Whether you are going to install a dishwasher in your new home or replace the old appliance, the process is just the same for both situations. When replacing the old one, just take out the old dishwasher first from its place before putting in the new appliance.
Materials Needed
If you are going to install a dishwasher for the first time in your house, then you will the following materials for the job to be done. They are supply and drain tubes, T-fitting, adjustable wrench, electric drill and hole cutting bit, screwdrivers, pliers, level, Teflon pipe tape, drain pipe for the dishwasher, and the dishwasher connection kit that is composed of the compression couplers, water supply line, and connectors.
How to Install a Dishwasher
If you are only replacing your old dishwasher, drilling equipment will not be needed anymore. Drilling new holes for the connections is not necessary since you can already use the existing holes that the old appliance is using.
Newly purchased dishwashers come with an instruction manual. Read the manual and understand the instructions specifically for installation and operation of the appliance.
Dishwashers have the standard size of 24 inches in width and it fits perfectly on a standard countertop with 34 inches in height. Have the required space available before you install a dishwasher.
These three essential connections are needed when you install a dishwasher: the electrical supply, the hot water supply line, and the drain hose that connects to the drainpipe located beneath the sink. Check carefully that you have direct access to these three essential connections before starting the installation.
Turn off the circuit breaker in your house and disconnect the electric power then turn off also the water supply valve found beneath the sink. Open the faucet at the sink to drain off the excess water from the supply pipes.
To install a dishwasher in your new home, drill some holes at the lower back corner of your sink cabinet to be use for the water supply tube, power cord, and drain hose. Attach the drain hose to the drain of the dishwasher and fit it tightly using a hose clamp. The dishwasher’s hot water input valve should be connected to your water supply tube. The next step is to connect the electrical wiring to the dishwasher by means of its small junction box.
Slide the dishwasher into its proper place and make sure it is align correctly with the countertop and cabinets. Using the screw, secure the dishwasher to the base of the countertop.
Attach the drain hose of the dishwasher to the drain of the sink. Also attach the water supply tube of the dishwasher to the water pipe beneath the sink. Turn the water pressure back on to see if there are some leaks in the connection. Put the front panel of the dishwasher in place. Turn the electrical power back on and plug in the dishwasher. Make some test runs on the appliance to check for leaks.
