Your dishwasher won’t drain!? What a hassle. Not only does a broken dishwasher cause you to stay in the kitchen longer at night, but it also can lead to stinky water backup and a costly repair. That’s enough to make any homeowner urgently frustrated!

The good news is that the dishwasher pump replacement cost isn’t going completely break the bank. When it comes to repairing your dishwasher pump, you have two options:

What is a Dishwasher Pump Replacement Cost?

The cost to replace your dishwasher pump will depend on who does the work. Will you hire a professional appliance repair technician to replace it for you? Or are you going to replace the pump yourself?

Hire a Technician

The cost to hire an appliance repair company to diagnose and replace your dishwasher drain pump can run you anywhere between $150 – $350. The cost will vary depending on the make and model of your machine, the repair warranty offered by the technician, and the company’s level of expertise.

It’s important to note that cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to appliance repair. Companies that claim to fix the problem for under $65 usually don’t guarantee their work, which leads to a costly misdiagnosis and longer downtimes.

Replace the Drain Pump Yourself

The cost of a drain pump can range anywhere between $35-85 when purchased from an appliance parts store. When you replace the drain pump on your own, you can expect to save at least $100. There is, however, one caveat to keep in mind: if you misdiagnose the problem, you’ll be stuck with a part that cannot be returned!

Typically, an appliance parts store will not allow you to return a part that has been opened and installed.

As a rule of thumb, if the part was installed, even if for a brief period, an appliance part store will not take the part back. So, before you decide to DIY your dishwasher drain pump, make sure you are 100% confident with your diagnosis of the problem. (You can read more about appliance parts store return policies here).

Whichever route you decide (DIY or hire a tech), be sure to do your homework. Here are some final thoughts about how to get the very best deal:

• Hire a professional that offers a repair warranty.
• If you DIY, ensure your diagnosis is accurate before installing the part.
• Shop at a local appliance parts store. They’ll usually offer support and ensure you purchase the correct part.
• Be clear on the return policy.