Owning a dishwasher has its perks. You need not worry about cleaning the dishes. Your plates are spotless, and you also save time. If you plan to buy a dishwasher for your kitchen, it will be a practical choice.
However, configuring or installing a dishwasher is a slightly tricky task that leaves many homeowners in a mess.
What equipment and supplies go into installing? How much time does it take?
Adding a dishwasher to your kitchen may seem complicated, but it can be a gratifying DIY project.
And, with the cash you’ll save by not engaging in a specialist, you may be able to spend on a high-quality machine that will last you for years.
Read on to know the exact steps to install a dishwasher in your kitchen without any fuss or leaking problems.
Table of Contents
What Goes Into Installing A Dishwasher?
Step 1: Turn Off The Electricity And The Hot Water
Turn off the electricity and hot water employed to connect your dishwasher before you start working on this project.
Identify the toggle on your home’s breaker board that turns off the electricity to the dishwasher. Check beneath the sink for the connection and make sure it’s closed to switch off the hot water.
Step 2: Decide On A Location
Ensure you have a functional area and location for the dishwasher before starting this DIY project. Dishwashers link to your sink’s water and waste pipes. As a result, most homeowners choose to keep it near the sink.
This job will be more straightforward if you are upgrading an existing dishwasher. Unlike refrigerators and stoves, dishwashers are typically one size.
If this is your initial attempt at placing a dishwasher, you will need to consider removing a cabinet to make room for it. If you don’t own in-built cupboards, you may cut through the front of the cabinet using a rotary saw or a jigsaw.
Step 3: Go Through The Instructions For Installation
While these steps will go through every stage of dishwasher assembly, your new dishwasher’s instructions may mention a different function.
There may also be a message regarding how to install your dishwasher model. Ensure you read the directions attentively to ensure you don’t miss anything important.
Step 4: Install The Drain Line
Retrieve the dishwasher from the package and turn it over to examine the connecting places below. The drain hose with your dishwasher must be attached to the dishwasher’s drain pipe.
Remove the cap off the drain line attachment (your manuals will tell you where to look for it) and connect it to the drain hose. Don’t worry if the drainpipe leaks a little water.
To ensure its firmness, apply a tiny hose clamp. So that you may attach it later, thread your drainage hose into the hole attached to your sink. Place your dishwasher in its designated cabinet place.
Change the elevation of the dishwasher wheels using a wrench so that they are flush with the tabletop above it. If you want to clean your dishwasher drain effectively then make sure to read our step-by-step guide on it.
Step 5: Connect The Dishwasher Elbow To The Water Line
If your dishwasher didn’t arrive with a particular pipe fitting known as a “dishwasher 90,” you can buy a low-cost dishwasher setup kit that includes everything you’ll need.
The dishwasher 90 is a short 90-degree elbow adapter that lets the water line lay flat instead of bending at an inclination.
You will connect this fitting to the dishwasher’s water valve or tube positioned underneath the washer.
After you’ve connected the drain, water, and “dishwasher 90,” you may begin the electrical work. Don’t worry. The tricky part is almost over.
Step 6: Make Sure The Electrical Connections Are Secure
Now you must connect the cables that provide electricity to the dishwasher. Before proceeding, double-check that your electricity is still turned off at the circuit level.
If your dishwasher location already has electricity, locate and install the cables from your fuse box. To keep the wires stable, uncap them, pass them through the sleeve or wiring nut, and fasten them.
Some experts suggest covering them with black tape as well. Finally, tighten the copper wiring underneath the circular green screw. Screw the connector back in place after all of the cables are secure.
Step 7: Attach The Drain Hose Once Again
Remember when you inserted the new drain hose into the cabinet beneath the sink’s entrance? You can now connect it. You most likely have a sink tailstock under your sink.
The branching that slips off the pipe will fit your drain hose. Depending on your desire, use a clamp to fasten it to the faucet tailpipe or the disposal.
Step 8: Put The Dishwasher To The Test And Make Sure It’s Secure
The drain hose is linked, the water line is interconnected, the electricity is turned on, and the dishwasher is safely installed. You may reopen the water valve to examine if there are any leaks.
If you observe a leak, you may need to re-clamp a pipe or check the couplings at the base of the dishwasher. Don’t go any farther unless you’re sure there is no seepage.
If there are no leaks, you may fasten the dishwasher to the tabletop with screws via the mounting kit. Re-energise the circuit breaker, and your machine is set to use!
What Are Some Helpful Tips Before Installing A Dishwasher?
Before You Buy, Take Measurements:
Make sure you measure from the ground to the base of the kitchen countertop before upgrading your dishwasher. When you replace the carpeting, it’s common to have problems with the new dishwasher not installing correctly.
If your washer does not have a lever on the outside, be sure to evaluate what is surrounding it so that you may utilise your dishwasher handles without getting in the way of cabinets drawers on each side of it.
If you’re putting in a new countertop in your kitchen, ensure there’s adequate room between it and the dishwasher door while it’s open.
The distance might be tight when the door is available, and you can’t move between the two.
Garbage Disposer:
The trash disposal is often as ancient as the dishwasher, if not older than. It’s good to replace your garbage disposal simultaneously with your dishwasher.
Check the area beneath the sink while looking at a disposer to see how much room you have.
It will decide whether you have enough space to purchase larger garbage disposal or whether you must settle for minor removal that breaks down less waste.
Maintenance:
Once you’ve received and installed your new dishwasher, scrub both the dishwasher and the disposer twice a year using any washer detergent. It will assist in extending the life of the units while also lowering the risk of smells.
FAQs
What Is The Cost Of Installing A Dishwasher In A Kitchen?
The cost of installing a dishwasher in the kitchen is estimated to be approximately $50 – $150. You can save this money by installing the machine yourself.
If you’re unsure, you’ll need to contact an expert, who will charge you differently depending on the size, difficulty, and other factors.
How Difficult Is It To Fit A Dishwasher Into A Cabinet?
If the floor is flat, inserting the dishwasher into the closet is simple. The smooth surface lowers friction and makes it easier to fit a dishwasher inside. However, if it is not smooth, you may have trouble.
What Is The Average Time To Install A Dishwasher?
The time required to install depends on how you set up the dishwasher and your expertise. Because the more you understand about the installation procedure, the quicker it will be. However, this might take anything from an hour to three hours.
In Conclusion
It’s simpler to replace a dishwasher with one with the same capacity as the old one than to install a different-sized dishwasher.
You can install the new dishwasher in only a few hours by following these easy procedures and utilising high-quality equipment.
Before beginning this process, make sure the dishwasher’s electricity and water supply are off. If you think you cannot handle installing this machine alone, contact a plumber for additional help!
