Not only should your plumbing be in tiptop condition (no one wants leaks!), but there are other key considerations when installing a dishwasher.
Locate your dishwasher’s water inlet, which should have a round, threaded opening with either male or female threads depending on your model.
Preparation
Dishwasher installation requires knowledge of basic plumbing and electrical systems; however, many homeowners can undertake it themselves with careful preparation. Before beginning, turn off electricity at your breaker box, turn off the water supply valve under the sink and unplug your old dishwasher before beginning installation.
Once the area where you will be working has been covered with a blanket or old rug to prevent scratching, gather essential tools. Two adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver and tape measure are essential. A shallow pan, bucket sponge and rag will come in handy in order to catch any water that drains from disconnected pipes during your work.
Your new water supply line must connect directly to either the dishwasher drain hose, or to your sink tailpiece, and ideally should have a right angle elbow which keeps it from protruding further than necessary.
Measurements
Preparing to install a dishwasher requires taking accurate measurements of its intended place of installation. Documenting these will save time when shopping for models that fit seamlessly in its space – or include photographs to help recall specific details about this location.
Begin by measuring the height of your dishwasher opening. Place one end of your tape measure on the floor at its left side and extend it upward to reach the base of the countertop; record this measurement in your notepad.
Repeat this process on the right-hand side of the rough opening and take two measurements so you can account for minor variations in kitchen floor levels and any possible differences when installing your dishwasher close to walls or cabinets on both sides of its rough opening. This step will prove especially valuable if your dishwasher will be close to walls or cabinets on either side.
Cabinet Installation
Before installing your new dishwasher, complete its plumbing and electrical connections. First, unscrew and unhook the kickplate from its screws holding down a thin rectangular access panel on its base in order to reveal a junction box containing three colored wires – use similar colored electrical tape to connect its end not connected with an outlet to terminal connectors in this metal box.
Connect a water supply line to the unit via its inlet; to avoid kinking, try purchasing one with your water line instead of buying an additional 90-degree elbow separately. Next, test both water and electricity, making any necessary adjustments, before sliding the dishwasher partially into its cabinet and attaching its anchor points with screws.
Drain Hose
Dishwashers typically come equipped with a drain hose connecting it to either the sink drain, air gap (or garbage disposer, depending on your installation). Carefully unclamp this hose and disconnect from either source with an ample bucket nearby in case water spills over. Be prepared!
Tip: Apply several layers of Teflon tape over the threaded plumbing connections before moving on to the next step to help ensure a watertight seal and avoid leakage issues. This will ensure an airtight and watertight system.
With assistance from at least one other person, tilt the unit onto its back and remove its front access panel directly below its door. If your model features a drip tray, disconnect its sensors from its rear. Route power cord and drain hose through terminal box before connecting remaining wires according to product manual instructions.
Electrical Connections
As each dishwasher model and kitchen varies in terms of its plumbing connections for water supply lines and drain pipe connections, installation instructions will differ. Before beginning the installation process, consult your product manual for precise guidance on making necessary water connections. When connecting electricly, be sure to use an independent circuit and breaker so as to not overload your home’s electrical system.
Prior to beginning, locate your home’s breaker box and switch off both electricity and water lines supplying your kitchen to prevent any accidental shocks during dishwasher installation. After connecting all lines, it’s time to install the power cord; make sure that there is extra wire slack available so that any mistakes don’t create havoc when connecting cord with wire nut connections for black to black and white to white cord connections; finally attaching green grounding wire at junction box cover.