Whether you’re moving into a new home or want to upgrade your old one, installing a dishwasher can be an exciting project. Dishwashers are simple machines that use heat and water to wash dishes and silverware in the kitchen. They’re also more energy efficient than other washing machines because they don’t rely on electricity or water pressure. But installing a new dishwasher isn’t always as easy as it looks—even if your old machine works fine!
This guide will walk through each step of installing your new dishwasher so that after reading it, you’ll have all the information needed for installation and future maintenance!
Determine the location and orientation of the new dishwasher.
The first step in installing a new dishwasher is to determine the location and orientation of the new unit.
- Determine where you want to place your new dishwasher and how high it should be from the countertop. The height of your dishwasher should be as low as possible so that it doesn’t block access to nearby cabinet space or other appliances like microwaves or stoves.
- Check that there’s enough clearance between the countertop and bottom of the cabinet doors for both today’s standard-height cabinets (c. 1/4″) and future models with taller heights (1/2″). If you’re unsure whether this will work out okay for your particular situation, measure from one side panel edge inward toward the centerline until reaching where two adjacent doors meet; then check again at the midpoint between these measurements—this will give you the approximate distance between current door height plus the desired length between next-generation model door heights.*
Prepare to install your dishwasher.
Before installing your new dishwasher, ensure the proper clearance and electrical supply. You should check to see if the unit has adequate drainage and venting.
Take out your old dishwasher.
First, remove the old dishwasher from where it is currently installed. If you’re lucky, this will be a simple task and can be done with one hand while doing something else like grinding coffee beans or making dinner. You might also have to set aside some time for this step if your home has unique characteristics that make installing a new model complex (for example, if there’s a massive opening in the wall between two rooms).
Once you’ve removed your old dishwasher from its location (and possibly even hauled it away), remove all its components—including any racks and baskets that came with it—before detaching anything else, such as wiring hookups and drain lines.
Install your new dishwasher.
Congratulations! You have purchased a new dishwasher, and it’s time to install it.
- Connecting the Dishwasher: To secure your new dishwasher to the water supply and drain, you’ll need an adapter that will allow it to work with any standard plumbing system. Your local hardware store should be able to help you find the right type of connection—make sure it fits securely into place before connecting everything up!
- Connecting the Dishwasher: If any electrical outlets in your home aren’t already being used by other appliances (such as lights), think about installing additional ones so that they’re ready when needed later on down this process line of thought; otherwise, they may cause problems later on down this same line of thinking too! And if there aren’t any nearby, consider going out into town where such things exist instead – maybe even get something nice as one made out of copper wire which could always come in handy someday.
Make any necessary plumbing and electrical connections.
- Check the dishwasher installation instructions. Ensure you have all the necessary parts and tools for your job and any electrical connections required by code or manufacturer specifications.
- If installing a new dishwasher yourself, double-check your work by testing it after each step using a standard appliance tester (available at most hardware stores). This will ensure that everything works correctly and no leaks occur during installation.
- After completing your installation project(s), take some time off from work—or relax at home! Let us know how we can help in future projects through our Contact Us form.
Connect your new dishwasher.
- Connect the water line.
- Connect the drain line.
- Power up your new dishwasher by plugging it into an electrical outlet (you can also use a power strip) and turning on your electric circuit breaker or fuse box if necessary
- Attach the dishwasher’s water supply hose to a faucet, then attach another faucet for hot soapy water flow.
Check for Leaks
You may want to check for leaks after you’ve installed your new dishwasher. Leaks can be dangerous and cause damage to your home, so you must ensure there aren’t any leaks in your installation. To check for leaks, turn on the water supply valve clockwise until it starts moving freely. Then turn off the water supply valve counterclockwise until all movement stops.
Moreover, if any water comes from somewhere other than the drainpipe, there could be a leak elsewhere. Therefore, take care of this problem immediately before further damage occurs or call a plumbing professional when the leaking still occurs.
Run a Test Cycle
You must run a test cycle once you’ve installed a new dishwasher. This will ensure everything works as it should, and you can also check for leaks.
Run a Test Cycle: To determine whether or not your new dishwasher is functioning correctly and has been installed properly, run a test cycle by following these:
1) Close all doors except for the door for loading and unloading dishes.
2) Open the water supply valve on the side of the sink (if applicable).
3) Turn on the power switch at the socket.
4) Place dishes on an upper rack.
5) Close all other doors except the top-loading door.
6) Allow 1 minute for a heating element inside the housing unit to come up to temperature.
7) Press the Start button on the console.
You may find no noise from the under-counter installation of appliances such as washing machines, but this does not necessarily indicate anything wrong with either installation method.
Just Get It Done
Be proactive in any situation. It is best to call a pro if you don’t have the necessary supplies. Never hesitate to seek assistance. Don’t be reluctant to make errors. Also, don’t be hesitant to invest in a new dishwasher!
So, there you have it! It’s a lot of work and maybe even a little stressful, but installing new dishwashers is a great way to upgrade your kitchen. Plus, the payoff is that you’ll save money on water and energy costs by using less water than older models.
