An appliance repair technician is typically the best professional to fix a dishwasher. This professional should know how to diagnose common dishwasher problems, replace malfunctioning components and troubleshoot basic plumbing and electrical problems within the dishwasher.

However, if there’s an issue with the plumbing that leads to and from the dishwasher, a plumber may be legally required to do the work in your state. Likewise, an electrician may need to service the electrical outlet that powers the dishwasher.

Licensing requirements vary by location, so check your state laws before hiring an unlicensed appliance repair technician near you. To check someone’s legitimacy and professionalism, you can also ask about their business license, liability insurance and guarantees or warranties. They should be happy to provide specific details as a client courtesy. 

Some people go above and beyond state licensure requirements and on-the-job training by completing a skills-based certificate program. The Professional Service Association and National Appliance Service Technician Certification are two popular programs in the U.S. If you want to confirm the technician’s credentials before hiring them, call the certifying organization.

Dishwasher repairs cost an average of $135 to $360* in the U.S., according to Thumbtack’s most recent data. However, the cost will typically depend on the labor and materials. Repair technicians may also charge an extra fee for late-night or weekend calls.

Repairs vary in complexity, so it’s best to contact a professional near you for a custom quote. Some provide free estimates, but others may charge a service fee to cover pre-quote diagnostic services. Some technicians may even stay on the clock when they run out to buy a replacement part.

Avoid surprises by asking about these fees in advance. You can also ask if the technician will waive their service fee if you decide to hire them for the repair job.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Fixing a dishwasher could take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on what’s wrong with it and who's doing the repair. Sometimes, dishwashers need a simple reset or a quick cleaning in order to work. On the other hand, if the faulty part is difficult to access, remove and reinstall, the repair could take more than an hour.

Calling a dishwasher repair pro near you is usually the fastest way to get your appliance up and running. However, one thing that could slow down the process is the availability of replacement parts. If the repair shop doesn’t have the right components on hand or can’t find them at a local store, the technician may have to order parts and finish the repair another time. 

Here's what you can expect during most repairs:

• Short cycle: Repair technicians typically start by replicating the problem by attempting to run a short cycle.

• Resetting and unplugging: Next, they might reset or briefly unplug the dishwasher to rule out a simple electrical glitch. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s usually time for diagnostics.

• Diagnostics: Pushing specific buttons in sequence unlocks the machine’s diagnostic mode. An error code will be displayed on the digital interface or communicated through a series of flashing lights. The code tells the technician which part of the dishwasher to fix. 

• Removing water and stopping power: After shutting off the dishwasher’s water supply and unplugging it from the outlet, the professional will access the faulty component.

• Identify replacement parts needs: If the dishwasher is a common make and model, the technician might have a matching replacement part on hand. If not, they may need to order a part or buy it from a local supply store.

• Run another short cycle: Once the part has been replaced, the technician will usually run another short cycle to confirm the problem has been solved. 

It’s possible you can fix a dishwasher by yourself. Some issues can be fixed simply by resetting the power, cleaning a drain filter or unclogging a sprayer — and you typically don’t need special equipment or licensing to complete these tasks. However, it’s usually best to call a dishwasher repair technician if you need to access components under the dishwasher or handle any wires. 

If dishwashers leak during a repair, they can cause expensive water damage to floors and cabinets. They can also spark if there’s an electrical issue. Faulty electricity is hazardous around water, and some plumbing or electrical work may require additional licensing or permitting to meet current building codes. If you don’t feel completely confident about the repair, play it safe and contact a pro.

Start by researching the cost of replacement dishwashers. Look for models with the same features as your current dishwasher, including capacity, cycles, energy efficiency and noise level. Once you find a brand-new dishwasher that fits the bill, note its cost. Use that price — or a fraction of it — as the maximum you’re willing to spend when comparing quotes for dishwasher repair near you.

For example, if it costs $500 to get a new dishwasher, it may not make financial sense to spend more than $400 to $500 repairing your current one. 

Also, think about how much you like your current dishwasher. Does it clean the dishes properly? Is it too small? Too loud? If you’re dissatisfied with its performance, you may be better off putting the repair money toward an upgrade. 

Finally, consider the dishwasher’s age. They last about 9 years, on average, so this could be the first of many future repairs if the dishwasher is more than a decade old. You may save money over time by replacing it sooner rather than later. 

Your dishwasher may not be working because of these common causes:

• Sensor failures

• Drainage issues

• Water intake problems 

• Heating errors

• Electrical problems, like an overloaded circuit, may also cause the dishwasher to glitch 

• Faulty locking mechanism (dishwashers won’t start until the door is locked)

In many cases, you can pinpoint the problem by running a diagnostic cycle, which will cause an error code to appear on the digital interface. Your user manual should include instructions for starting a diagnostic cycle and an error code chart you can reference to determine why the dishwasher isn’t working. 

Your manual may also have troubleshooting tips for an easy fix, but significant issues should be addressed by a dishwasher repair technician near you.