How Long Does a Dishwasher Last?

Short answerA dishwasher lasts about 9 to 15 years, and sources vary widely. NAHB's 2007 study lists 9 years, while the Department of Energy estimates an average of 15.2 years using federal survey data on the age of appliances in homes. How often you run it and how you maintain it will affect yours.

What this costs

Our national estimates, not quotes.
Option	Job	Low	High
Repair	Appliance Repair	$90	$460

Why two different numbers

The U.S. Department of Energy, in its appliance efficiency rulemaking, estimates an average dishwasher lifetime of 15.2 years. NAHB's 2007 study lists 9 years, and says its appliance figures are based on first-owner use. People often replace appliances before they wear out, because styles and features change, so a shorter number doesn't mean the machine had failed.

What the Department of Energy figure means

DOE built its estimate from federal household survey data on the age of appliances in homes. It found no evidence that lifetime varies by product class or efficiency level. It is an average, so some machines fail much sooner and some last longer.

New vs. old

ENERGY STAR says standard-size dishwashers with its label are about 20% more energy efficient and about 30% more water efficient than standard models. That is one more thing to weigh when an older machine starts acting up.

Dishwasher Not Draining? How to Fix It Yourself

Common questions

Is 10 years old for a dishwasher?

It is past NAHB's 9-year figure but short of the Department of Energy's 15.2-year average, so it is middle-aged rather than finished.

Is a drain problem a sign my dishwasher is done?

Not by itself. See our guide on a dishwasher that won't drain for what to check first.