How to Connect a Dishwasher to the Sink

Make short work of dirty dishes with a dishwasher.

Dishwashers can help you save a lot of time in the kitchen. These appliances work by spraying your dirty dishes with a stream of water, removing food and other debris. The dirty water is then pumped out of the dishwasher through a drain hose and into your home's sewer system. Because the dishwasher needs the same two connections that your sink does---water and sewage---a location near a sink is the perfect place to install a dishwasher.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwasher water supply hose
• Dishwasher drain hose
• Elbow joint
• Plumber's tape
• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Hose clamps (2)

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the circuit where the dishwasher is installed.

2. Turn off the water supply for the sink. This is usually located directly beneath the sink. Rotate the knob clockwise to turn off the water.

3. Connect the water supply hose to the water supply valve located underneath the sink. Feel the water hoses leading from the supply valves to the sink above. The one that feels warm to the touch is the hot water supply. Unscrew the cap for the second water outlet. Wrap this with plumber's tape. Connect one end of the water supply hose to the valve. Tighten with the wench.

4. Run the hose underneath the sink and through the bottom of the dishwasher. Wrap both ends of an elbow joint with plumber's tape. Screw this into the water inlet on the dishwasher. Attach the water supply hose. Tighten with the wrench.

5. Connect the drain hose to the drain outlet at the back of the washer. Secure in place with a hose clamp.

6. Connect the other end of the drain hose to the inlet on the tail piece, located just beneath the drain. Secure in place with the hose clamp.

Tips & Warnings

• The above steps are just a guideline. Always follow instructions from your manufacturer.

References

• Homebase: Dishwasher Installation

Resources

• Bob Vila: Dishwasher Installation