Start by gathering tools and materials. You will require a blanket, an old rug or cardboard to protect the floor while working as well as adjustable wrenches.
Assuming your dishwasher has already been switched off at its circuit breaker, remove its access panel and visually identify its electrical connections before opening your cabinet door.
Choose the Right Model
Dishwashers are an integral component of kitchen life, and choosing the appropriate model can save both time and money over time. Before replacing your current one with one from among all of the available choices.
Make sure your chosen model will fit. Measure both the height and width of your cabinet opening before measuring your dishwasher – be sure to do this at multiple points along both edges as different models may differ slightly in size.
Next, think carefully about which features are important to you. Do you prefer physical or digital control panels, third racks and quiet machines? Decor Tips notes that noise levels may be especially significant if using it at night or while spending time with family – check how loud each model is when run on its individual cycles to gain an understanding of which would work best in your situation.
Make the Right Connections
Before installing a dishwasher in your home, it is crucial that both power and water sources are shut off. Furthermore, having someone help lift and position it is always advised as part of this project.
Once your new dishwasher is in its final position, carefully tip it onto its back to make the electrical wiring and plumbing connections more easily accessible. Next, remove the kick plate at the base and locate its junction box (a square metal box with electrical wires running through it).
Once installed, feed the drain hose from your sink tail pipe or garbage disposal unit into the dishwasher, connecting its inlet port using manufacturer instructions for water access and tightening all connections accordingly. Use a level to make sure that your dishwasher is positioned and anchored appropriately and tighten any connections but avoid overtightening, as that could result in leaks.
Prep the Area
Before installing a new dishwasher, it is crucial that the area surrounding it is ready. This involves switching off the water supply valve if possible and disconnecting its drain hose from either sink or garbage disposal units; you should have towels or buckets handy as there may be water still remaining within these connections that will need to be caught before you connect your new unit.
Before engaging in any electrical wiring projects at home, always turn off the electricity at your breaker box. If you do not know how to do this or your kitchen circuit has fuses instead of switches, consult a professional.
The front access panel of a dishwasher holds connections for both power cord and water supply lines, so remove it carefully to use a voltage tester and make sure all power has been fully cut off before connecting a water supply line to a 90-degree elbow fitting on the dishwasher – being careful not to create leaks! Some dishwashers feature grooved sections on their bases where cables or hoses can rest, to help avoid tangles or kinks in these connections.
Install the Dishwasher
Though installing your dishwasher yourself may be possible, for those without plumbing expertise it may be wiser to leave this task to professionals. Any mistake can lead to water leaks which result in costly damage to cabinets, floors and walls.
Make sure that your dishwasher has an effective supply line – such as stainless steel braided tubing – and power cord that are appropriate. Quality appliance power cords can typically be found at home improvement stores with labels indicating suitability for dishwasher use.
Locate the access panel on either the front or back of the dishwasher and cover your floor with a blanket or old sheet to avoid scratches while working. Take off the panel, tipping the unit onto its side or back so you can reach utility connections underneath, identify its junction box by looking for screws holding a cover over it, connect black, white, and green (grounding) wires from its power cord to their respective ones in the junction box by twisting together and using wire nuts, then take further steps as necessary to complete installation of new parts –