How to install a dishwasher

Dishwasher installation explained

When it comes to doing the dishes, a dishwasher is an excellent time-saver since it uses less water and energy than hand washing. If you’re replacing an old unit that’s died, installing a new one isn’t too difficult either. You should note that you need to remember a few things while installing any appliance to make sure everything goes well, particularly for a new installation.

Dishwasher installation can be tricky, especially if it is the first time, as there are many guidelines to follow. Moreover, a dishwasher install can comprise many parts, from drain lines to drain hoses and even garbage disposal. Dishwashers are more likely than most other appliances to have a catastrophic failure because they utilise both electricity and water. So it is essential to adhere to them. These rules protect you, your house, and everyone else.

Dishwasher removal and installation

From the time the old dishwasher is removed to the time the new dishwasher is installed and tested, it typically takes 1-1.5 hours to replace the original dishwasher. Additional electrical and installation work will extend the time required, but even a major replacement should only take a few hours.

Installing a dishwasher without a kitchen cabinet

Although dishwashers may be placed in locations other than the sink cabinet, they must be positioned within a few feet of the sink cabinet in order to make use of the sink’s plumbing for water supply and drainage. Plumbing access for a dishwasher may be provided by a kitchen wall that is flanked by a bathroom vanity or washing machine.

Fix your dishwasher or buy a new one?

For a variety of reasons, fixing your dishwasher is preferable to replacing it. Recycling your equipment saves money, is healthier for the environment, and is much less of a bother than searching for and installing a brand-new one.

Tools and supplies for installing dishwashers

You’ll need these useful tools for installing or replacing dishwashers:

• Make a 100 x 150mm hole in the cabinet’s side using a drill, hole saw, or other tools.
• Driver drill and/or screwdriver.
• A piece of cardboard or a drop sheet (optional).
• In the event that you tape (optional).
• Clean up any spills using a mop and a bucket.
• The dishwasher’s input and output hoses, as well as any mounting hardware that comes with it.
• Crowbars or other tools for dismantling cabinets may be useful.
• Use a sealant to keep steam and water off your work surfaces.
• Applying a sealant using a brush or roller.
• A new tap connection.
• A new dishwasher drain hose attachment with a drain line.
• It’s time for a new electrical outlet, as well as new wiring.

Getting things started for the dishwasher installation

Choose a cupboard area on each side of your sink where the dishwasher will go since this is where you will access the water and drainage.

Keep water and electrical outlets separate

A dishwasher cannot have power points or water pipes placed in the same cabinet void as your drainage, power, and water supplies. These must be installed in the next cabinet along with hoses and wires flowing through an approximately 100 x 150mm-wide opening to the device. Why is the dishwasher’s hose plug located under the sink rather than behind the appliance? In the event of a leak, it’s to prevent electrocution.

Several essential issues to consider

If you’re installing a dishwasher in an existing kitchen, you’ll have to remove the cabinet unit that was there before. You may be able to accomplish this on your own, but hiring a professional is a good idea just in case you damage anything else in your kitchen.

The next thing to think about is your counters. Because dishwasher steam and water spills may harm laminated benchtops, sealing the undersides of benches is critical to reducing the possibility of moisture intrusion.

The last thing to remember is that dishwashers (especially built-under versions) are large, cumbersome machines with many sharp edges. When bringing it inside the kitchen, having a friend or family member assist you is ideal.

DIY 10 easy steps to installing a dishwasher

Step one: Take measurements

Before purchasing a new dishwasher, measure your cabinets to make sure they will fit.

Step two: Protect your flooring

Use a drop cloth or cardboard to shield your flooring from damage.

Step three: Disconnect your old dishwasher

When you’re done, disconnect your old dishwasher’s hoses and wires, and remove any screws holding the dishwasher to its cabinetry.

Step four: Clean and inspect for damages

The old dishwasher should be removed and cleaned, and you should inspect the cabinets for damage.

Step five: Unpack and inspect the new dishwasher

The new dishwasher should be unpacked, checked for dings and scratches, and placed as near as possible to the installation site.

Step six: Assemble and level

Assemble and level the dishwasher by adjusting the feet as necessary; route the wires and hoses through the cabinetry back panel.

Step seven: Position the dishwasher

As you move the dishwasher into position with care to avoid damaging the hoses, connect the water, drain, and power connections beneath your sink.

Step eight: Perform a test cycle

Once you have the dishwasher in place, perform a test cycle to make sure there aren’t any leaks.

Step nine: Follow the dishwasher’s handbook

Follow the directions in your dishwasher’s handbook to secure the cabinets so it doesn’t tip over.

Step ten: Dispose of the old dishwasher

Use a garbage disposer for your old dishwasher.

Guide to dishwasher replacement

Dishwasher replacement is a simple task, assuming you have taken accurate measurements and your new dishwasher fits beneath your workbench. Power, water, drainage, and space – all of which you’ll need – are already available. Once the old one has been removed, the new one may be connected by plugging it in, then joining the drain and inlet taps on the new one.

Step one: Remove leftover water

If the old dishwasher still works, run it for approximately 30 seconds to get rid of any remaining water in the bottom.

Step two: Turn off the water and electricity

Make sure you turn off the water and electricity to the sink, as well as the lines leading to and from it.

Step three: Protect your floor

To avoid damaging your flooring, place a drop sheet or a piece of cardboard down first. Also, be prepared to clean up any spills caused by the pipe that has been detached.

Step four: Remove the old dishwasher

Move the dishwasher on a drop sheet or cardboard and remove any screws or bolts holding it to your counter or cabinets. To create room for the new one, remove the old one.

Step five: Clean and inspect the floor

Clean the floor beneath the old dishwasher. Inspect the cabinets for damage and wear.

Step six: Keep the cardboard or drop sheet under the dishwasher

Keep the cardboard from the new dishwasher’s box to cover the floor while you wrestle it into position.

Step seven: Consult the handbook

Consider consulting the machine’s handbook for any installation-specific instructions or hints.

Step eight: Adjust the level of the dishwasher

You should adjust dishwasher feet for stability and levelness. However, getting it as near as possible now is far simpler than trying to do it while it’s hidden beneath your counter.

Step nine: Feed the wires through the utility hole

Feed all three utility wires through the hole in your cabinetry and run them under the sink where they will be connected.

Step ten: Connect the wastewater hose

You should connect the wastewater hose in an arch – utilise the dishwasher’s U-bend to do this. Clamp the hose after it is as high in the drainpipe as feasible; otherwise, you risk creating a siphon effect that may harm your appliance.

Step eleven: Place your dishwasher

Find a place in your cabinets for your new dishwasher. Avoid crushing or kinking wires and hoses by feeding them through the cabinetry while installing your dishwasher. Another option is to use tape along the dishwasher’s center-line to attach everything to the floor before sliding it into position.

Step twelve: Readjust the dishwasher’s level (if necessary)

Re-adjust the dishwasher’s feet after it’s in position to ensure it’s level and sturdy. This shouldn’t take long since you did it earlier.

Step thirteen: Perform a test cycle

To ensure that everything is functioning, turn everything on and perform a test to ensure that everything is connected and operating correctly. Check for any leaks.

Step fourteen: Secure your dishwasher to the cabinet

Attach your dishwasher firmly to the cabinets using a dishwasher anchor. Even when closed, dishwashers may tilt forward if the drawer is not securely fastened before you remove it to empty it. It varies from dishwasher to dishwasher, but it’s usually simply a question of screwing a few things in.

Practical tip for dish-drawer-style machines

You may need to disconnect the drawer from the frame before putting in a dish-drawer-style dishwasher. This may make installation more complex since you’ll have to pass the drawer’s cable and hoses through the chassis before they reach their final destinations. As a result, the drawer must be both near enough for them to reach and far enough away for you to attach the chassis.

Professional dishwasher installation

Let’s get to the point quickly. Dishwashers can, in fact, be installed by plumbers. As for the new dishwasher, you’ll need the services of a trusted plumber to set it up. When it comes to installing a plumbing item, it’s essential to contact a qualified expert to guarantee that the installation goes well.

If you don’t have the necessary fittings in your kitchen, you’ll need to hire licensed contractors to install them. An electrician and a plumber are required for the power point, drains, and water supply lines.

Only licensed contractors are permitted to operate on your house’s electrical, sewage, or water lines, and this isn’t only for your personal protection. Make your own repairs at your own risk, and you may be hit with a large fine as well as your insurance company rejecting future claims.

How do plumbers install dishwashers?

First, the plumber will unplug the old washer’s electric and water lines and use a voltage detector to check for power. They’ll examine the water supply line to ensure it is free of kinks and decide whether or not it needs to be replaced. After that, they’ll take out the old dishwasher and clean up any spills or leaks that may have gotten onto your floor.

A new drain hose will be looped to the drain-source, the water line will be connected, and it will be secured to prevent leakage after the plumber has uncrated the new device. The plumber will test the dishwasher to ensure it functions correctly once it has been appropriately connected to the supply line, electrical cable, and dishwasher drain.

Advantages of hiring experts to install dishwashers

If you want a dishwasher installed properly, you need to get a plumber to do it for you. Explicitly speaking, hiring a professional to install your dishwasher is worth the cost if you are too busy. Getting a tough job off your to-do list is worth your peace of mind. Dishwasher removal and installation may go horribly wrong for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is just moving the machines.

Moving a dishwasher may be dangerous because of the weight and difficulty, and it can also cause damage to your floor if not done correctly. If you can find a plumber who is willing to remove your old dishwasher, you’ll save time and money. Moreover, the removal of old equipment in a timely and efficient manner is one of their specialties.