Dishwasher installation is generally a straightforward project for competent DIY homeowners; with careful attention paid to details and clear instructions from the manufacturer, it should not pose too many electrical wiring challenges. But given all its potential challenges, installing one may still seem daunting at first.
Start by turning off the water supply valve under your sink and removing its access panel for your dishwasher. Next, route the power cord through a UL-listed strain relief, connecting black wires to white wires (if applicable) using wire nuts before connecting green grounding wire (if needed).
Prep the Area
Before dismantling and loosening the leveling legs, place a towel or piece of cardboard under your dishwasher to prevent scratches on countertops or cabinets, and turn off the kitchen breaker to prevent an electrical shock.
Follow the wiring diagram provided in your dishwasher manual to connect its power cord to a standard 110 Volt outlet. Separate the wires of an extra heavy-duty appliance power cord (black to black, white to white and green or bare wire to ground) prior to connecting.
Remove the toekick of your new dishwasher and adjust its height by pushing partway into the sink cabinet opening. Leave sufficient room for routing both drain hose and water supply lines through, making sure the drain hose arches higher than your sink’s drain inlet to avoid backwash. Lastly, tape down its connection on the floor for maximum reliability – tape can help ensure it remains put and doesn’t pull back through or slip out of reach!
Install the Water Supply Line
Dishwashers are labor-saving appliances that can save both time and money in your kitchen, yet installing one may be daunting for new installations without an existing supply line or drainpipe in place.
Start by switching off both the electricity and water supply valve under your sink, before placing your dishwasher on its back with access panel removed, so as to gain better access to its connection fittings.
Secure one end of a brass supply line adapter elbow to the shut-off valve and the other to your dishwasher’s water inlet port using Teflon tape to prevent leakage, then hand tighten both connections securely.
Connect the Drain Hose
Accurate measurements are key when installing a dishwasher. Spending an extra few minutes measuring will ensure the appliance fits your cabinet opening perfectly, eliminating any frustration from discovering midway through installation that it’s too large.
If your sink pipe doesn’t connect directly with your dishwasher’s drain fitting, use a new drain hose instead. Be sure to add a rubber washer at each end of this hose so as to prevent leakage.
With help from at least one other person, tilt your new dishwasher onto its back and remove its front access panel. Disconnect any tray sensors if necessary before routing its power cord and drain hose according to product manual instructions.
Install the Dishwasher
Dependent upon the model of dishwasher you own, you may need to connect its power cord and drain hose prior to installing it. Please consult your owner’s manual for guidance in making these connections. Once finished, secure and install your unit; run a cycle test first to make sure all connections are functioning as intended before running a full cycle test to verify its successful installation and functioning properly.
Before beginning work on your dishwasher installation, prepare by gathering a blanket or piece of cardboard to protect the floor while you work and something to support its weight while it sits idle on it. First, turn off both electricity and water supply valves under your sink before getting help from someone else to lift and tilt the dishwasher onto this cloth or cardboard surface with help from another person. Route power cord, drain hose and anchor brackets through cabinet openings while tightening them securely using level. Next adjust front leveling legs using level to ensure perfect flushness between front leveling legs and cabinets then plug back in power cord and reconnecting drain hose.