Unless you enjoy washing your dishes by hand, you need a dishwasher in your kitchen. It comes in handy for every homeowner. It is a labour-saving device that offers a reliable, efficient, and smooth job when it comes to cleaning dishes.
You wish to install one in your kitchen, but you’re wondering how to install a dishwasher? If yes, worry no more- you’ve got a solution. After reading this dishwasher installation guide, you’ll be able to complete your dishwasher fitting like a pro.
Although it seems like a daunting task, installing a dishwasher is pretty easy, especially if you’re a DIY enthusiast. Besides, it comes with complete instructions for dishwasher installation DIY, making the process a breeze.
What to Consider Before Installing a Dishwasher?
Below are some vital things you should consider before installing a dishwasher for the first time:
01. The Position of the Dishwasher
Since it is the first time that you will be installing a dishwasher in your kitchen, it would be essential to pay attention to where you would position it. If possible, place it closer to the sink to prevent complicating the process for you. Also, dishwasher plumbing connections can become manageable when you position them properly.
02. The Drain Placement
As you plan where to position your dishwasher, you should also think of where you’d place the drain before starting the installation task. By doing so, you’ll be able to figure out how you’d go about the whole process, more so if you would require an air gap.
03. Power Connection
Wiring can be hazardous and complicated for you, especially if you’re not an expert. So, when handling it, ensure that you carefully read the manual to understand every bit of the process.
If you still feel uncomfortable, it would be advisable to ask for help from an expert- it may cost you some cash, but is it worth risking your safety?
Installing a dishwasher is not a difficult task. All you need to do is to pay attention towards proper dishwasher installation tools and equipment to get started.
What You’ll Need For Dishwasher Installation In Kitchen?
Dishwasher Installation Tools / Equipment
- Adjustable Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Tubing Cutter
- Level
- Cable Clamp
- Hose Clamp
Required Materials For Dishwasher Installation
- Wire Connectors
- New Dishwasher
- Pipe Joint Compound
- Dishwasher Connection Kit
- Electric Appliances Cord
How To Install A Dishwasher Where There Was None?
Before installing a dishwasher in your kitchen, you should first know both the dimensions of the under-counter space and the cabinet opening. Then prepare the line of hot water with temperature specifications and enough water pressure. With all that done, you’re good to go.
Now let’s dive in and check how you can install your dishwasher like a pro;
01. Do the Preparation Work?
First, prepare the area where you want to place the dishwasher by ensuring that the floor is perfectly square leveled. Also, confirm if the opening space is of the standard size of the dishwasher- A common opening space of a dishwasher should measure 24 inches deep x 24 inches wide x 34 inches high.
02. Set the Drain up
Where is the existing trap? Is it too far from the dishwasher? If yes, you’ll have to make a dedicated outlet (a vertical pipe connected to the current waste water system).
Also, you’ll need to fit the dishwasher with an air gap, especially if the drain tee is not more than 18 inches from the floor. The air gap introduces air into the drain hose to prevent air from flowing back into the dishwasher.
The process would be pretty straightforward if you’ve fitted the dishwasher next to the disposal.
03. Connect Power
Let the wiring come into the cabinet to the dishwasher from the rear bottom. You can use one hole for the wiring, waterline, and drain hose. But, ensure that the hole isn’t bigger than 1½ inches. But, if you are using a flexible cord, use a different hole. Ensure that the hardwiring cable comes up along the bottom to the right side.
04. Connect Water Supply
As mentioned earlier, the water supply passes through a hole of about 1½ inches at the bottom of the cabinet. Turn off the water to set under the sink hand shutoff valve.
Locate the dishwasher water connection on the left side and set the water heater’s temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, ensure that the water pressure is set between 20- 120 PSI.
05. Prepare the Dishwasher
First, check the door and adjust the spring tension if need be, and then attach the legs close to where you would install the dishwasher.
06. How to Install a Dishwasher Drain Hose
Here is how to install dishwasher drain hose. Connect the drain hose and position the water supply lines and the electric wiring where the dishwasher’s bottom would not catch them. Then, in front of the opening, push the dishwasher carefully and feed the drain hose via the 1½ inch hole you had earlier made.
If you want to learn how to install a dishwasher drain hose, watch the online video below by W Service KitchenAid – DISHWASHER DRAIN HOSE INSTALLATION
07. Position the Dishwasher
Feed the power code and hose supply tube into the sink base at the cabinet back corner hole and push the dishwasher slowly into place. With some inches of the dishwasher left outside, stop and check if anything is kinked. If everything is in order, continue pushing it in.
Ensure that the door edges are at the rear of the cabinet frame. Confirm if the door closes and opens smoothly. Then, level all the dishwasher’s sides by adjusting the leveling legs.
08. Secure the Position
Secure the dishwasher’s position by aligning the brackets- confirm from the manufacturer’s instructions to do a perfect job.
09. Fix the Water and Power Supply
The dishwasher would need a supply of hot water to appropriately do the dishes through the wash cycle. And to set it up, you’ve to look for a way of linking it with the current hot waterline.
So, connect the water and power supply through the access panel and then join the drain hose under the sink.
You don’t have to tear the wall or floor to connect a different hot water line for the dishwasher. Instead, you can install a dual shutoff valve or a dual outlet to the existing line.
10. Test the Dishwasher
Now, it’s time to test your dishwasher. Put its knob on the “rinse only” setting and check if there is any leak.
Summing up, a dishwasher is an excellent investment in your kitchen as it not only saves you time in cleaning up dishes, but it’s also a water and energy-efficient way of cleaning your dishes. Additionally, unexpected items you can clean in your dishwasher in place of dishes. (For example, Refrigerator Drawers and Shelves, Plastic Combs, Hairbrushes, Kitchen Tools Like Scrubbing, Kitchen Brushes, etc.)
Installing a dishwasher like any other appliance may incur additional costs. On the other hand, Dishwasher installation costs vary depending on dishwasher type and features, electrical modifications, plumbing modifications, flooring repairs, and so on.
Now that you know how to connect a dishwasher, pick up the dishwasher installation tools and get started. If you’re experiencing any challenges while installing your dishwasher, please ask for help from professionals. Do let us know about your experience in the comment box below. Good luck buddy!
Dishwasher cleaning is essential after some time of installation. To easily clean your dishwasher, follow the steps outlined below –
Quick Guide To Clean Dishwasher- Make Your Task Very Easy!
Author Bio
Fidelis Kinai – Fidelis Muti possess a bachelor’s in English and Journalism and have over four years of professional experienced writing and proofreading materials for print and online platforms, including newspapers, magazines, websites, blogs, and social media accounts. He also have over three years of experience as a marketing assistant and social media manager.
He is versatile and diligent and will produce exemplary content within time to meet your deadline.
He can deliver most work within 2-3 days; rush orders are accepted whenever possible. He is based in the Kenya but travel often and work for clients all over the world.
