We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
- Typical Range: $370 to $1,500
- National Average: $970
Dishwashers have become a standard appliance in the home, and they’re beneficial for busy households. Newer types of dishwashing detergents make the dishwashing process even more enjoyable because consumers no longer have to worry about marks and stains remaining on their dishes after running the dishwasher.
Whether you’re installing your very first dishwasher or upgrading to a newer one, expect to pay between $370 to $1,500, with the national average cost to install a dishwasher around $970. However, dishwasher installation costs may fluctuate according to brand, features, and more. This guide explores some of the most common costs of installing a dishwasher, signs that you may need a dishwasher, and the potential benefits.
Factors in Calculating Dishwasher Installation Cost
As with any appliance installation, installing a dishwasher may have additional associated costs besides the unit itself. Consider the supplies and labor required to install the dishwasher. A dishwasher is not an appliance that the delivery person can deliver and just plug in; some plumbing work is also involved. Depending on where you live, the price you pay for a dishwasher may vary. In addition, upgrades and various other costs may affect the total installation cost for the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Unit
Part of the process for getting a dishwasher installed is to decide on the best unit for your home. There are various exceptional dishwashers available to buy. You will need to choose one based on multiple factors such as size and capacity, wash settings, water usage, energy efficiency, and noise levels.
Dishwasher Type and Features
There are various dishwasher brands to choose from, and within those brands are different types and features. For instance, you can choose to have a built-in dishwasher that blends in with your kitchen decor so that when you close the door, the dishwasher looks like your cabinets or drawers. Also, consider more aesthetic features like the dishwasher’s color and finish and whether you prefer a top-control versus front-control.
Supplies
Though it may be tempting to use regular dishwashing liquid for your dishwasher, dishwashers have their own type of dishwashing liquid. Using dishwashing detergents not designated for a dishwasher can fill your home with suds in no time, creating a huge wet mess. Include dishwashing detergent as a recurring expense to your budget as well as dishwasher cleaning products.
Labor
On average, you can expect to pay $190 for labor costs associated with installing a dishwasher. However, installation can be as low as $70 or as high as $500. Replacing a dishwasher will result in lower installation fees than a first-time installation. First-time dishwasher installation requires carpentry, plumbing, and electrical wiring, hence the higher cost.
Permits, Fees, and Inspection
If you have never had a dishwasher installed, a contractor will have to get special permits to do so. Changing the electrical or reworking the plumbing will require you or the contractor to pull a permit. The permit will need to be displayed in the work area while the work is being done. Once the contractor is finished, an inspector will need to ensure that the dishwasher is correctly installed. Contractors must obtain permits for each job being done. In other words, if electrical work needs to be done, then an electrical permit is required. The cost of each permit can vary depending on the job and your municipality.
Geographical Location
Where you live may also affect dishwasher installation costs. Although the national average is $970, this may go up or down based on the state in which you reside. Labor in urban or metropolitan areas is typically higher than in suburban or rural areas because of the higher cost of living. Also, unless an appliance company offers a free haul-away of your current dishwasher, you may have to pay to remove it.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Installing a dishwasher is straightforward if the connections and plumbing are already available; swapping out an older model for a newer one shouldn’t cost too much for labor. However, if your home hasn’t been wired for a dishwasher or plumbing isn’t available for the dishwasher, this is where additional charges will affect the bottom line. Plus, your total costs will be higher if the dishwasher installation is part of a larger kitchen renovation.
Removing the Existing Dishwasher
Suppose you plan to replace your outdated dishwasher with a new and improved one. In that case, it is likely that all the plumbing and wiring necessary for the new dishwasher to operate already exist. If your installer does not offer free haul-away services, you may incur a charge for them to remove the dishwasher. It may cost between $120 to $150, and it takes an average of 1 hour to remove the old dishwasher, though it could take 2 or longer in complex situations.
Plumbing
Whether you are getting a dishwasher replaced or if this is the first time you’re installing a dishwasher in your house, a plumber can help. The plumber will locate the plumbing attachments and hook them up to the new dishwasher for a replacement. If you have had your old dishwasher for some time, a contractor may replace the water supply line.
If a dishwasher hasn’t been installed in the home before, the process is more complicated and costs will be higher. Before any work starts, a permit will be required. When employing a professional to install the dishwasher, the permit costs are typically passed onto the homeowner. The cost to install a dishwasher for the first time, including the plumbing, run between $1,270 to $3,200.
Electrical
If this is a first-time dishwasher installation or you want the wiring moved from its existing place to somewhere else, you will need an electrician. Hiring an electrician will also require a permit, which the contractor will include in the total project cost. The electrical wiring required for the new dishwasher or moving the existing wiring can range between $134 and $302.
Kitchen Remodeling or Modifications
If you would like a dishwasher installed in your kitchen but don’t have the space, you may have to consider remodeling your kitchen or making modifications to your existing kitchen. The cost to remodel a kitchen can range between $13,473 and $40,000 and includes new flooring at about $1,610, cabinets around $6,670, and kitchen appliances running at approximately $3,220. While the cost to install a dishwasher generally costs $970, retrofitting the kitchen for a dishwasher can run about $1,900 to $8,300, depending on the modifications needed.
Debris Disposal
When your dishwasher arrives, it will typically be wrapped in packaging. A contractor may charge a nominal fee to dispose of the large box, plastic, and other packaging items that come with the dishwasher. There may also be corroded pipes that need to be replaced that the contractor will have to throw away.
Dishwasher and Equipment Delivery Fees
Unless you have a way to transport your new dishwasher, you may have to pay a delivery fee to ship it from the appliance store or warehouse to your home. Some appliance stores charge a delivery fee for anything that you purchase. Others may charge one only if the cost of your specific appliance doesn’t fall within a certain threshold. Delivery fees may be around $59 and go up or down according to the appliance store’s delivery fee policy.
Dishwasher Installation Cost: Types of Dishwashers
The type of dishwasher you have installed in your home will make all the difference in installation costs. The cost range for installation can be as low as $200 upwards of about $1,380. There are many different brands available for purchase, but there are also several different types of dishwashers. These include built-in drawer types, countertop dishwashers, and portable ones.
Built-In
This is the most common type of dishwasher found in a home. For some households, these can accommodate a day’s worth of dishes. Built-in dishwashers typically have a 24-inch width with two racks (and sometimes an upper third rack for utensils). There’s a wide price range for built-in dishwashers, from $300 at the low end to $1,000 at the high end.
Drawer
A drawer type of dishwasher is a smaller unit that fits in with a kitchen’s cabinetry. This type of dishwasher is perfect if you don’t have many dishes to wash. If you are replacing your existing drawer-type dishwasher or looking to get one installed, you can expect to pay between $270 to $1,380.
Countertop
This nifty gadget is handy for someone who doesn’t have a dishwasher and doesn’t want to have one hardwired in, whether due to installation costs or living in a rental space. This type of dishwasher doesn’t require plumbing and sits conveniently on top of a kitchen countertop. The cost of a countertop dishwasher can range from $200 to $400.
Portable
Like countertop dishwashers, portable dishwashers also don’t need plumbing. Instead, they typically have wheels and can be moved around in the kitchen. Some may even come with a wood top butcher block that resembles countertops or allows you to use the dishwasher’s top as a food preparation area. Expect to pay between $390 and $690 for a portable dishwasher.
Do I Need a New Dishwasher?
As a homeowner, there may come a time when you may need a new dishwasher. One of the most common reasons to need a new dishwasher is because the current one costs too much to repair or is beyond fixing. On average, it costs about $200 to repair a dishwasher. Common issues include a foul odor, leaking, or a clogged dishwasher. The cost to repair the dishwasher may increase based on labor and materials. If your dishwasher is over 10 years old, it may be best to replace it, especially if the motor, pump, or heating element fails.
Age
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is between 10 and 15 years. If you maintain it properly by cleaning the filter and unclogging it, you may be able to make it last even longer. However, if the costs to fix the dishwasher are about the same as or more than the cost of a new one, it may be time to consider replacing it.
Rust and Cracks
Most problems with a dishwasher can be fixed. However, if you see rust or cracks, know that this means your dishwasher is on its last leg and will need to be replaced. Cracks can make water leak out of your dishwasher, which can cause pools of water to develop on the floor and cabinets. A leaky dishwasher can cause more expensive issues, such as flooring repair or cabinet replacement. Rust on the exterior of your dishwasher may not be a big deal, but if it’s on the interior, this indicates a leak.
Leaks and Noises
If you have an older dishwasher, chances are you have one that is noisy. Newer models have enhanced technology to keep them quieter, which can be a bonus to a home’s residents. Unusually loud noises like buzzing, grinding, or whining should receive a handyman’s attention. If the estimates for repairs are astronomical, then getting a new dishwasher will be a better option.
Dirty Dishes
If you are using your dishwasher and the dishes aren’t getting clean the way they used to, this could indicate a problem. In most instances, dirty dishes can be resolved by replacing the filter, improving the quality of the detergent, or replacing the inlet valve. However, if the dishes remain dirty despite these simple troubleshooting measures, this may indicate that you need a new dishwasher.
Malfunctions
After many years of use, a dishwasher is bound to malfunction at some point. Some of these malfunctions can be easily fixed with old-fashioned troubleshooting. For instance, if you notice that the dishwasher isn’t draining, there may be trouble with the connection between the dishwasher and the garbage disposal, and a plumber should be able to fix this. Another malfunction is dishes not drying properly. This can be solved by adding a rinse aid. If the dishwasher won’t latch anymore or your dishes aren’t hot to the touch once the cleaning cycle ends, this malfunction may indicate that you need a new dishwasher.
Benefits of Installing a New Dishwasher
If the cost to fix your dishwasher outweighs the costs to replace it, then it’s a good idea for you to install a new dishwasher. While you may be used to the old one and you may love it for all the use you have gotten out of it over the years, your old dishwasher may be wasting lots of water, energy, causing leaks that you aren’t aware of, and making tons of noise. A newer model will eliminate all these problems and lessen your footprint on the environment.
Energy and Water Savings
One benefit of installing a new dishwasher is that it will provide energy and water savings. If the appliance is classified as an Energy Star dishwasher, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guarantees reducing costs and water waste.
No Prerinsing
Newer models of dishwashers that are energy efficient are designed to minimize the need to pre-rinse dishes before loading them. Not only does this waste water but it doesn’t allow the dishwasher to work effectively. Newer model dishwashers can sense how dirty dishes are. Pre-rinsing may cause the dishwasher to sense that dishes aren’t dirty and not use the proper cycles and settings.
Quieter Units on the Market
Old-fashioned dishwashers used to be loud as 60 to 65 decibels. These noises, such as swishing water and humming, are associated with the changes in the cycle. Many newer model dishwashers tend to be much quieter. If you want a quieter experience with your new dishwasher, aim to get one that is 50 decibels or less.
Convenience and Better Cleaning
Another benefit of new dishwashers is that they clean better than most older models while wasting less energy and water. Most newer models are Energy Star rated, meaning that the government backs the appliances’ energy efficiency. Newer models also have convenient features such as smart sensors to detect how dirty dishes are and add-a-dish, which allows you to add a dish after the dishwasher has started.
Dishwasher Installation Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Installing a dishwasher may look like an easy process, especially if you are replacing an existing one. But looks can be deceiving. A dishwasher isn’t an appliance that you plug in and it’s ready to go. Most dishwashers are attached to plumbing, and connecting the plumbing correctly is critical to making sure the appliance runs. Installing a dishwasher often involves cutting off water valves and electricity at the breaker box. Any combination of water and electricity is risky and not something that an average homeowner should take lightly.
Some states may require a licensed professional to install plumbing. Many dishwasher companies may also void the warranty if the dishwasher is not installed by a professional. In some states, it is illegal for you to perform plumbing activities if you are not licensed. Likewise, doing electrical work without a license in certain states can get you into trouble, too. Plus, a dishwasher is heavy—many homeowners don’t have the strength or capability to move one themselves. To find a reputable dishwasher installation service, search for “dishwasher installation near me.”
How to Save Money on Dishwasher Installation Cost
Replacing a dishwasher may be cheaper than repairing it in some cases. However, the cost of a new dishwasher can still be pretty steep. When in the market for a new dishwasher, here are some ways you can save.
- Determine must-have features and what you can do without.
- Search for deals at various retailers, both online and in-store.
- Shop during holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Appliances are usually discounted at these times of year.
- Instead of purchasing a brand-new dishwasher, consider buying a used one or a floor model.
- Eliminate a delivery fee by moving the dishwasher yourself or having a friend do it.
- See if you can remove or dispose of the old dishwasher or debris yourself.
- See if the retailer will offer price matching.
- Wait to buy until September or October (when new dishwashers roll out) to save on models from previous years.
Questions to Ask About Dishwasher Installation Cost
Buying a dishwasher is just as much an investment as making any type of improvement to your home. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ensure that you are getting the most out of your appliance and that the costs invested are worthwhile. The best way to do this is to ask questions about your dishwasher installation, especially related to cost. Develop as many questions as possible to have a good idea of what costs are involved in your dishwasher installation so that you won’t be surprised by the bill.
- Can you explain the installation details and costs if my home doesn’t already have a dishwasher?
- How much will your services cost?
- Do you offer a warranty?
- Are you licensed and insured? (Some states require plumbers or dishwasher installers to be licensed, while others do not.)
- How long will the job take?
- Do you charge for removing the old dishwasher or disposing of any debris?
- What care do you recommend for my new dishwasher?
FAQs
Having to repair or replace a dishwasher can be bad news. The costs involved in the installation process may include delivery fees, costs to install the appliance, costs to remove the appliance, and cleanup fees. But there’s always some excitement when getting a new appliance, especially if it’s been years since you’ve upgraded your dishwasher. Here are some frequently asked questions about dishwashers to help you as you navigate your new purchase.
Q. Do I need a plumber to install a dishwasher?
You will need a plumber to install a dishwasher, especially if you install a dishwasher for the first time in your home. A new dishwasher installation also requires pulling permits for plumbing and electricity at a minimum. Even when replacing an existing dishwasher, it’s still recommended to hire a pro to install it.
Q. Do I need an electrician to install a dishwasher?
If you are replacing a dishwasher, you won’t need an electrician. However, if your home has never had a dishwasher and you are getting one installed, then you will need an electrician to provide the wiring to power the dishwasher. The electrician will need a permit before wiring the area for your dishwasher.
Q. Can I install a dishwasher on my own?
Although it’s possible to install one on your own, it’s a good idea to utilize the help of a professional when it comes to installing a dishwasher. Consider, though, that dishwashers are large and heavy and there’s a risk associated when working with plumbing and electricity. If your home has never had a dishwasher, you will need to seek the help of a certified plumber and electrician to help with installation. Also, if you need to make room for the dishwasher, you may need a carpenter.
Q. What is the average life expectancy for a dishwasher?
The average life expectancy for a dishwasher is between 10 to 15 years. However, you may be able to get more life out of it if you regularly maintain it.
Q. How do I clean and maintain my dishwasher?
One of the most important ways to maintain your dishwasher is using it. Not using the dishwasher regularly will cause the dishwasher to break down. Other things you should do regularly are clean the filter, clean the door and seals, and clean the spray arm. It’s also a good idea to clean your dishwasher with vinegar or specialized cleaner every few weeks to get rid of food particles. But consult your warranty guide first before using vinegar or dishwasher cleaner, as it may void your warranty.
Q. What are the average dishwasher dimensions?
Built-in dishwashers are typically 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches tall, while a portable dishwasher may be 24 inches wide, 21 inches deep and 34 inches tall. In order to purchase a replacement dishwasher, it’s critical to measure the size of your current one so that the new one won’t be too big or too small for the space.