How to install a dishwasher in 6 steps

Washing dishes can be a real hassle. Luckily, dishwashers are the modern solution to this task. It’s a time-saver and a water-efficient way to clean up after dinner. The machine only takes up to 1/9th of the amount it would take to hand wash. It’s also a space-saver, as washing dishes by hand takes up considerable counter space.

It’s not hard to put a dishwasher in your kitchen, but it requires proper planning because it uses water and electricity. If you want to know how to install a dishwasher safely and easily, read this guide!

Things You’ll Need

Depending on what comes in the box, you’ll need different items for dishwasher installation. Besides the materials that come in the box, like drain hoses, these are a few materials that could be useful for most types of dishwashers:

• Screwdriver

• Adjustable wrench

• Level

• Pliers

• Tape

• Mop and bucket for clean-up

Time of Completion

If you’re replacing a dishwasher with an existing water supply line and electrical wiring, the process should only take 1-4 hours.

Installing a new dishwasher could take a full day and requires a licensed plumber and an electrician to set it up.

Steps to install a dishwasher

If you’re installing a new dishwasher, call a plumber and electrician to install the drain hose, electrical wires, and water supply line. This guide will focus on the step-by-step procedure for removing an old dishwasher and installing one yourself.

Step 1: Uninstalling your old dishwasher

Your old dishwasher’s electrical parts are hidden under the machine, behind the front panel that covers it on the bottom. Unscrew that panel to see the power cord. Check that the electrical supply line is disconnected before going further to avoid accidents.

Next, disconnect the water supply line using a wrench. Remove the hose that attaches to the water supply, then take note of the orientation of this hose, as you’ll need your new hose clamp at the same angle.

Lastly, disconnect the drain hose and slide out the old dishwasher. The flexible hose is easily detachable. Have a rag and mop ready for any excess water spilling. Then, remove the old unit by sliding it while ensuring the drain hose goes through the hole it’s gliding through. Lower the dishwasher’s feet if you need more room to wiggle it out of the cabinet unit.

Step 2: Inspect your new dishwasher

Take your new dishwasher out of its box and read the instruction manual carefully to learn how to connect a dishwasher of that model. Each dishwasher is different, but most models should have similar features to your old dishwasher.

A tip for seamless installation is to lay cardboard near the kitchen sink and unpack the dishwasher to make it easy to slide into the dishwasher cavity later.

Step 3: Set up the electrical line

The most complicated setup with your dishwasher lies in its electronics. It’s perfectly understandable if you’d rather have an electrician hook this up if your new dishwasher differs from the plug-and-go type.

The wire connection housing unit is located underneath the dishwasher’s body. While you can crouch or lie flat on the ground to reach it, you can also just put the dishwasher on its back. Thread your power cord and make the connections in your dishwasher’s manual. Use wire nuts when necessary to connect them correctly. Afterwards, carefully stand the dishwasher back up.

Step 4: Attach the water supply and the drain hose

It’s less complicated to deal with the plumbing on a dishwasher install, but you must still be careful. Your dishwasher connector kit should have everything in it to connect the machine. Attach the dishwasher 90 to the water inlet fitting on the solenoid valve. You can then attach the water supply tube to the dishwasher 90. Make sure to tighten it with a wrench to prevent any leaks.

The dishwasher drain hose is usually already attached, but if it isn’t, it’s simple to put on with a hose clamp. From here, check what type of drain line you have because this will affect how it attaches to your kitchen sink drain. Read the instruction manual whether you have an air gap fitting or a high loop, which are ways to prevent dirty water from syphoning back through the drain hose.

Step 5: Align, level, and anchor

After attaching the power, water and drain, you can put it back into the same cabinet void. Put on the dishwasher feet and measure the height required for a gapless fit into the sink cabinet. This alignment helps it blend in so your dishwasher doesn’t slide out. Level it out after putting it in so it’s not tilted.

Once you have a proper fit into the counter, anchor it so it doesn’t move around. Open the dishwasher door and use the mounting brackets to screw its sides into your counter. A tightly secured dishwasher prevents the door from opening and causing a mess everywhere.

Step 6: Do a test cycle

Once you have it installed, check if it works! Your electrical connections must be redone if it doesn’t turn on from the get-go. If you go through a wash cycle and there’s water coming out from the bottom, you must check the dishwasher water connection and the drain line.

More tips for installing a new dishwasher

• Measure the dishwasher before buying it. Most dishwashers are 24 inches wide.

• Waterproof your countertops by applying a sealant and insulating the dishwasher. Steam comes off the machine, which condensates and can create wet spots on your counters. Install it in a separate unit and check that steam doesn’t collect under your marble countertops.

• If you’re having trouble taking the old dishwasher out, try penetrating oil, which helps the dishwasher’s feet slide. You can also try sliding a rug or cardboard underneath to create a better sliding surface.

• There are different types of dishwashers. The dish drawer style is the most common type. It fits into the cupboard like a dish drawer, hence the name! There’s also a freestanding dishwasher where it stands like any other appliance. There are also built-in dishwashers, which you can have installed by a professional.

Put in a new dishwasher in no time

As with all appliances, installing a dishwasher requires a bit of skill, but it shouldn’t be too complicated if you take it step by step. Check that the electrical cable, drain, and water supply lines are correctly installed to avoid disasters. Putting it into the cabinet has unique challenges because aligning and levelling are crucial to prevent leakage.

It’s challenging, but you can always call an expert to help you. Just find a Tasker on the platform available to help you in your area. Post a task, schedule the service, and you can say goodbye to hand washing soon!