Installing a dishwasher is not an easy thing to do, unlike other appliances that you can just plug and set then it would work. It requires basic electric and plumbing skills and tools too. Another thing is you need to make sure you have a space where the size of the dishwasher you bought would fit.
There are a lot of things to consider, whether the space you chose is near the water supply, electric lines, and drainpipe. Installing a dishwasher takes time so you should allot a day that you wouldn’t have to rush.
The very important thing to do before doing anything is to read the manufacturer’s manual. Installation may vary depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturer requires a connection to the hot water valve while others don’t.
Gather all the necessary things needed during installation. The basic tools needed for installation are an electric drill, hole cutting bit, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, level, Teflon pipe tape, drain pipe for dishwasher, and dishwasher connection kit. Preparing all the needed items would help conserve time and energy.
Table of Contents
How To Install a Dishwasher?
Here are the steps to Install a Dishwasher:
Step 1:
Slide in the Dishwasher to make sure it fits the space properly. Level the dishwasher to check if the height is already good for the space. Also, check if the door can easily be opened and closed.
Step 2:
Then drill a 3 inches hole in the wall of the cabinet.
Step 3:
Connect the drain hose to the drainage of the dishwasher with a hose clamp. Attach the hose tightly to make sure that there will be no leaks.
Step 4:
Make sure to turn off the water supply then attach the water supply line from the home’s water supply to the input valve of the dishwasher. This connection is made through pressure so there is no soldering needed. Just make sure it is securely connected.
Step 5:
Make sure to switch off the electric supply from the main switch. Then attach the electrical wiring to the junction box on the dishwasher for electricity supply. The same color to same color wiring, for example, black to black. Secure all the wirings and make sure it is properly attached. Then close the box.
Step 6:
Slowly place the dishwasher into the cabinet while threading through a hole in the wall of the cabinet. Attach the drain hose to the sink drain and attach the water supply line to the water pipe under the sink. Assure that everything is securely attached.
Step 7:
Secure the placement of the dishwasher with the use of a mounting screw. Turn on the electricity and water supply. Then plug the dishwasher and check if there are any leaks or if it runs smoothly.
The steps may seem simple but it takes time to do this all. Secure every attachment to make sure that there will be no problems that will arise from leakage. If you don’t have basic electricity and plumbing skills, try to seek help. Doing the steps hastily would end in problems and even damage to the dishwasher.
How To Install a Dishwasher From Scratch
Nowadays, people are getting so much passionate about their lifestyle and the current trends are the influences. Electronic and smart devices make our lives easier day by day. Television, the internet, and smartphone-like electronic gizmos are the best examples of life-changing inventions.
For a decade, we have witnessed an evident change in the adoption of mechanisms in household work. Presently refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, electronic cookers, etc household electronics got modernized and now utilize the latest technology.
Dishwashers are not new to most of us because we use them as everyday tools for our convenience. Particularly this smart kitchen gizmo gives freedom from daily physical struggles. Currently, in the market, there are several types of dishwashers are being available.
You just have to opt for the right one for your kitchen in accordance with the available space and requirements. Yes, before asking help for on how to install a dishwasher, you need to decide on the model and the required size of the gadget. The built-in-unit and portable dishwashers are the two basic variants.
If you are planning to set up it on your own or as a DIY (Do It Yourself) then you must have the necessary electrical and plumbing knowledge. The requirement of time will not be a factor as it will take up to 3-4 hours on average. Before going into the technical stage, let’s review the requirements and the checklist for installing the appliance.
Required Tools To Install a Dishwasher
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable Wrench
- Compression fittings
- Pliers
- Power drill with a hole saw attachment
- Supply and drain tubes
- Teflon tape
- T-fittings
- Tube cutter
- Wire nuts
The installation kit for a first-time do-it-yourselfer includes a bucket and some other mechanic tools like; Steel wool, adjustable spanner, hose, hack saw, self-cutting valve, pipe cutter, spirit level, sponge, etc.
After checking out the above checklist, you must get an idea about the required stuff. Actually the installation is divided into two types one is when you are going to replace your old one at the same place and another is to induct a new one.
Mostly when we change our place or home, we have to replace the dishwasher, but shifting to a new home needs the second option.
- Replacing The old one
Removing the existing dishwasher will be your first assignment when you are planning to go for the replacement of the machine. In this process, you must start by powering off the electricity connection and secondly detach the water supply.
Some safety guidelines need to be followed for this task like; checking the complete power supply before touching any wire or electric socket. A fuse or electricity tester will help you to avoid any accidents.
Be careful when you are eradicating the water pipe from the old unit. Remember one thing; always turn off the water supply attached to the hose or pipe. If you are finding any confusion in the fuse connection or socket, then it’s better to call an electrician to do the same to avoid any associated risk.
After removing the old instrument from its place now it turns to put in the new one. And the process is demonstrated below completely.
Installing a Dishwasher
- Right Place:
Check once whether the interior designer had left any space in the kitchen to accommodate the dishwasher appropriately or not. If you found a space to put in the equipment, verify whether it will be accessible easily or not for your everyday use.
If you do not find the right place to set it up, then search the kitchen properly for an easily accessible area where you can put the device properly.
Also, you have to check whether electricity and water supply can be available to the selected place. If not, then what’s the possibility just ensure it before going for the second step for installation.
Most of the market-available dishwashers come with a standard height and width, but according to the model and brand, the size differs a little bit.
The opening or the front side of the machine may arise troubles in the future if you don’t find an appropriate place for it. You can use a measuring tape or a scale to estimate the whole arrangement.
- Get ready with the toolkit:
The above-listed tools need to be with you before starting the installation. To make it straightforward you can ask for help from your friend or someone else. Do not ask for help from children as it is risky to involve them in the course of action.
- Prepare the dishwasher:
Now after finding the right measurements you have to make the dishwasher ready for installation. Read the manufacturer-provided user guide properly before going ahead.
Arrange all the parts of the device properly and double-check the points where you used the screwdriver.
Look at the socket or the point where you have to plug the electricity wires. Also, try once putting the pipe for the water supply outside to avoid the meantime hesitation.
Ensure that all the pipes you brought from the market or available with the device are properly getting fitted with the inlets. From the user manual, you will get all information about how to install a dishwasher flawlessly.
- Drill holes:
Now start using your toolbox to make the required holes in the wall or side wall. Mainly for the water and electricity supply and discharge you may require 2-3 holes to put the pipes and wire. Ensure the size of the hole is in accordance with the pipe size.
For the drainage pipe, you may have to drill comparatively bigger holes. Make sure that you are holding the drilling machine parallel to the base. Ascertain the right height of the hole from the base as per your device’s requirement otherwise you may find all gone in vain.
- Put it in the right place:
Now put the dishwasher in the appropriate place where you have to install it. The cabinet of the appliance may be adjacent to the wall and side wall.
Check whether you had drilled the holes at the right height or not. If all things are done properly then it will be easier for you and a few minutes required for completing the installation.
- Connect the Wires:
Connect the electrical wires to the sockets of the device. Ensure that the electricity is off. Make it off till you finish the whole process.
- Attach the pipes:
Now it’s the turn of the water supply and drainage pipes. Before attaching the pipes to the device, check once whether the pipe leaks or not. Use the right materials as guided in the user manual to join them accurately. The length of the pipe must reach the connection or water tap outlet.
- Take a test drive:
After finishing the plumbing and wiring turn on the power and water supply. Check for electric shock by following safety guidelines properly. Switch on the power button on the appliance and check for the water supply and drainage.
If all is going as per the plan, then move to a practical test. Put some eating utensils in that machine and close the front side appropriately. Let the machine finish the work and after some time open it to see whether it had done its work properly or not.
If you got a satisfactory result from your dishwasher, then you need not Google how to install a dishwasher again. If something is not right then dig for the bug and search for the solution.
It will be not so complex to debug the issue found during the installation. You can also ask for help from your experienced friends or call the customer support number given in the user manual.
Nowadays, different models of dishwashers are being available from a single brand. And the technical specifications of the appliances vary according to their price. Manufacturing companies are now competing for acquiring reliability from customers.
For this, they are utilizing all the latest technologies and innovative ideas. They are also launching different models with color tweaks to attract trendy buyers.
When you search for how to install a dishwasher on the internet you may see some advertisements to buy dishwashers online.
Yes, it is a smart decision to research the best product online and compare the price from different stores. Some of your local retailers may offer free installation services as a marketing idea.
All of you are aware of the mechanism of dishwashers and their benefits. So, before deciding on any model you must verify that your selected model has the capabilities to meet your demands.
Most interior decors are providing this plumbing service by means of user convenience. Real estate agencies are more focused on this stuff and involving it in their agreements.
Replacement or new installation of a dishwasher is not a matter of hard work or requires any expertise. The whole process is also not lengthy or tricky and is not associated with any risk factors.
To avoid extra charges from plumbers, a person can install a dishwasher on his/her own using these simple DIY (Do It Yourself) instructions.
Nowadays, a kitchen without a dishwasher feels curtailed as all our everyday work got simplified with technology. To make your kitchen smart you have to show your smartness by installing an efficient dishwasher at your home.
The market-available portable dishwashers are ensured with easy installation because you can mount them in a small place or hooked up. It really feels good when we accomplish a task on our own and installing a dishwasher in your kitchen is also a money-saving idea.
Dishwasher Sizes
“Size matters.” Even for dishwashers, size really matters. In this fast-paced world, almost everything comes in different sizes to fit the different needs of the people.
Dishwashers are also manufactured in different sizes nowadays. People purchase one according to their needs, whether they want to save space or they need something for a huge amount of dishes.
The capacity of each dishwasher also depends on its size. So to determine what you need, you have to know the dishwasher size and capacity. The measurement used to determine the capacity of a dishwasher is the “place setting”.
One person’s cutlery for a three-course meal is equivalent to one place setting that includes 1 normal-sized plate, 1 small plate, 1 bowl, 1 cup, 1 glass, 1 knife, 1 fork, and 1 spoon. The dishwasher size is categorized as Full-sized, Slimline, and compact where each one has a different capacity.
The full-sized dishwasher is the dishwasher size that is commonly used. It can be freestanding but is often built in that has a standard size of 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high and most of the home builders set a space for dishwashers with this size.
A full-sized dishwasher has the capacity to hold up to 12 to 14 standard place settings that makes it capable to handle the dishes after a party or gathering.
This kind of dishwasher is suited for big families, those who throw parties often, and those who just have a huge number of dishes. The size of this machine is big but it is energy and water efficient. However, it occupies a wide space and is not suitable for small kitchens.
Another kind of dishwasher is the Slimline dishwasher, with a size of 18 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high. This kind of dishwasher can be built-in or freestanding.
Due to its size, it can only hold up to 8-9 standard place settings which means it is only suitable for a household with 3-4 persons.
The slimline dishwasher can be conveniently placed in a small kitchen. This is the most energy and water-efficient kind of dishwasher.
For those who want a space-saving dishwasher then a compact dishwasher is a good choice for you. The size of this kind of dishwasher is 22 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches high which can only hold 4-5 standard place settings. It can be placed on the top of the kitchen counter.
Furthermore, the compact dishwasher is a great option for those who don’t want to bend down to load the dishes.
The downside of this kind of dishwasher is the fact that it would be hard to use this if you have big-sized kitchen utensils and it consumes more water and energy per utensil as compared to the above-mentioned dishwashers.
There are a lot of things that you have to take into account when choosing a dishwasher that would suit your everyday needs. Aside from the size and capacity, you should also pay attention to the energy efficiency, type, and quality of the product.
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