How to Install a Dishwasher with Appliance Repair Advice

Planning on upgrading that boring and stinky old dishwasher? Maybe you’re renovating your new place. When you’re short on budget and planning to install a dishwasher on your own, do know that it’s no easy task and a lot goes into installing a new dishwasher than you might think.

So here we’ve broken down the essentials- everything you need to know to install your dishwasher the right way without breaking your budget or stressing out over miscalculations.

Let’s dive right in!

About Dishwashers

Dishwashers use both water and electricity, so the chance of a disastrous consequence is considerably higher than for most other appliances. Because of this, there are standards in place to protect you, your house, and everyone else.

What you’ll need

In addition to the tools required for a replacement installation, you'll also need the following:

1. A drill, hole saw, or another tool to make a hole of 100 x 150 mm in the side of your cabinets
2. A tool comparable to a crowbar for taking out cabinetry,
3. A sealant to prevent water and steam from ruining your cabinets,
4. A roller or a brush to apply the sealant,
5. A water shut off and dishwasher supply,
6. A drain connection with a dishwasher drain hose attachment
7. Some appropriate wiring to the power outlet.

The remaining three components can usually be obtained from your electrician and plumber.

Plan the placement

Choose a location of your dishwasher- ideally in one of the cabinet spaces on each side of your sink because this is where you'll access water and drainage.

Get installing

If you are replacing your old dishwasher with a new one and it’s been recently used, then start by turning off the water and running the old one for around 30 seconds to clear out any remaining water in the bottom.

1. Disconnect the power, water inlet, as well as the drain lines from under the kitchen sink, and the water supply.
2. To avoid scratches and marks on your floors, lay down a drop sheet or some cardboard. Also, be ready to wipe up any spills caused by the disconnected piping.
3. Then the dishwasher needs to be carefully eased out onto the cardboard or drop sheet once any screws or bolts holding it to your countertop or cabinets have been removed.
4. Make room for the new unit, and move the old one out of the way.
5. Examine the interior of the cabinets for damage, and clean/dust/wipe the area beneath the old dishwasher.
6. As you unpack the new dishwasher, keep the cardboard to shield the floor from scratches.
7. For any installation-specific guidelines or directions, see the new machine's handbook.

Make sure your dishwasher is leveled out and stable by adjusting the feet. Getting it close now is easier than when it's beneath your counter, however, you might need to tweak it again once it's in position.

1. Connect the power, water, and drainage lines under the sink by feeding them through the cabinetry's hole.

Use the convenient U-bend that comes with the dishwasher to ensure that the waste water hose is looped up and over in an arch when connecting it. If you don't, you risk creating a siphon effect in your drainage, which might potentially harm your appliance.

1. After leaving the end of the hose as high as possible in the drain pipe, clamp it down.
2. Now move your new dishwasher into the cabinetry space.

To prevent crushing or kinking, feed cables and hoses through the cabinetry as you go. Your dishwasher will slide into place without damaging them. (Alternatively, to prevent it from tangling in the feet of the dishwasher, tape everything to the floor along the centerline of the dishwasher before moving it into position.)

1. Once it’s fitted in, reposition its feet to ensure that it is stable, and fitted in with the right balance. Because you had pre-adjusted them to some extent, this shouldn't take long.

To check that everything is connected and functioning properly, turn everything on and give it a test run while keeping an eye out for any leaks. Once again, check the positioning of the dishwasher for the right balance along the cabinetry ensuring a firm fitting.

Crucial things to consider

It’s important to bear in mind that laminated bench tops can be damaged by steam and water splashes from your dishwasher, therefore it's critical to seal the undersides of benches to reduce the chance of water damage.

When closed, dishwashers are quite stable and confined, but if they are not securely fastened, they could tip forward when you pull the drawer out to empty it, possibly sustaining damage from the dislocation.

So there’s no reason to put this off even if every dishwasher is unique because it usually only requires a few screws to be driven in.

Also remember to use safe handling techniques when handling the majority of dishwashers, especially built-under ones, which are bulky, heavy, and have numerous sharp edges- wear thick gloves or pick it up with a towel wrapped on its edges. If possible, ask a friend or member of your family to assist you in transporting it into the kitchen.

The cabinet unit where your dishwasher will go needs to be removed if you're retrofitting a dishwasher into a cabinetry setting and counter space that’s not compatible with the dimensions of the new dishwasher.

NEED HELP? APPLIANCE REPAIR ADVICE!

Now you might be able to handle all this yourself, but it would be wise to hire a pro just in case you end up damaging something else in your kitchen. So with Video Chat a Pro, you can now ask a professional appliance repair pro to assist you with step-by-step instructions to install a dishwasher all on your own!

All and all

Dishwashers are expensive and sometimes installation expenses can seem completely uncalled for especially when it comes to moving to a new place. With this article, you have everything you need to install a dishwasher completely by yourself. Just remember to consider the contingencies mentioned and you’ll be ready to go!