Decide Where You Want Your Dishwasher To Go
You need to make sure that there is enough space in your kitchen before you begin the installation process for the dishwasher.
A dishwasher will use the waste and water lines that are connected to your basin. So, placing it close to one is the best choice!
Of course, it is much easier to replace a dishwasher than it is to try and find a new space for one. There is typically one standard size for a dishwasher in inches 24 wide, 35 high, and 24 deep.
However, if you do not already have a dishwasher, then you will need to make space for one. You can do this by removing a cabinet.
This step is easier if the cabinets are not built-in because you can use a jigsaw or reciprocating saw to cut into the cabinets face.
Do this only as high and wide as the space needed for the dishwasher, do not go above or below these dimensions.
Heres how to do it:
- Cut into the cabinets base using the dimensions of the dishwasher It is important to ensure that these cut lines are straight.
- It is best to use a laser level or chalk line in order to get the straightest possible line.
- Now, you need to make a hole for the wiring and plumbing.
- Provided your dishwasher will be placed close to the sink, you can use a drill and core bit to make a hole in the sidewall of the right cabinet.
Can I Install My Own Dishwasher
While the installation of a new dishwasher often seems like something a professional repair technician should handle, the process is easier than you might think. In fact, provided you follow a few important rules, theres no reason you cant install your dishwasher on your own. Since dishwashers can differ from model to model, following the owners manual, or the installation instructions, that came with the appliance is always recommended. But to help augment those instructions, here are some general directions you can follow to get the dishwasher up and running in time to clean the dirty dishes from tonights dinner.
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The Spruce / Kevin Norris
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Remove The Old Dishwasher
Before you begin removing the old unit, read the manufacturers instructions for how to install a dishwasher. It may contain information specific to your new appliance, such as additional parts that might be needed for the model.
- Shut off the electricity to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker.
- Turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve under the sink.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the front access panel near the floor.
- Disconnect the old wiring connections located in the terminal box.
- Disconnect the old water supply line from the dishwasher using an adjustable wrench.
- Place a shallow bowl underneath the connection to collect any water that leaks after you remove the nut.
- Disconnect the drain hose from the dishwasher.
- Remove the screws from the brackets that anchor the dishwasher to the bottom of the countertop and to adjacent cabinets.
- Place a drop cloth or piece of cardboard on the floor in front of the appliance to avoid marring the floor.
- Pull the old dishwasher out and move it from the area.
- Tape the existing electrical cable to the floor so that it is not disturbed when the new dishwasher is moved into place.
Make Sure The Electrical Connections Are Secure
In order for the dishwasher to have power, you will need to connect their electrical wires. Make sure your power is off before you begin this step!
If there is already a power supply next to your dishwasher spot, then you will need to locate the junction boxs wires and uncap them.
After they are uncapped, slide them through the wire nut/sleeve and make sure they are tight and secure.
If you want to, you can wrap them in electrical tape of corresponding colors.
Lastly, you will need to take the copper ground wire and place it under the round green screw, making sure you tighten it.
When all of the connections are in place, you can go ahead and place the junction box back to where it is supposed to be.
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Dishwasher Air Gapwhat It Does
Many local building codes require a dishwasher to connect to an air gap before the connection to a garbage disposer so wastewater doesnt flow back into the appliance. If your local codes require an air gap, youll need to buy it separately. Mount it on top of the sink. Connect one flexible hose to the drain of the dishwasher, and connect the other flexible hose to the trap of the sink or to the disposers dishwasher inlet. If your local codes do not require an air gap, you can shape the drain hose of the dishwasher into a high arc instead.
This video shows what an air gap looks like and where it goes, discusses whether or not you need one, and shows how to clear the air gap if it gets clogged.
Attach The Electric Cord
Most of the working partsboth the electrical hookups and the plumbing connectionsare located behind an access panel located on the front bottom of the dishwasher. While it is possible to make these connections while you crouch or lie on the floor, most people find it easiest to carefully lay the dishwasher on its back to remove the access panel and make the preliminary connections.
Start by removing the bottom access panel on the dishwasher. Visually identify the power cord connection fittings, the water inlet solenoid valve, and the drain fitting.
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How Much Does It Cost To Install A Dishwasher In A Kitchen
Installing a dishwasher in a kitchen can be expensive, depending on the model and size of the unit. A basic model may cost around $200, while more advanced models can run upwards of $600. In addition to the price of the dishwasher itself, there may be additional fees for installation, such as water lines or fees for using specific parts of the utility grid.
Install The Electrical Circuit
The first step is to install a 20-amp circuit from the electrical service panel if one is not already installed. To add a circuit cable, drill a hole down through the floor into the basement or crawlspace.
Install 12 AWG cable from the dishwasher space to the service panel. Leave about six feet of cable sticking through the hole by the dishwasher. This will allow the dishwasher to be pulled out during servicing. Tape the wire to the floor with a piece of duct tape so it doesn’t slip down through the hole.
Have an electrician install a new circuit breaker in the service panel and make the final wiring connections. If there is an existing circuit for the dishwasher, be sure that the power is turned off to the circuit.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
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Install The New Dishwasher
1. Place the new washer on its back and connect the drain hose with a compression clamp.
2. Wrap Teflon tape around the water line connection and attach the dishwasher 90 .
3. Set the dishwasher upright, thread the water line under the sink and attach it to the hot water valve.
4. Get an assistant to help slide the drain hose under the sink and into position as you slide the unit into place.
5. Underneath the dishwasher, connect the water line to the dishwasher 90.
6. Slide the electrical cable through the retaining sleeve on the dishwasher and tighten the sleeve to prevent the cable from being pulled out. Connect the ground wire to the green screw, then attach the wires by connecting white to white and black to black. Secure the connections with wire nuts.
7. Attach the new drain hose where the old one was attached.
8. Open the hot water valve to fill the water line and test for leaks.
9. Raise and level the dishwasher by adjusting the dishwasher legs. Attach the dishwasher to the countertop by driving small screws through the flange. Install the bottom cover, then tighten the cover screws.
10. Turn on the power and test the dishwasher by running it and checking for leaks.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Dishwasher Where There Was None
A dishwasher installation without a preexisting water line can cost anywhere from $200-$2,000. The most common reason for a new dishwasher installation is due to an existing water line being replaced. If the dishwasher is connected to an existing water line, then the average cost to install it would be around $1,000. If the dishwasher is not connected to an existing water line, then the average cost to install it would be around $2,000.
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Reach Out To A Professional Dishwasher Installer
If you are conducting a dishwasher install in a kitchen where none existed before, you should reach out to a trusted plumber to help with the installation process, as it is more complex.
Moreover, if you do not trust your DIY skills, you can still reach out to a professional plumbing company to help out with installing a new dishwasher. There is no shame in reaching out for help to avoid an error-filled installation process.
Hook Up The Water Supply
Your dishwasher connector kit includes a dishwasher 90 that will serve to connect the water supply to the dishwasher. Installing the dishwasher 90 is the first step to hooking up the water supply for your dishwasher.
Locate the water inlet fitting on the solenoid valve. Apply some pipe joint compound to the threads of the dishwasher 90 fitting, then thread it onto the solenoid valve. Tighten fully by hand, then tighten an additional 1/4 turn with channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
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Connect The Drain Hose
Insert the hose through the hole and attach it to the dishwasher drain fitting on your sink drain. If your drain doesn’t have a dishwasher fitting, replace the drain tailpiece with a dishwasher tailpiece .
An alternative is to connect to the dishwasher nipple on the garbage disposal. To use this nipple, remove the knockout in the center of the fitting hole by tapping it toward the disposer chamber with a punch or screwdriver and a hammer. Remove the knockout plug from inside the disposer chamber. Secure the drain hose to the drain fitting or disposer nipple with a hose clamp.
Do Dishwashers Need To Be Installed By A Plumber
That is a question that many homeowners may be wondering. The answer may surprise you, as most dishwashers are not actually plumbing related. In fact, most manufacturers do not require plumbers to install their dishwashers.
However, there are a select few models that do require professional installation. If you are unsure if your dishwasher requires professional installation, or if you would like to hire a plumber in order to install it yourself, contact the manufacturer for more information.
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How To Install A Dishwasher
Many homeowners find themselves wondering how to install a dishwasher without causing leaks or ruining their cabinetry. What tools and materials are needed? How long does it take?
Is it a difficult job, or suitable for a beginning DIYer? Well cover how to install a dishwasher in this comprehensive guide, whether youre installing a dishwasher for the first time or replacing your old dishwasher with a new one.
Connect The Water Supply Tube
Connect the end of the water supply tube to the water supply shut-off valve under the kitchen sink.
Turn on the shutoff valve and check for leaks. Also look under the dishwasher to check for leaks at the other end of the supply tube, where it connects to the dishwasher 90 fitting. If you notice leaks at either location, gently tighten the fittings a little more.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
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First Steps To Install A New Dishwasher
The trick behind dishwasher installation is making sure you already have everything you need before you start. Its a good idea to read the manufacturers installation guide as soon as possible. You may need extra parts and tools, so see if you can access the instructions and pick up any parts before bringing your new dishwasher home.
Some common tools and parts youll need include:
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Dishwasher installation kit
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Pan to catch water drainage
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Large blanket or furniture pad
Four: Install The New Dishwasher
Carry your new dishwasher unit close to the area of installation. Unpack it and go through the user manual. Lay the dishwasher on its back so the bottom is exposed and accessible.
1. Connect the Water Supply
Wrap Teflon tape on the tip of the water inlet pipe located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Screw on the 90 degrees brass fitting to the taped inlet pipe and tighten it with an adjustable wrench. Most dishwasher units do not include a brass fitting, but they are available at hardware stores.
Once you have the fitting, connect the new water supply line to the elbow of the brass fitting. Pass the other end of the waterline through one of the cabinet holes and place it on the floor beneath the kitchen sink.
2. Attach the Drain Line
Locate the dishwasher drain standout pipe, connect the drain line to the dishwasher, and secure the connection with a hose clamp. Pass the other end of the drain line through the cabinet hole and place it towards the sink drain tailpiece.
3. Slide the Dishwasher into Place
Attach the adjustable legs to the front of the dishwasher. Carefully slide the dishwasher under the countertop into the cabinet. Stop halfway and ensure everything is in a good position before sliding it in completely. Finish hooking up the water line by connecting the other end to the dual shut-off valve located under the kitchen sink.
4. Hook-up the Electrical Wires
5. Complete the Installation
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Connect The Water Line And Dishwasher Elbow
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Your dishwasher might have come with a special pipe fitting called a dishwasher 90, but if it doesnt, you can purchase a low-cost dishwasher installation kit that contains everything you will need.
The dishwasher 90 is a small, 90 degree angled elbow fitting that allows the water line to lie flat rather than bending at an angle. You will attach this fitting to the dishwasher water valve or line located under the washer.
After the drain line, water line, and dishwasher 90 are connected, you can start on the electrical work. Dont worry the hard part is almost done.
Secure The Electrical Connections
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Now, the wires that carry power to the dishwasher need to be connected. Before you do this step, verify again that your power is still off at the breaker level.
If your dishwasher spot already has power, find the wires from your junction box and put them in place. Youll just uncap the wires, slide them through the sleeve or wire nut, and tighten them up, so the cables stay secure.
Some professionals recommend wrapping them with electrical tape as well. As you do this, match all your connections white with white, green to green, etc.
Finally, put the copper ground wire under the round green screw and tighten it up. Once all the connections are secure, screw the junction box back in place.
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Do Dishwashers Come With Everything Needed To Install
If youre looking to install your dishwasher, there are a few things youll need. The first is a wrench that fits the dishwashers mounting screws. Youll also need some pliers, a drill bit thats slightly larger than the mounting screws and some sandpaper. If you dont have a drill bit thats slightly larger, you can use a screwdriver instead.
Once youve got all of the necessary tools, its time to start installing your dishwasher. First, remove the old dishwasher from where its installed. Second, remove the mounting screws from the wall and countertop. Finally, reattach the new dishwasher to the wall and countertop using the new mounting screws. Be sure to sand down any rough edges on the countertop or wall before attaching the dishwasher.
Do Dishwashers Just Plug Into An Outlet
Thats a common question, and one that many people are unsure of. There are actually a few different types of dishwashers, some of which require more power than others. Heres what you need to know about each type to determine if they need an outlet or not:If your dishwasher has an electrical cord that plugs into an outlet, it will work with most standard outlets.Some dishwashers have a built-in motor and pump that powers the washing cycle. These machines require more power than those with cords that plug into an outlet, and they typically use two-pronged plugs.If your dishwasher has a battery pack instead of an electric cord, it will need either a special adapter or a converter to use standard outlets.
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