.

Advantages of Replacing

You've seen that new dishwasher on the showroom floor, and you want to buy it. If you can purchase the new dishwasher without going over the limit on your credit card, buy the new model.

It's harder to find replacement parts for older dishwashers, and if you do find the parts, they can be very expensive. If your old dishwasher frequently needs a replacement part, it may be less expensive to buy a new dishwasher.

If expenses to repair your dishwasher are more than 50% of the purchase price of a new dishwasher, replace your old dishwasher.

Newer dishwashers with energy-saving features can lower your utility bill. Compare the energy costs you'll save annually with the new dishwasher, to the cost of running the older model. If you're saving a significant amount on your utility bills, buy the newer model.