How Much Does Dishwasher Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,000 - $1,500
Depending on the model you choose, the cost to install a new dishwasher is usually between $1,000 and $1,500.
The average dishwasher installation costs $1,200 for both installation labor and the unit itself. However, costs can range between $1,000 and $1,500. Hiring a professional to install a dishwasher costs between $150 and $300 in labor fees.
Dishwashers don’t only make your life easier—although it’s a major perk—these handy appliances also help reduce your water bills, reduce kitchen germs, and free up more time in your schedule. Learn more about dishwasher installation costs to create your budget for installing or removing a dishwasher.
- Average
- $1,200
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $3,600
Dishwasher Installation Cost Factors
Wondering how much it’ll cost to purchase and install a new dishwasher? Check out all the cost factors of installing a new dishwasher below.
Buying a New Dishwasher
The price you pay for your new dishwasher will vary based on what you need. A small or compact model, such as a countertop, drawer, or portable dishwasher is the most affordable—whereas a standard-sized under-counter dishwasher costs the most on average.
Keep in mind dishwasher noise levels—a quieter dishwasher will be more expensive—but worth it if you have an open floor plan kitchen. Average dishwasher price ranges are:
Budget: $250–$800
Mid-range: $900–$1,200
High-end: $1,500–$3,500
Installation
The average homeowner pays about $200 in labor-related dishwasher installation costs. Labor can cost between $150 and $300. The average dishwasher replacement takes a professional dishwasher installer about three hours (one hour to remove the old unit and two hours to install the new one). As the job gets more complicated, labor costs rise.
If you purchase your dishwasher from a big box retailer, delivery, installation, and removal of the old dishwasher is usually offered as an additional cost.
Permits
Your plumber may need a permit to install a dishwasher, depending on the scope of the job (especially if new plumbing or electrical work is involved). These costs are typically passed on to the homeowner. Electrical permit costs usually range from $10 to $500, depending on where you live and the scope of work.
Removal of Old Dishwasher
Dishwasher removal costs $120 to $150 on average, and a local plumber or handyperson can tackle this task. You may need to pay an additional disposal fee ($50 to $100) if they take the old dishwasher with them.
Installing New Plumbing
If you install a brand-new dishwasher, you may need a new plumbing hookup. Installing new plumbing pipes costs between $600 to $1,600 per fixture, but you can save 20% to 40% by opting for PEX or CPVC pipes rather than copper. Though this is an expensive upfront cost, it can add value to your home.
Electrical Upgrades
Upgrading an old dishwasher to something more powerful may require you to install new outlets or make other electrical upgrades. Electrical outlet installation costs $130 to $300 per outlet, on average.
Upgrading an entire electrical panel, which could give you more power for high-powered appliances like a dishwasher, costs about $1,230 on average.
Floor Repairs or Updates
It’s not uncommon for the floor underneath an old dishwasher to be damaged or worn. When replacing an old dishwasher with a new one, check for any existing water damage or wear and tear that would lead to an uneven surface. Trapped water can lead to mold growth to your appliances, capinetry, and walls. An uneven surface will result in your dishwasher malfunctioning or plumbing coming loose and starting to leak.
The cost to repair floors is around $400, but it largely depends on the size of the flooring, material used, and extent of existing damage.
Retrofitting Your Kitchen
If you need to retrofit a kitchen, you’re looking at a wealth of additional costs—like removing and replacing kitchen cabinets, adding electrical outlets, or creating a brand-new kitchen island to house your appliance. The costs might include:
Cost to remove or replace cabinets: $100–$1,200 per linear foot
Cost to install countertops: $10–$40 per square foot
Cost to install a kitchen island: $3,000–$5,000
Cost to install a kitchen sink: $200–$600
Cost to install a garbage disposal: $100–$1,200
Debris Clean Up and Disposal
Your dishwasher installation company will remove the old dishwasher and they can also take it with them for disposal for a fee of $120 to $150. Otherwise, you’ll need to dispose of the old model yourself.
In some cases, dishwasher installation fees may only cover dropping off the new dishwasher and not the disposal fee for your old unit.
Equipment Delivery Fees
Similarly, some big-box home improvement retailers will deliver your new dishwasher for free as an incentive to do business with them.
In some cases, an additional fee of around $60 for delivery may be added to the price. Keep in mind that delivery prices vary based on location, so a drop-off at a remote location may cost more.
Installing a Dishwasher Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a dishwasher yourself is a challenging job that is best suited to a professional dishwasher installer near you. Installing a built-in or drawer dishwasher, in particular, involves specialized plumbing knowledge that most homeowners don’t possess. One mistake can lead to flooding or electrical issues that cost far more than labor. Professionals have the experience and tools to install your dishwasher quickly and efficiently.
That being said, if you have the skills and experience to do a DIY dishwasher installation, you could save between $150 and $300 in professional labor fees. If you decide to install a dishwasher yourself, you must understand the requirements of the model you purchased.
Many homeowners install portable or countertop dishwashers on their own because they don’t require plumbing hookups. However, these types of dishwashers can weigh 50 to 150 pounds, so if you have difficulty lifting heavy objects, you may still need to call a pro (or a friend) to help.
Ways to Save on the Costs of Installing a New Dishwasher
From rolling up your sleeves to waiting for the biggest deals, here are some ways to save money when you buy a new dishwasher.
Tackle Demolition and Cleaning Yourself
Demolition, clean-up, and debris removal add more expenses to a homeowner’s budget for dishwasher installation. If these are tasks you can tackle yourself, you could save a few hundred dollars by putting in the sweat equity.
Opt for a Portable or Drawer Dishwasher
Portable and drawer dishwashers are easier to install, less likely to require serious demolition or additional electric hookups, and more affordable than larger, built-in units.
If space is a priority for you, and you don’t mind running your dishwasher more often due to limited space, these alternative options are a great way to save money.
Shop Seasonally
Retailers love to put major home appliances like dishwashers on sale during the holidays. Waiting until November or December to purchase and install a new dishwasher could save you hundreds of dollars on the unit itself. Keep in mind that appliance installation labor costs typically don’t change seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Installing a dishwasher should take one to four hours, depending on the complexity of the installation and whether you DIY or hire a pro. Even if you're particularly handy, installing a dishwasher on your own will likely take longer — at least two hours. On the other hand, a professional can likely install a dishwasher in about an hour.
Installation time will take longer if you have to remove an existing dishwasher, reroute plumbing, or repair damaged flooring underneath the appliance.
The average dishwasher lasts between nine and 10 years. With great maintenance and care, your dishwasher’s lifespan could last up to 12 years. It all depends on how often you use it and how well you’ve maintained it.
A standard dishwasher size is 24-by-24-by-35-inch for a built-in unit. The depth and height line up perfectly with most kitchen countertops and cabinet sizes.
Regular use helps keep interior dishwasher parts functioning properly and the interior clean. Try to run your machine at least once every two weeks as part of your dishwasher cleaning schedule.
Every six months, running two cups of white vinegar through your dishwasher (place the vinegar where you put detergent) will help deep clean the unit to boost performance.
The average dishwasher repair costs $160 to $300. Since a basic dishwasher only costs a couple hundred more, you may want to replace your broken dishwasher if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. When it comes to repairing versus replacing an appliance, a simple fix like replacing a pump or motor might cost less, and in that case, a repair can prolong its life.