Dishwasher water use checklist: 6 checks before you buy
Dewgate Editorial Team ·
Check that the model is ENERGY STAR certified, its capacity, and its yearly cost and water figures against handwashing, then check other home water uses. ENERGY STAR products are certified to save energy.
Dishwasher water savings: the short answer
The published figures for dishwasher water use come from ENERGY STAR, which states that a new certified dishwasher saves 8,400 gallons of water each year. The certification itself is a marker: ENERGY STAR products are certified to save energy, so the label tells you the model meets the program’s energy-saving standard before you compare specific gallons or dollar amounts.
When you look at a model’s listing, the first thing to verify is that it carries the ENERGY STAR certification, because that is the baseline the other published figures assume. The certification does not by itself state a household’s exact savings, but it identifies the category of dishwasher for which the program publishes its comparison numbers.
Key takeaways: what should I check about water use before buying a dishwasher?
Check the model’s ENERGY STAR certification first. According to ENERGY STAR, a standard-size certified dishwasher costs about $50 per year to run and can save you about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime. These figures apply to standard-size certified models, not to any specific household’s meter.
Compare the published water savings against handwashing. ENERGY STAR states that a new certified dishwasher saves 8,400 gallons of water each year compared to handwashing. It also notes that washing dishes in a new certified dishwasher rather than hand washing can cut utility bills by about $220 per year, saving $3,300 over its lifetime.
Match the capacity to your household. Standard-capacity models hold more than eight place settings and six serving pieces, while compact models hold fewer. Verify which category your current household needs before comparing figures.
Check other home water uses. City of Dayton identifies toilets as the most common cause of leaks.
Use these checks: * ENERGY STAR certification status * Water savings of 8,400 gallons per year against handwashing * Capacity in place settings and serving pieces * Lawn water use share * Toilet leak source
Before you buy: capacity checks
Match your household's usual load to the capacity definitions before you compare any water or cost figures. ENERGY STAR distinguishes standard-capacity models from compact ones based on how many items they hold. Standard-capacity models hold more than eight place settings and six serving pieces. Compact-capacity models hold less than eight place settings and six serving pieces.
If you are buying for a small household, check compact-capacity models, which hold fewer place settings, before comparing published figures. If you are buying for a large household, check standard-capacity models, which hold more than eight place settings. This distinction matters because the $50 yearly cost and 5,800-gallon lifetime figures apply to standard-size certified models, while the 8,400-gallon annual and $220 yearly savings figures apply to a new certified dishwasher compared with handwashing. Do not assume a compact model will perform the same as a standard one for a larger load.
| Capacity Type | Place Settings | Serving Pieces | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | More than eight | Six | ENERGY STAR |
| Compact | Less than eight | Six | ENERGY STAR |
Write down your current dishwasher's model and your household's usual number of place settings, then compare them with the published capacity definitions before you shop.
At the store: yearly cost, gallons and features
When you stand in the store aisle, look for the published figures that compare a new certified model against handwashing. ENERGY STAR states that washing dishes in a new certified dishwasher rather than hand washing can cut utility bills by about $220 per year, saving $3,300 over its lifetime compared to handwashing your dishes. These figures are published for the certified product category, not a guaranteed outcome for your specific household or water rate.
The same source notes that a standard-size certified dishwasher costs about $50 per year to run and can save you about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime. This yearly running cost figure helps you budget for ongoing operation, while the lifetime water savings figure provides a long-term perspective on the appliance's impact. You can use these two numbers to compare different models on the shelf, ensuring you are looking at the same baseline for both energy and water efficiency.
Another key figure from ENERGY STAR is that a new certified dishwasher uses less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand and saves 8,400 gallons of water each year. This annual water savings number is distinct from the lifetime figure mentioned earlier and is useful for understanding the immediate yearly impact of replacing an older unit. When comparing models, compare each model's listed water and energy specifications with the published ENERGY STAR figures.
Technology improvements also play a role in these figures. ENERGY STAR explains that dishwasher technology has improved dramatically over the last decade and new certified models include several innovations like soil sensors, improved water filtration, more efficient jets, and dish rack designs that reduce energy and water consumption and improve performance. When you are in the store, look for models that list these specific features, such as soil sensors or improved filtration, as they are the mechanisms cited for the reduced consumption.
| Metric | Published Figure | Context | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly running cost | $50 | Standard-size model | ENERGY STAR |
| Lifetime water saved | 5,800 gallons | Over its lifetime | ENERGY STAR |
| Yearly utility savings | $220 | Compared to handwashing | ENERGY STAR |
| Lifetime utility savings | $3,300 | Compared to handwashing | ENERGY STAR |
Write down the $50 yearly cost and the 8,400 gallons of water saved each year as your baseline figures before you select a specific model.
After install: leaks and water use at home
A new dishwasher handles one part of your home's water picture, but other uses can be larger. Tampa Bay Water notes that during certain times of the year in the Tampa Bay region, nearly 50 percent of water use can be attributed to lawns. This figure is specific to that region and season, so it does not apply to every home or every month. If you water a lawn, check your own usage patterns to see if outdoor irrigation takes a significant share of your total water use.
Inside the home, toilets are a frequent source of hidden water loss. City of Dayton states that the most common cause of leaks are toilets. A running toilet can waste water continuously without obvious signs, so it is worth checking even if your water bill seems normal. The City of Dayton also points readers to their toilet leaks page for more information.
| Water Use Source | Published Detail | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn | Nearly 50 percent of water use during certain times of the year in the Tampa Bay region | Tampa Bay Water |
| Toilets | The most common cause of leaks | City of Dayton |
Check your water meter for leaks to confirm whether any indoor taps or toilets are running when no appliances are in use. If you find a leak, fixing it can save water that would otherwise be lost. For broader planning on how different upgrades affect your home's water use, see a guide to planning water-saving home upgrades.
Dishwasher water checks reference table
The table below lists the three publishers whose figures and rules appear in this guide. Each row names the publisher, the specific figure or rule it provides, and the source page where that information is found. The table lists only headline figures.
| Publisher | Key Figure or Rule | Source Page |
|---|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR | A standard-size certified dishwasher costs about $50 per year to run and can save about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime. | Dishwashers |
| Tampa Bay Water | During certain times of the year in the Tampa Bay region, nearly 50 percent of water use can be attributed to lawn irrigation. | Water Conservation and Efficiency |
| City of Dayton | The most common cause of leaks are toilets. | Leaks |
The ENERGY STAR $50 and 5,800-gallon figures apply to standard-size certified models. The Tampa Bay Water statistic is specific to the Tampa Bay region and certain times of the year. The City of Dayton observation identifies toilets as the most common leak source.
When you review a specific dishwasher model, match its capacity to the definitions used by the certifying body. Standard-size models hold more than eight place settings and six serving pieces, while compact models hold fewer. This distinction matters because the $50 yearly cost and 5,800-gallon lifetime figures are tied to the standard-size category. If you are considering a compact model, the specific figures may differ, so check the manufacturer's data for that specific size class.
Your next step today
Today, check the ENERGY STAR listing for the model you are considering and confirm it is certified before you compare any figures.
Related guides: Home water treatment device: 5 checks before you buy · Lead action level for public water: 15 ppb and 10 percent.
FAQ: dishwasher water use questions
What is a dishwasher water savings check?
A dishwasher water savings check involves comparing the published figures for a certified model against the water and energy used for handwashing. ENERGY STAR states that ENERGY STAR products are certified to save energy. The check confirms whether a specific model meets these certification standards before you purchase it.
Does the ENERGY STAR dishwasher figure apply to my own household?
No, the published figures are general guidelines and do not guarantee specific savings for every individual home. ENERGY STAR provides these numbers as benchmarks for certified dishwashers compared to handwashing. Your actual utility bills and water usage depend on your specific household habits and local rates.
How much water can a certified dishwasher save compared with handwashing?
A new certified dishwasher saves 8,400 gallons of water each year compared to handwashing. ENERGY STAR publishes this figure for models that meet their certification criteria. This annual water saving is part of the broader energy and cost benefits associated with the certification.
What does capacity in place settings mean for a dishwasher?
Capacity is the number of place settings a model holds. Compact models hold fewer than eight place settings and six serving pieces, so you should match the capacity to your household size.
Can a leaking toilet matter more than a new dishwasher?
Possibly, since City of Dayton states that the most common cause of leaks is toilets. Check for leaks alongside your dishwasher figures.