How to Install Your Dishwasher

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By e-Rambler
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Install dishwashere

The installation of home dishwashers are quick and easy tasks, with majority of them only needing to be connected to a sink outlet and some tubes. By not hiring a contractor, you can save some cash for installing the new dishwasher yourself.

** This article assumes you are replacing an old unit for a new one, or that there already exist an empty "space" under the kitchen counter for your new dishwasher to be installed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A tool box with tools
Dishwasher
Gloves, optional
Goggles, optional
Workshop cloths, to cleanup floor mess, if needed
An assistant to help you

Step 1

Turn off the circuit breaker (disable the fuse) or unplug the power cord to the dishwasher before you start anything, the former method is recommended and safer.
Step 2

Turn off the hot water main to your house. Next, shut off the hot water pipe to the old dishwasher, you can find this valve usually under the kitchen sink. Drain the standing water in the pipe through a faucet, making sure all water in the pipe to the house is drained. You do not want to flood your kitchen floor once the hot water tube to your old dishwasher is disconnected.
Step 3

Unscrew clamps, screw, pipes and disconnect the electrical cord before removing your old dishwasher. Have a person to help you move the unit as it could be heavy.
Step 4

Check if there are holes at the back portion of sink cabinet. The holes allow you to insert and pass through the drain hose, water supply tube, and power cord. You can drill holes if you find none or numbers not enough.
Step 5

This would be a good time to install a dual-outlet valve, if there is no dedicated shutoff valve for the dishwasher. Read on if you don't have one; else, skip to Step 7.
Step 6

Disconnect the sink water supply tube from the valve after shutting off both the hot water main to the house. Drain water into a bucket, and then using a wrench to unscrew the supply nipple to the water valve. Wrap pipe tape or duct tape around the threads on the nipple, and then screw a new dual-outlet valve onto it.
Step 7

Through an unused hole in the sink top, install dishwasher's air gap. You can remove the hole plug by punching it with a hammer. Insert the air gap and air hose from underneath the sink, and then lock it in place with slip-joint pliers using a locknut from the sink top. Push the air gap cover into place. The outlet holes on the air gap cover should face toward the drain in the kitchen sink.
Step 8

Place new dishwasher near the opening of space where it will be installed. Insert water supply tube and hose through the holes. Carefully position the dishwasher into its place. Be careful you don't pinch or tangle the connectors.
Step 9

Pull the electrical cord through the protective sleeve and tighten the sleeve. First, connect "ground wire" to the green screw. Next, attach the white wire to white wire, and black wire to black wire. Plug the unit into an electrical wall outlet.
Step 10

Reconnect the sink water supply tube to the dual-outlet valve. Connect the supply tube which is usually flexible to the valve's second outlet and the dishwasher's water inlet. Tighten with wrench until secured.
Step 11

Slip one hose clamp over both ends of the short drain hose; the short drain hose connects to the garbage disposal and to the large outlet on the air gap. Pinch clamps until very tight, but don't over do it. Then repeat the same with the longer drain hose; this longer hose run from the smaller outlet on the air gap to the drain outlet fitting at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Step 12

Double check all connections are fit and tight. Next, adjust the dishwasher's front feet to align and level it with the countertop and cabinets. Screw the dishwasher to the counter (usually on the underside) where it is placed.
Step 13

After installation, turn back on the water supply back on and inspect for leaks. Run a full wash cycle to test the unit performance, and to further check if any adjusting to the installation is needed.