If you’re tired of doing the dishes by hand, getting your hands on a dishwasher is a must. When it comes to installing the dishwasher, most people hire professionals to do the job, while others keep their wallets from getting thin and install it themselves. However, pulling it off the first time can be tricky. Thus, read this guide on how to install a dishwasher to get the hang of it.
First of all, measure the space where you plan to place your dishwasher. Make sure to check the electrical and water supply before you install it. Buy the necessary installation parts your dishwasher needs, as you may not find the original kit in your package. Set the hot water and pressure at the appropriate rates.
But, is that all you need to know to install a dishwasher? No way, there’s more! For a first-timer, there are a number of things to consider before installing an appliance like a dishwasher. So, let us go deeper into it!
What To Know Before Installing A Dishwasher?
In many cases, people have a hard time installing a dishwasher due to a lack of proper planning. It can be a hassle when you have no other choice but to call a professional. Hence, it would be smart of you to learn to set up your dishwasher yourself and save a bunch of money.
So, when you plan to work on a built-in dishwasher, there are a few necessary steps you must take:
1. Measure The Cabinet Space
It is a good rule of thumb to measure the cabinet space before going to buy a dishwasher. This way, you will know which size and kind of dishwasher you must buy for your kitchen.
Most of the time, people face an issue with their dishwasher not correctly fitting in. Your dishwasher should fit like a glove.
So, measure the height from the counter to the floor and the width of the space where your dishwasher will be placed.
2. Get The Correct Installation Kit
Every home has different maintenance and power connections, and not all dishwashers come with an installation kit. Your manufacturer may not include the original installation parts with the package, like the electrical cord, water hose, and pipe.
Hence, consider it necessary to buy an installation kit along with your dishwasher.
3. Check The Water Supply
The best place to set up your dishwasher is under the sink. If you are about to install a new dishwasher in your kitchen for the first time, check for a water valve under your sink. If there is none, install a new water valve to connect to the hot water supply.
Get a valve that has a metal connection, is stainless steel, and is corrosion-free with a long braided wire hose. To connect your dishwasher to the hot water supply, drill a hole on the side of the sink cabinet.
4. Check The Power Panel
This step can be a little challenging for someone installing a dishwasher for the first time. Before installing, check the electrical power supply and make sure it is compatible with your dishwasher.
You may need a 12-gauge wire cord and a separate 12-amp circuit to run your dishwasher smoothly. For safety measures, it is wise to hire a professional with electrical experience, as the job can be risky.
9 Simple Steps To Install A Dishwasher For The First
Since this is your first time installing a dishwasher, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Making Some Room
Firstly, you must clear out the space where your dishwasher will go and make sure there are no wires or pipes at the back. Generally, dishwashers are set up right under the sink cabinets and have an opening space of 34 inches in height by 24 inches in width, with a 24-inch depth.
The space and floor leveling must be perfect, or else your dishwasher won’t fit correctly.
Step 2: Install The Drain Line
Secondly, you will need to get an appropriate air gap from the floor level. Most of the time, an air gap is needed when the height from the floor to the drain line is less than 18 inches. Other times, you can work without it.
The draining system for your dishwasher is just like the one used for toilets and sinks. So, connect the foul water pipe to the garbage disposal.
Step 3: Set The Electrical Supply Up
Next, check the electrical panel and wiring for safety and make sure they are well suited for your dishwasher.
Keep in mind that the wiring and cord have a 120-volt to support your dishwasher. You may also need to install a dedicated 20-amp circuit breaker; anything less than that can break down your circuit.
You will need to drill a hole of 1.5 inches to pass the wiring into the cabinet. Remember to shut off the water valve under the sink during the installation.
Step 4: Fix The Waterline
Another thing to consider is the temperature of your water supply. Since your dishwasher needs hot water to function, you must set your water heater from 120 Fahrenheit to 150 Fahrenheit.
Remember to set the pressure control within 20 to 120. If you need to use an extended pipe, use a copper line of 3/8 inch.
Step 5: Place The Drain Hose
Usually, a dishwasher has a pre-installed drain hose. But, if your dishwasher doesn’t come with one, you can attach it yourself.
You may place the dishwasher in the space and push the drain hose through the hole drilled earlier.
Step 6: Prepare To place
Since we are almost at the end of the installation, it is time to check the dishwasher before placing it.
Check whether the legs and door balance of your dishwasher are alright or not. If they are loose, work out the spring tension and adjust it.
Step 7: Position it
Check if your dishwasher has adjusted perfectly into the space and that the legs on all sides are level. You must also see if the door is working smoothly. Test the door by opening and closing it.
Moreover, follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to secure the position of your dishwasher in the cabinet.
Step 8: Plug The Water And Electrical Line
It is time to connect the power and water sources to your dishwasher. Your dishwasher will need a hot water source, and if there is none installed in your kitchen, you can install a dual outlet to the waterline.
Find the drain hose under your sink and connect the power line and waterline into the outlet. If you find this step confusing, call a professional and hire them to do the job.
Step 9: Put It To Test
Lastly, after going through all these steps above, you may want to put your dishwasher to the test. Start by turning on the knob to the rinse option.
Let us hope the water drain is working and there is no sign of leakage.
If it checks out, your dishwasher is good to go.
After you have installed your dishwasher, check if it works perfectly or not. You may not nail the installation as a first-timer, but if you do, hooray! Remember, you can always hire a professional installation team to do the job if you fail to do it yourself.So, were you wondering, how to install a dishwasher? If so, we hope this guide helped you understand the process. Thank you for reading, and good luck installing!
