🔧 Repair or Replace Calculator
Enter the repair quote, a new machine's price, and your appliance's age and lifespan to get a clear verdict — fix it or replace it — based on the trusted 50% rule.
🧮 Fix It or Bin It?
What is a Repair or Replace Calculator?
It takes the emotion out of a breakdown. Enter the repair quote and a new machine's price and it shows the repair as a share of replacement; add the appliance's age and expected lifespan and it shows the years of use left. Cross the 50% cost line or drop to two years or fewer, and it says replace.
The 50% rule and remaining-life check give a fast, sensible steer, but they're a guide rather than a ruling. Factor in the water and energy savings of a newer efficient model, the odds the fault recurs, spare-part availability, and any warranty before you commit.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the repair or replace calculator work?
Enter the repair quote, the cost of a comparable new appliance, the machine's current age, and its expected lifespan. It works out the repair cost as a percentage of a new unit and the years of life left, then recommends replacing if the repair tops 50% of a new machine or two or fewer years remain, and repairing otherwise.
What is the 50% rule for appliances?
It's a common guideline: if a repair costs more than half the price of replacing the appliance, replacement is usually the smarter spend. A pricey fix on an old machine rarely pays off, whereas the same fix on a newer one under warranty often does. The rule is a starting point, not an absolute.
How long should a dishwasher last?
Most dishwashers last around 9 to 12 years with regular use and basic maintenance, though heavy use or hard water can shorten that and gentle use can extend it. When a machine is already near the end of that range, a big repair buys little extra life, which is why remaining lifespan factors into the verdict.
What besides cost should I weigh up?
Consider the energy and water savings of a newer efficient model, whether the fault is likely to recur, the availability and price of spare parts, and any remaining warranty. A repair that only postpones the next breakdown, or keeps a thirsty old machine running, can cost more over time than replacing outright.