Dishwashers make every household life convenient, no question. A study published in Environmental Research Communications gives insight into dishwashers being more energy and water efficient than hand washing, not to mention the time you can save. And if you don’t enjoy dreading cleaning dishes after meals, we think it’s time to go to your local store and get the perfect dishwasher for you.
If you’re concerned about the installation process, we have good news: it’s not as difficult as you think. To help you, we will go over the steps and a few other things to keep in mind to save you the time and trouble of installing a brand-new dishwasher.
Things to Think About Before Installing a New Dishwasher
Measurement
When installing the dishwasher in your kitchen, quickly and precisely measure the space. Make sure to provide enough space on both edges for easy installation.
Tip: If you have a kitchen island, measure your dishwasher’s door to guarantee that you can open it without hitting the island.
Water Supply
Install the necessary plumbing for your dishwasher, as it requires hot and cold water. The easiest location to attach it to your water supply is in the sink.
Tip: Adding a splitter hose to your plumbing will give your dishwasher access to hot water.
Power Source
Install a dedicated power outlet for your dishwasher. You will require 12-gauge wiring and a protected circuit breaker to ensure that your equipment does not interfere with your other kitchen appliances.
Tip: To guarantee safety, it is advisable to leave this task to a professional.
Maintenance
As your dishwasher requires frequent maintenance to operate normally, use dishwashing cleansers to flush out your drainage system, which might be full of food scraps and other buildups.
Related Article: The Best Dishwasher Cleaners, Reviewed
Tools Required for Dishwasher Installation
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Tubing cutter
- Level
- Cable clamp
- Hose Clamp
Materials Required for Dishwasher Installation
- New dishwasher
- Dishwasher kit
- Teflon tape or Pipe joint compound
- Electrical connectors
- Electrical cord
How to Install a New Dishwasher
Step 1: Make the Necessary Preparations
Check if the opening space where you wish to put your dishwasher is appropriate for the size of your dishwasher.
Step 2: Set the Drain
Install a separate outlet if your trap is too far from the dishwasher. Install an air gap, especially if the drain tee is less than 18″ from the floor, to prevent air from leaking back into the dishwasher.
Step 3: Connect the Power Supply
Allow the dishwasher wire to enter from the rear bottom of the cabinet. Create a cabinet access hole for the wiring, waterline, and drain hose. However, use a different access hole using a long electrical cord.
Tip: Make sure the cabinet access hole is 1 12 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Connect the Water Pipes
Turn off the water under the sink using the shutoff valve. Place the water line on the left side of your dishwasher and set the heat to 120 °F and the water pressure to 120 PSI.
Step 5: Attach the Drain Hose
Connect the drain hose and gently insert it through the cabinet access hole. Make careful to keep the wiring and water lines away from the dishwasher’s bottom.
Step 6: Position the Dishwasher
Insert the power and hose supply tubing into the cabinet access hole and carefully push your dishwasher into place. Also, make sure that the dishwasher’s door opens smoothly.
Step 7: Secure the Dishwasher
Align the brackets and screw tightly to secure the dishwasher’s installation. You may also level the dishwasher by using its adjustable legs.
Tip: Check your manufacturer’s instruction manual to do the job correctly.
Step 8: Fix Water and Power Supply
Your dishwasher will require hot water to complete the wash cycle. Find your hot water supply line and attach your dishwasher to set it up. Then, connect your water and electricity supplies through the access panel and feed the drain hose under the sink.
Step 9: Test the Dishwasher
Start your dishwasher and use the “Rinse Only” setting to see whether there is a leak or any other issue. Make sure that fresh water is flowing properly.
How To Replace an Old Dishwasher
Step 1: Turn the Water Off
Turn off the water supply and run your dishwasher for 30 seconds to create a pool of water inside the machine.
Step 2: Disconnect Power Source
Unplug your dishwasher’s power supply, the water input, and drain lines under the sink.
Step 3: Set up a Drop Sheet
Place cardboard beneath to avoid any marks or leaks on the floor, then remove the nuts and bolts holding your old dishwasher to your cabinetry.
Step 4: Remove the Old Dishwasher
Remove your old dishwasher using cardboard to create room for the new one.
Step 5: Get the New Dishwasher Ready
Unpack your new dishwasher and review the instruction booklet for installation instructions.
Step 6: Position the Cables and Lines
Place the electricity, water, and drainage lines underneath the sink through the cabinet access hole.
Step 7: Connect Waste Water Hose
Attach the waste water hose and leave the end as high as possible to avoid the siphon effect, which can harm your dishwasher; clamp the line.
Step 8: Place the New Dishwasher
Insert your new dishwasher into the available cabinetry space. Make sure to balance the level of your dishwasher by adjusting the feet.
Step 9: Protect the Cables and Lines
Insert your new dishwasher into the available cabinetry space. Make sure to balance the level of your dishwasher by adjusting the feet.
Step 10: Test the New Dishwasher
After installing the dishwasher, please turn on the power and test it to ensure everything is operating as it should.
Step 11: Screw the Dishwasher Tightly
To ensure your new dishwasher is stable, secure it by screwing the brackets to the cabinetry.
Related Article: When To Replace Your Dishwasher (8 Things to Know)
Why Use a Dishwasher, Anyway?
Here’s the thing, handwashing uses around 27 gallons of water every load, but a dishwasher uses as little as 3 gallons, especially if it is Energy Star approved. This equipment protects you from bacteria that could harm you and frees up your time to accomplish other things compared to conventional handwashing.
Related Article: Hand-Washing vs. Dishwashers: Which Is Better?
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Dishwasher?
| Price Range | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lowest Cost | $500 below |
| Average Cost | Between $500-$1000 |
| Highest Cost | $1000 or more |
Depending on its functionalities, a brand-new dishwasher can range from $500 to more than $1,000. However, the installation cost still needs to be included. If you hire an expert to install your dishwasher, the cost will generally be approximately $500, sparing you from the hassle. On the other hand, if you are an average do-it-yourselfer, it may cost as low as $20, depending on the tools and other installation supplies you require.
Related Article: Dishwasher 101: The Definitive Guide for Beginners
Bottomline
Dishwashers are a fantastic investment in your kitchen because of their convenience. Aside from dishes, there are various household items that you may need to realize you can clean. However, we hope this has helped you install the equipment yourself to save some money.
Related Article: The History and Innovations of Dishwashers You Probably Never Heard Of
To learn everything there is to know about everyone’s favorite kitchen partner-in-crime, click here to read the definitive dishwasher guide.
