How Long Do Dishwashers Usually Last?

Next steps (at a glance)

If you only do 3 things:

  1. Find the age of your dishwasher.

  2. Pay attention to cleaning performance and drainage changes.

  3. Decide on repair vs replacement before leaks or failures occur.

Urgency level: Low
(Becomes Medium if leaks, drainage problems, or electrical odors appear.)

Short answer

Most dishwashers last 9–12 years. Lifespan depends on usage, maintenance, water quality, and how early problems are addressed.

A dishwasher can still turn on while nearing the end of its useful life.

What a dishwasher does (and why it matters)

Dishwashers clean by spraying heated water and draining it repeatedly through internal pumps and filters. Over time, seals wear, pumps weaken, and buildup affects performance.

Because dishwashers are connected to both water and electricity, failures can lead to leaks, odors, or damage beyond the appliance itself.

Typical dishwasher lifespan (what most homes see)

  • Dishwashers: usually 9–12 years
    Replacement clues: repeated drainage issues, leaks, poor cleaning, loud pump noise

  • Drain pumps: variable lifespan
    Replacement clues: humming without draining, inconsistent water removal

  • Door seals and gaskets: often wear before the unit fails
    Replacement clues: moisture or residue along the door edge

Age alone doesn’t mean immediate failure, but reliability drops over time.

What shortens dishwasher lifespan

  • Hard water and mineral buildup

  • Food debris clogging filters

  • Repeated drainage issues

  • Running heavy loads without pre-rinsing

  • Ignoring small leaks or noises

Small problems tend to compound inside sealed appliances.

Warning signs your dishwasher is wearing out

  • Dishes come out dirty or cloudy

  • Standing water after cycles

  • New grinding or humming sounds

  • Leaks under or around the unit

  • Cycles taking much longer than before

Multiple symptoms together usually signal decline.

What happens if you keep using an aging dishwasher

  • Leaks that damage flooring or cabinets

  • Pump or motor failure

  • Mold or odor buildup

  • Higher repair costs with limited benefit

Appliance failures are rarely convenient.

DIY-safe checks you can do

These checks are generally safe for homeowners:

  • Clean the filter regularly

  • Check for visible leaks around the door and base

  • Listen for changes in pump noise

  • Observe whether water fully drains after cycles

Do not disassemble the unit or access wiring.

Maintenance that actually helps

  • Filter cleaning prevents debris buildup

  • Occasional hot cycles help reduce residue

  • Address drainage issues early

  • Watch for moisture around the unit

Maintenance helps performance but won’t reverse age-related wear.

If you don’t want to call a professional yet but want to stay safe

Prioritize these:

  • Stop using the dishwasher if leaks appear

  • Avoid rerunning cycles with standing water

  • Monitor for electrical odors or heat

If issues persist, professional evaluation is the safest next step.

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring early drainage problems

  • Running leaking units “a little longer”

  • Assuming poor cleaning is just detergent-related

  • Repairing repeatedly near end of lifespan

At a certain point, replacement is more practical.

When to call a professional

Contact an appliance technician if:

  • Leaks are present

  • Drainage problems repeat

  • Electrical smells occur

  • Repairs approach replacement cost

What to ask:

  • Expected remaining life

  • Repair vs replacement comparison

  • Whether parts are still available

What to expect:
Diagnosis usually determines whether repair is cost-effective. Older units often favor replacement.

Related guides

Disclaimer:
This is general information only. When in doubt, hire a licensed professional.