How long does a dishwasher last?
Typical
10 years
Range
9–12 years
A dishwasher typically lasts about 10 years. Hard water is the main enemy — scale kills heaters and spray arms — followed by door seals and the circulation pump.
What decides it
- Salt and rinse-aid kept topped up in hard-water areas
- Cleaning the filter and spray arms
- Running it regularly — seals dry out in second homes left empty
When to replace rather than repair
Circulation pump or control-board failures near year 10 rarely justify repair; seals, hinges and inlet valves do.
Common questions
- Do integrated dishwashers last as long as freestanding ones?
- The machinery inside is the same, so expect a similar 10 years or so. The difference is repair economics: an integrated model costs more to pull out and refit, which tips borderline repairs towards replacement, and the furniture-door hardware is one more thing to wear.
- Does the brand change how long a dishwasher lasts?
- Less than usage and water hardness do. Where brands genuinely differ is parts availability and warranty length — a machine whose pump and seals are stocked for 10+ years is repairable for longer, whichever badge is on the door. Check the warranty card, not the marketing.
Typical ranges from manufacturer guidance and industry surveys — individual machines vary with use and care. General information, not advice on a specific appliance.