An efficient dishwasher saves both time and effort when it comes to dishwashing. A powerful model will even remove stubborn stains while offering special cycles designed to handle crusty pots and pans.
Before beginning, turn off both the power at your circuit breaker and water supply valve below your sink. Also remove the front access panel.
Make Sure It Fits
Your dishwasher may look as though it fits seamlessly between cabinets, but if it’s not secured it could tip forward when opening its door and disgorge crockery on you or your children. To secure it properly, drive screws through its tabs that contact with the bottom lip of your cabinet in order to anchor it into place.
Measure the width of the dishwasher opening from left to right with a tape measure, as well as from top to bottom with another tape measure. If your dishwasher doesn’t cover as much area of its cabinet space as needed, closing its doors might prove challenging.
Before moving your dishwasher into its permanent position, be sure to switch off both electricity and water using the circuit breaker or shut-off valve under your sink. Also use a level to check its alignment along its top edge; adjust any front level legs as necessary to keep it level with the counter surface. Finally, follow product manual instructions in order to connect its power cord, water supply line and drain hose.
Make Sure It’s Powerful
When shopping for a new dishwasher, be sure to include features like a third rack for flatware, designated space for wine glasses or digital touch control panels in your considerations. It is also important to select a model large enough to meet the meal-making needs of your family.
Before installing your dishwasher, switch off both electricity and water at its source (usually under your sink). Enlist help from someone to lift and tilt your appliance onto its back while also taking away its front access panel.
Utilize a screwdriver to locate and track down the water supply inlet and its drain hose path on a dishwasher. If its inlet has male threads, wrap them with Teflon tape to provide a leak-free seal. Screw a water line adapter onto its inlet before tightening with an adjustable wrench and connecting all remaining wires as instructed by your product manual.
Make Sure It’s Energy-Efficient
Saving energy to reduce your electric bill can be achieved simply by purchasing a dishwasher with the ENERGY STAR label. In addition, saving energy by not washing dishes between runs and installing low-flow faucet aerators are other simple strategies you can employ to cut back.
Find your dishwasher’s energy rating and estimated annual energy use on its EnergyGuide label located on its front panel. Aim for appliances with more stars (ranging from 1 to 6) before looking at water consumption numbers on its central area of label.
Other features that can make a dishwasher more energy-efficient include soil sensors that detect how dirty dishes are, adjusting cycle times accordingly; multiple cycle options with reduced energy usage – half load or eco cycles; as well as doors which open at the end of each cycle to start air drying; some models even offer adjustable upper racks, folding tines and flatware slots to optimize loading efficiency.
Make Sure It’s Easy to Use
Prepare your workspace before installing your dishwasher by covering it with a blanket or old rug. Have bucket, sponge, rag and bucket ready to collect any excess water that drains out when disconnecting lines from their sockets. Also bring along adjustable wrenches, screwdriver, tape measure and level for optimal results.
Begin by switching off electricity to your dishwasher and taking the following steps to unassemble it: remove its kickplate (removing any screws holding it in place); tilt back its body; open its front access panel, and untie and disconnect its drain hose; tilt forward appliance onto its back and open front access panel, followed by tilting forward appliance onto back.
Discover an electrical junction box with three exposed wires and a round opening, then connect hot (usually black) and neutral (white) cords to their respective wires in the box using wire nuts. Next, connect ground wire to green screw in the box before replacing its cover and following product manual instructions to connect plumbing to your dishwasher.