How to Install a Dishwasher Without a Sink Nearby

Installing a dishwasher when the sink is not adjacent to it is difficult. Ideally, when installing cabinetry, you position the hole for the dishwasher next to the sink, but if cabinetry is already installed without the placement being ideal, installing a dishwasher is possible. An alternative is to purchase a mobile dishwasher. They are available at appliance stores and the water lines and drainage connect externally to the existing sink. For a built-in dishwasher, you have a few options.

Things You'll Need

• Drill with hole-cutting adapter
• Wire cutters
• 16 gauge wire
• Electrical tape
• External junction box
• Heat-rated PVC
• T-joint
• Various elbow and angle joints
• Drain line
• Piping cement
• Dishwasher

Instructions

Preparation and Installation

1. Clear out the cabinets between the hole for the dishwasher and sink. Locate a power source for the dishwasher. Typically, an outlet is preinstalled beneath the sink for options of a garbage disposal or dishwasher. The dishwasher does not plug into a wall but instead taps directly into the hot, cold, and ground lines of an existing junction.

2. Drill a 2-inch hole between each cabinet separating the dishwasher hole and the sink cabinet. Place this hole at the back of the cabinet as flush with the floor as possible.

3. Turn off the power to the power source. Connect the black line of the 16 gauge wire to the black line of the power source, white to white, and the brass ground line to a ground point or the existing ground line. Wrap any exposed wires with electrical tape. Make sure the connection is secured to the wall in some form and out of the way of any water or possible leaks. Run the electrical line through the drilled holes to the dishwasher hole. Note: If you are connecting the power to an existing outlet, you will need to install an external junction box. These mount against the wall as opposed to being flush with the wall, and come with mounting instructions. You can run the wire out of the side of the box and reinstall the outlet onto the junction box.

4. Install the hot water line. Turn off the hot water line at the source (the water heater). Drain the line until no hot water is coming out of the tap. Cut the existing pipe at least two inches from the cut-off valve and at least two inches from the floor. Install a T-joint by preparing and coating the existing line with piping cement and placing the T-joint securely in-place. Aim the opening at the hole cut into the cabinet.

5. Run heat-rated PVC through the holes in the cabinet to the dishwasher hole using various elbow and angle joints. Make sure each connection is prepared and coated with piping cement to ensure a stable and leak-free connection. Install a cut-off valve at the end of the piping.

6. Tap into the drain. Most dishwashers come with a y-joint to install into the drain. Install this above the trap by removing the existing pipe and replacing it with the Y-joint. Obtain a drain line long enough to reach the dishwasher. The stock one will be too short, so you will have to obtain one from a hardware store. You may have to piece together a drain line that is long enough. Connect the drain line to the Y-joint and run it through the holes in the cabinet.

7. Install the dishwasher according to the instructions accompanying the dishwasher. Different brands have different options for installation. Consult the included instructions or the manufacturer for device-specific installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Most modern supply lines for sinks are made out of PVC. If brass lines are installed, hardware stores have T-joints that will allow you to tap into the hot water line and run PVC off of it.

• Electrical installations are dangerous. It is recommended that you have a professional install the power line for the dishwasher to avoid injury.