How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dishwasher?
Replacing a dishwasher costs $1,000 to $1,500 all-in on average, with most jobs landing near $1,200. That covers the new machine, the labour to swap it in, and hauling the old one away. It sounds like a lot for an appliance that hides under your counter — until a leaking one soaks your kitchen floor and warps the cabinets.
The price swings by hundreds on one question: does your kitchen already have hookups? If it does, the job is a straightforward swap. If not, new plumbing, a circuit, and possibly cabinet work can push the bill past $2,000. This guide covers prices by type, labour, extra charges, a worked example, and the 50% repair-versus-replace rule.
Dishwasher Replacement Prices at a Glance
The table below shows typical all-in costs — new unit, labour, and removal included — checked Nov 7, 2026 (sources: DishwasherInstallationCost, Angi, and Kitchen Scope).
| Job | Typical all-in cost |
|---|---|
| Standard replacement (hookups in place) | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Budget replacement (basic unit) | $700–$1,000 |
| High-end replacement (premium unit) | $1,800–$3,000 |
| First-time install (no hookups) | $1,500–$2,500+ |
| Portable or countertop unit | $250–$700 |
The most common job — swapping a standard built-in where the hookups already exist — averages about $1,200. The machine is the biggest cost, usually $400 to $1,200; labour runs $150 to $300 and removal adds $120 to $150. A premium Bosch or Miele can cost $1,500 to $3,000 for the unit alone; a basic model brings the job down to $700 to $1,000 all-in.
Replacement vs First-Time Install: The Big Price Split
A replacement means a dishwasher already sits in that spot. The water line, drain hose, and electrical connection are all there. The installer disconnects the old machine, slides it out, slides the new one in, reconnects three things, levels it, and tests it. The job takes one to two hours, and labour runs $150 to $300.
A first-time install means the kitchen was never built for a dishwasher. There is no water line, no drain, and often no outlet under the sink. A plumber must run new supply and drain lines, and an electrician must add a dedicated circuit and outlet. Labour jumps to $300 to $700 or more, and the total can reach $1,500 to $2,500 or beyond.
| Cost item | Replacement | First-time install |
|---|---|---|
| New standard unit | $400–$1,200 | $400–$1,200 |
| Labour | $150–$300 | $300–$700+ |
| Removal of old unit | $120–$150 | None |
| New water line and drain | Usually $0 | $150–$400 |
| New electrical outlet or circuit | Usually $0 | $130–$290 |
| Typical all-in total | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,500+ |
Prices by Dishwasher Type
The type you choose sets the floor for the whole job, checked Nov 7, 2026 (sources: DishwasherInstallationCost and Angi).
| Dishwasher type | Unit price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard built-in (24-inch) | $400–$1,200 | Most kitchens |
| High-end built-in (Bosch, Miele) | $1,200–$3,000 | Quiet operation |
| Compact built-in (18-inch) | $350–$900 | Small kitchens |
| Portable (freestanding, wheels) | $300–$700 | Rentals |
| Countertop | $250–$500 | Singles, tiny kitchens |
Standard built-ins dominate: they fit the 24-inch opening in most kitchens and hold a full load. High-end models cost two to three times as much but run quieter — a premium Bosch is around 44 decibels, roughly a quiet library, versus about 55 for a budget model.
Portable and countertop models are the budget escape hatch: a portable rolls up to the sink, hooks onto the faucet, and needs no installation at all. They hold less, but for a renter, a $300 to $700 portable beats a $2,000 first-time install.
Labour Costs in Detail
Labour is the part most people underestimate, because the job looks like a simple swap. A professional shuts off the water, disconnects the old lines without flooding the cabinet, checks for leaks and corrosion, levels the new machine so the door seals, and runs a full test cycle.
For a straight replacement with hookups in place, expect $150 to $300, according to DishwasherInstallationCost and Kitchen Scope. Chicago-area pricing from Kitchen Scope puts replacement labour at $200 to $500, so in expensive cities, budget toward the top. A first-time install runs $300 to $700 or more, because it needs plumbing and electrical work a single installer may not be licensed to do.
Labour can rise higher even on a replacement: a stuck old unit costs extra time, and a seized shut-off valve adds $75 to $150. Angi's average of around $970 reflects simpler install-only jobs, so treat it as the low end.
Extra Costs: Removal, Electrical, and Plumbing
The headline price is rarely the final price. These are the add-ons that show up on real invoices, checked Nov 7, 2026 (sources: DishwasherInstallationCost and Kitchen Scope).
| Extra charge | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Old unit removal and disposal | $120–$150 | Almost every replacement |
| New electrical outlet or circuit | $130–$290 | First-time install |
| New water line or drain work | $150–$400 | First-time install |
| Shut-off valve replacement | $75–$150 | Old valve seized or leaking |
| Cabinet modification | $100–$500 | Opening is the wrong size |
Retailers sometimes offer free haul-away with delivery, so ask before paying a separate removal fee.
Many areas require a dishwasher on its own dedicated circuit with GFCI protection, so if yours shares a circuit with the disposal, the electrician may need to run a new line. That $130 to $290 is a safety fix, not optional work.
A Worked Example: Replacing a 10-Year-Old Dishwasher
Take a family kitchen with a 10-year-old dishwasher that leaks from the door seal. The hookups are in place, the opening is standard, and the homeowner picks a mid-range stainless steel unit.
- New standard dishwasher (mid-range): $700
- Labour for replacement: $225
- Removal and disposal of the old unit: $135
- New supply line and fittings: $35
- Delivery: free with purchase
Total: $1,095. The job takes about two hours, and the family gets a quieter, more efficient machine — modern dishwashers use 3 to 5 gallons per load, while a 10-year-old model can use 6 to 10.
The first-time version costs more: the unit is still $700, but labour rises to $450, a new water line and drain add $250, a new outlet and circuit add $200, and a cabinet adjustment adds $150. Total: $1,750 — about $650 more for the same machine, purely because the hookups did not exist.
Repair or Replace? The 50% Rule
Before you spend $1,200 on a replacement, check whether a repair makes more sense. The rule professionals use is simple: if the repair costs more than 50% of a new machine, replace it. If it costs less, repair it.
Typical repairs run $75 to $600. A door latch or clogged filter is a $75 to $150 fix. A new pump or motor runs $200 to $400. A control board can cost $300 to $600 — and on a machine already 8 to 10 years old, that is where replacement wins.
Age matters as much as price: a dishwasher lasts 9 to 12 years on average. If yours is 4 years old and needs a $200 pump, repair it. If it is 11 years old and needs a $350 control board, replace it.
Two more signs point to replacement: rust inside the tub means the coating has failed, and repeated leaks mean water damage is building up underneath where you cannot see it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying before measuring. Standard is 24 inches wide, 24 deep, and 34 to 35 tall, but older kitchens vary.
- Reusing the old supply line to save $35. A burst line can flood a kitchen in minutes.
- Forgetting the removal fee. Ask whether haul-away is included, or you will pay $120 to $150 you did not budget for.
- DIY-ing a first-time install to save $200. Bad plumbing or wiring can flood the kitchen or void the warranty.
- Replacing a machine that only needs a repair. Run the 50% rule first. A $150 latch is not a reason to spend $1,200.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher?
About $1,000 to $1,500 all-in on average, checked Nov 7, 2026, with most jobs near $1,200 — a standard $400–$1,200 unit, $150–$300 of labour, and $120–$150 for removal.
How much is labour to replace a dishwasher?
$150 to $300 for a straight replacement where the hookups already exist, according to DishwasherInstallationCost and Kitchen Scope. A first-time install costs $300 to $700 or more in labour.
Can I replace a dishwasher myself?
A straight swap is doable for a confident DIYer. A first-time install needs new water, drain, and electrical lines — hire a professional for that.
How long does a dishwasher replacement take?
One to two hours for a standard replacement with hookups in place. A first-time install takes three to six hours, or a full day if the plumber and electrician come on separate visits.
Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?
Use the 50% rule: if the repair costs more than half the price of a new machine, replace it. Repairs run $75–$600, and a dishwasher lasts 9 to 12 years.