How to Install a Dishwasher

Installing a dishwasher can be rather awkward as they are meant to fit tightly within a little space with all the complicated parts well concealed behind closed doors or panels. Also involved in the process are multiple connections both for the incoming and outgoing water, including the power that will drive them. If you happen to be merely replacing an already existing dishwashing machine, you already have a place to put the new one. However, quite often, new dishwashers are equipped with the complete instructions that you can follow for the installation, but if you find yourself stuck in the process, the below-detailed guideline on dishwasher installation will help. This guide will also come in handy if you didn’t have a dishwasher installed previously as it offers workable tips on how to install a dishwasher where there was none or how to install a dishwasher with no existing hookups.

Unpack The Dishwasher

Unpacking the dishwasher is the first step. Once you free the box by getting rid of the protecting straps, removing the box means lifting it upward, before lifting the dishwasher itself from the parking base. Also, avoid dragging it off, as the parts might get damaged, and your floor will be worse-off. What’s more, it will be smart to retain the parking base until you are satisfied that the machine is properly working; otherwise, you just might have to ship it back if it is faulty, and the box will still be useful.

In the next step when unpacking, you will have to figure out the machine’s kick plate – this is the panel underneath the door covering the gap at the bottom of the machine. Some dishwashers have this already installed, but there are still some that ship it lose. Whichever may be the case, you will want to remove it, since you will still need to get beneath the dishwasher later.

Unpacking the trays and racks are best left until you have fully installed the machine – this is to ensure that they won’t get damaged during installation. However, you need to get the doors opened to ensure that the latch and hinges of the door are in good condition. Position the machine at the space where it will be installed, but leave some space to allow you to get behind.

Route The Cables And Pipes

Before the machine is positioned in place, both the water and power cables need to be placed through the holes reserved in the cabinet space that feeds towards the water and power connection. Next, the drainpipe should be pushed through that same hole but not to be connected. Some dishwashers come with several drainpipe feet, but not to worry, you will always have more pipes after the installation in case your pipe won’t reach the drain.

For the right angle water hose adapter connection, you will need a single layer of Teflon tape placed above the machine’s input valve thread. Then, fasten on the right angle adapter; let it point towards the direction indicated by the installation documents, or the route the water pipe comes from. The hand-tight is good enough, no need to tighten it further with a clamp or a wrench.

In this step, it’s vital to note that most dishwashers have their power and water connections at the back – for these, the connections need to be dealt with before you push the machine into place. However, the dishwashers that have their connections on the front base need to have theirs pushed under the body of the machine, then position them and connect after the machine is completely installed.

Install Dishwasher

Slot the machine into place by pushing it backward after slightly lifting the front. While pushing, ensure that neither the cables nor the cladding covering the machine’s body are caught on the edge bordering the space. This might require the help of a friend to help pull the cables and pipes via the hole as you push.

Next, hold a bubble level alongside the top of the interior of the machine, adjusting the feet to ensure it is flat level from left to right. Then, the same level should be held against the frontal edging of the dishwasher and alter both feet to the same amount, so as to level it top to bottom – this ensures proper drainage.

Once leveled, hold the dishwasher in place by drilling tiny holes in the adjoining wood via the holes in the rising anchors poking out from the sides and top of the machine, and fasten the integrated screws into the holes. This anchors the machine firmly to the cabinet surrounding it, so it stays put when water sloshes around inside. Be sure to flatten the heads of the screw against the anchor – this prevents the door from catching on them when it closes.

Install Water Pipe

This calls for another Teflon tape applied to the thread on the right angle adapter; next, the pipe should be joined to the thread and turned until hand-tight. Then, connect the drain to the waste disposal or sink drain to dump the wastewater. Note that the drainpipe should be curved to have a part of it lifted over the drain connection – This prevents backflow (the wastewater flowing back into the machine).

You will then need to construct an air gap – a device that lifts the drainpipe up, though a drain pipe holder or clip can suffice. Then lookout for the junction box that functions to keep water from the cables houses the electrical connection. Uncover it and pass through the strain relief bracket to feed the cables. Leverage the installation instructions to connect the cables with the strain relief bracket tightened so that it will not pull on the connectors if the cable is pulled. Replace the cover of the junction box carefully.

Next, the opposite end of the water line should be connected to the hot water valve, be sure to get a good seal by putting a Teflon tape to the thread. Check for drips or leaks by turning on the water and leaving it for some time to rule out any slow leak.

In the absence of drips, check that the power connection is alright by plugging the power cable in. Lastly, the kick plate should be installed to cover the gap under the dishwasher and you can then install the trays, racks, and then test run. If properly installed, the machine should be able to draw some water, slosh it around and then ultimately pump it into the drain.