Installing a new dishwasher requires connecting its power cord, drain hose and water supply line first – this will make the installation much simpler while making adjustments easier to the leveling legs and moving the appliance into place.
Assemble your dishwasher by first taking steps to access its bottom panel and locate its wire connection housing cover, then threading its power cord through it and replacing its cover.
1. Turn off the electricity and water
Before beginning work on your dishwasher, switch off its power by unplugging or flipping its breaker switch and also by turning off water via the valve under your sink.
Line the area around your dishwasher with towels, and scoop any standing water out with a large bowl or your sink faucet. Next, remove the access panel on its front face of the machine.
2. Remove the old dishwasher
Disconnecting an old dishwasher may seem simple enough, but having someone help is strongly advised. Both water and electrical connections will need to be disconnected; taking extra precaution could save any accidents by cutting wires or knocking anything loose!
Begin by turning off the water supply valve under your sink. Locate and loosening any metal water lines supplying water into the faucet with a wrench.
3. Disconnect the drain hose
Many local codes require dishwashers to connect to an air gap before connecting the sink drain or garbage disposer so wastewater doesn’t backflow into the appliance. To create an air gap, simply arc up the dishwasher’s drain hose as shown.
After disconnecting the dishwasher’s water supply tube from the existing under-sink hot-water valve, loosen any stainless steel worm clamps or spring clips which might have come loose before loosening them and using a bucket or container to collect any dirty water that may leak out of them.
4. Remove the kickplate
If your dishwasher features front hookups, it should be easy to set it in place without making final electrical or water supply connections. For rear hookups, follow your product manual’s instructions for connecting the water line and drain hose.
If you lack experience working with electricity and plumbing, leave it to a professional to handle these tasks for you. They understand all of the latest safety standards and local codes.
5. Unpack the dishwasher
Dependent upon your dishwasher model, you may have to open or remove the front access panel in order to access its inner workings. Before beginning this task, ensure the cabinet space between kitchen sink cupboards contains appropriate holes for supply hoses and power cords.
If no holes exist, use drill or hole saw to create them. Furthermore, prepare the water valve by attaching a 90 degree elbow fitting and tightening by hand before turning pliers over for one final quarter-to-half turn to tighten it further.
6. Place the dishwasher on the counter
Your dishwasher should be located near your sink for easy transfer of dirty dishes. Furthermore, its location should allow access to an electrical outlet as well as being close enough for its drain hose to connect easily with the water supply in your sink.
Adjust the feet on your dishwasher so it sits at an appropriate height above your countertop, and thread its power cord and water line through an opening between sink cabinet and counter.
7. Adjust the leveling legs
Measure the back legs’ height with a spirit level to ensure they are level with each other and with your cabinet opening.
Utilizing the screws that control your back legs, turn them clockwise to raise and counterclockwise to lower. Repeat this process with front legs, working alongside an assistant if possible for best results in shifting feet.
8. Connect the drain hose
If your dishwasher features front hookups, add a hose clamp to both ends of the short hose that runs from its small outlet on the air gap to either its tail piece (Y-branch tail piece in our case) or directly to your sink drain’s main body (unless that drain features its own Y-branch tail piece).
Attach your new hose using either a screw or spring clip.
9. Connect the power cord
Requiring assistance of at least one other person, tilt your dishwasher upright on a piece of cardboard before moving it to the desired location. Route its power cord, drain hose and water supply line through your sink cabinet’s slots with care; ensure the hose arches higher than its drain inlet for best results.
Connect the electric cord and water supply line according to your product manual.
10. Plug in the dishwasher
Dishwashers can either be hardwired with an NM circuit cable, or simply plugged in using standard appliance cords. If you choose to hardwire your dishwasher, please refer to its manufacturer’s instructions for proper wiring connection.
Assuring your electrical system can meet the amperage demands of your dishwasher is essential; all connections must also be secure. Consult a professional electrician to ensure all electrical work meets safety standards.