Once homeowners have had a dishwasher, it’s one appliance they never want to give up, so it’s wise to get a new dishwasher before yours is out of commission. Hooking up a dishwasher seems like it should be an easy task—plug it in, connect the water, and you’re in business. Since dishwasher kits are sold at home improvement stores or online, it may seem as if anyone can take on the task. But there are many more steps involved, and if you’re not experienced with plumbing or electrical work, you could be opening a can of worms bigger than you anticipated. So who installs dishwashers? Keep reading to find out who you need to hire.
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I remember when I bought my first dishwasher, thinking it’d be a breeze to set up. Boy, was I wrong! The plumbing and electrical bits turned out to be way trickier than expected, and I quickly realized I was in over my head. If you’re like me and not exactly a DIY pro, hiring someone makes all the sense in the world. To give you a heads-up, most plumbers I’ve talked to say about 80% of their dishwasher installation calls come from folks who tried it themselves first and ran into trouble. Save yourself the headache and get a pro to handle it from the start.
Plumbers Can Replace a Dishwasher or Install a New One
As with anything in the home relating to water, a plumber is the go-to professional to hire for dishwasher installation. There are specific codes regarding household plumbing that must be adhered to, and plumbers work with these codes daily. Homeowners who try to learn the codes may misinterpret them, leading to potential issues down the road. For example, if you plan to sell your home but have an out-of-code dishwasher installation, this will be uncovered during the home inspection, and you may have to pay to have the dishwasher reinstalled.
Having a plumber install a new dishwasher also minimizes the risk of any leaks resulting from improper installation. A leaking dishwasher not only means that you’ll waste water and pay more on your bills, but it could also damage your floor and surrounding cabinetry—leading to more expensive repairs.
Here’s something I learned the hard way: dishwashers are heavy, and wrestling one into place without messing up the water line is no joke. A plumber I hired once showed me how even a tiny misstep in connecting the water supply can cause a slow leak that ruins your kitchen floor over time. Plus, plumbers often carry tools like pipe thread sealants and specialized fittings that you might not have lying around. If you’re curious about codes, the International Plumbing Code (IPC) sets standards for things like drainpipe slopes and air gaps to prevent backflow. Trust me, it’s worth letting someone who knows this stuff handle it.
An Electrician May Be Needed
Electrical codes require a dishwasher to be on its own circuit. If you’re installing a new dishwasher in a home for the first time, the home may need to be wired or rewired in order to create a dedicated circuit. Many states require electrical work to be done by a licensed electrician, so you may need to hire another professional in addition to a plumber. Homeowners with older electrical systems may also take the opportunity of replacing a dishwasher to upgrade its circuit.
When I moved into my old house, the electrician had to rewire part of the kitchen because the previous setup wasn’t up to code for a modern dishwasher. It’s not just about flipping a switch—dishwashers pull a lot of power, and a dedicated circuit prevents tripped breakers. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), a dishwasher needs a 15- or 20-amp circuit, depending on the model. If your home’s wiring is from the 1970s or earlier, you might need an upgrade to handle the load. Calling an electrician early can save you from flickering lights or worse, an electrical hazard.
The Average Dishwasher Lasts for 12 Years
Dishwashers put in a lot of hard work day in and out, so they typically aren’t going to last as long as other kitchen appliances like ovens or refrigerators, which can last 20 years or more. Dishwashers have an average lifespan of 9 to 16 years, depending on how well homeowners maintain them, the quality of the parts, and how often they’re used. Believe it or not, while running a dishwasher once or twice every day can wear it out, not running the dishwasher enough can also shorten its life. It’s best to run a dishwasher regularly, but not necessarily every day.
I’ve noticed that my dishwasher started acting up when I only ran it once a week—turns out, the seals can dry out if it sits unused too long. A repair guy told me that running a cycle with a dishwasher cleaning tablet every month or so keeps the insides in good shape. Also, hard water can wreak havoc on the components, so if you’re in an area with high mineral content, a water softener might extend your dishwasher’s life. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the filter every few months, can add a couple of years to that 9-to-16-year range.
Dishwasher Installation Costs
The cost to install a dishwasher includes the dishwasher unit, supplies, and labor. The average cost of a dishwasher itself is between $300 and $1,000. Dishwasher costs vary significantly based on the model and its features. Labor for installing a dishwasher is often just under $200, although homeowners could pay as little as $70 for the installation. The best dishwasher is the one that meets your budget and capacity needs. Some homeowners may prefer all of their appliances to be from the same brand, so if you have a GE refrigerator, microwave, and oven, you may want to consider one of the best GE dishwashers as well.
Shopping around for my last dishwasher, I found that models with fancy features like Wi-Fi or extra rinse cycles jacked up the price fast. If you’re on a budget, a basic model around $400 can get the job done just fine for a small household. Also, keep an eye out for sales—big box stores often bundle installation discounts with appliance purchases. One tip: check if your plumber charges extra for removing the old unit, as that can add $50 to $100 to the bill. For a full breakdown, expect to budget around $1,000 total, but shopping smart can keep you closer to the lower end.
New Dishwashers Have Multiple Advantages
While some homeowners may resent the idea of getting a new dishwasher, whether for having to shell out a large sum of money or just the inconvenience of purchasing and installing a new appliance, there are benefits to getting a new one. As technology advances, dishwashers can use less water and energy than older models, which is good for the environment and your wallet. Dishwasher jets are more powerful than they used to be, which makes for more efficient cleaning and less need to pre-clean or soak dishes. Newer dishwashers are often quieter than older ones, so you can run them any time of day without causing a disturbance.
My neighbor got a new dishwasher last year, and I was shocked at how quiet it was—I could barely tell it was running! New models often use about 3 to 5 gallons of water per cycle compared to 10 gallons for older ones, which can save you a noticeable chunk on your water bill. Energy Star-rated dishwashers are a solid bet if you want to cut down on electricity too. Plus, some models have adjustable racks, which is a game-changer if you’re washing odd-shaped cookware. If you’re debating, check the energy label—those savings add up over time.
Repair or Replace?
While buying a new dishwasher is an option, it might make sense to opt for a dishwasher repair under certain circumstances. If the dishwasher is just a few years old, or if the quoted dishwasher repair cost is less than 33 percent of the dishwasher’s remaining value, repair is a good option. However, since these appliances devalue quickly and replacement parts can be expensive, homeowners may find it more cost-effective to opt for dishwasher replacement.
I had a repair-or-replace dilemma a while back, and my rule of thumb now is if the repair costs more than a third of what a new basic model would run me, I lean toward replacing it. For example, a new heating coil might cost $150, but if your dishwasher’s already 10 years old, you’re better off putting that money toward a new one. Also, check your warranty—some brands cover parts for up to 5 years, which can make repairs a no-brainer. Weighing the age and condition of your dishwasher against the repair cost is key to making a smart call.
Sustainability Considerations
According to the EPA, in 2018 (the most recent data available), 57.1 million tons of waste were generated from “durable goods” (oversize items like large appliances), with about 65 percent of that waste ending up in landfills. Maintaining the appliances you have and repairing them if possible can minimize unnecessary waste production.
It’s wild to think about how much stuff ends up in landfills, and big appliances like dishwashers are a huge part of that. I try to repair when I can, but if replacement is the way to go, I make sure to recycle the old unit—many local waste facilities have programs for scrapping appliances responsibly. Also, newer dishwashers with eco-friendly settings can cut down on waste in the long run by using less water and energy. If you’re replacing, look for brands that prioritize recyclable materials—it’s a small step, but it feels good to do your part.
Signs You Need a New Dishwasher
Sometimes dishwasher repair isn’t in the cards. The dishwasher could be worn out with cracks or rust, or the replacement parts could be so expensive that you’d spend the same amount on a new model. While many issues with dishwashers can be simple fixes, like cleaning out the filter when the dishwasher isn’t draining, some issues are more significant and call for a replacement.
Rust or cracks on the inside of the dishwasher indicate that there is likely a leak or issue somewhere with the dishwasher water supply, which could cause greater water damage to the surrounding floors and cabinetry. Dishes that aren’t hot after a cycle has finished could signify the heating coil isn’t working properly (and therefore not adequately sanitizing your dishes). FDA guidelines for commercial food service establishments require dishes to be washed at 171 degrees Fahrenheit, and while your kitchen isn’t churning out orders like a restaurant, it’s helpful to be aware of this benchmark and understand the importance of heat in the dishwasher’s cycle. Unusual noises often signal issues with the motor—but repairing or replacing the motor could be as expensive as buying a new model. A broken latch will stop the dishwasher from starting a cycle. If the dishwasher is a newer model, an appliance repair technician should be able to obtain the correct part and fix the latch. However, if the dishwasher is older, the part may be discontinued or exorbitantly expensive, so you might have to buy a new dishwasher altogether.
I once ignored a weird grinding noise in my dishwasher, thinking it was no big deal, and ended up with a flooded kitchen floor—yep, not my finest moment. If you spot rust, it’s usually a sign the tub’s integrity is shot, and leaks aren’t far behind. For the heating issue, I learned that dishes not feeling warm after a cycle can also mean your water heater’s not supplying hot enough water, so check that first. If you’re hearing odd noises, a quick test is to run an empty cycle and listen closely—motors on their way out usually get louder over time. For latches, I’ve found that checking online forums for your model can sometimes reveal if parts are still available before you call a tech.
Hiring a Professional Is the Way to Go
Hiring a plumber for your dishwasher installation is an extra step that will save you time and hassle. Inexperienced homeowners risk damaging the electrical and plumbing systems, and you could end up spending more time and money trying to fix your mistakes. And any time water and electricity are in close proximity, it’s best to call a professional dishwasher installation service to minimize the risk of any injuries. Plumbers know how to install a dishwasher quickly, meaning that the extra cost you pay for professional installation will be minimal compared to the time and effort you save. Plus, if the model is a lemon or there are any existing issues with your home’s plumbing, a plumber can actively solve the problem so you don’t have to find out later on.
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After botching a DIY attempt, I can’t stress enough how much easier it is to let a plumber take the wheel. A friend of mine tried installing his own dishwasher and ended up with a shorted circuit—cost him way more to fix than the $150 he would’ve paid a pro. Plumbers also tend to spot little things, like a kinked hose or a loose fitting, that you might miss. If you’re worried about cost, ask for a detailed quote upfront—most pros are happy to break it down, and it helps you avoid surprises.