Installing a dishwasher is a central kitchen upgrade that can save you time, money, and energy. However, it requires exacting measurements and ensuring ample space.
To ensure a smooth and seamless dishwasher installation, follow these professional installation suggestions for your house. They cover everything from turning off the power, evaluating your plumbing situation, and adhering to local codes.
Turn Off the Power
A dishwasher is a labor-saving, water-efficient appliance that can help make your kitchen cleaner and safer. Before starting the installation process, shut off the power in your kitchen by toggling the switch at the circuit breaker. You’ll also need to turn off the water supply valve under the sink. If you need help determining where these are located, ask a dishwasher installation Maryland professional or refer to your dishwasher’s installation manual.
Once the power and water supplies are off, remove any screws or bolts that secure your existing dishwasher in place. Then, pull the dishwasher out onto a drop sheet or cardboard to protect your floors from damage.
If your dishwasher has a drain hose, use a hose clamp to attach it to the sink drain. Ensure it doesn’t kink before doing this, or it may leak. Next, connect the dishwasher’s power line to the electrical system using a junction box and wire nuts (or strippers). Be sure to use a waterproof connector to keep any electrical connections dry.
Prepare the Space
One of the first things you must do is ensure that the space where your dishwasher will go is ready.
Your dishwasher should be close to the sink and cabinets where dishes and utensils are stored. This helps streamline the cleaning process and makes moving the clean dishes to their final destination easier. Kitchen designers often recommend placing a dishwasher close to the sink, as it can make the most of your kitchen’s plumbing setup and save on energy costs.
However, if there isn’t enough room to fit your dishwasher near your sink, there are other ways you can optimize your kitchen layout. For example, consider installing a large island instead of a small island that’s difficult to navigate around and could bruise your shins while you cook.
Install the Drain Hose
En route the power cord, water supply, and drain hose before putting in your dishwasher. Having a second person to help move the appliance and hold it steady while you feed the lines through the hole in the cabinet will ensure that any slack is pulled back behind the dishwasher and out of view.
You’ll also need to tap into your kitchen’s drain line, so ensure you have the right fittings and connectors before beginning. Depending on its configuration, the dishwasher’s drain exit will likely go to a sink tailpipe or your garbage disposal unit.
There may be water in the drain hose, so have towels or a bucket to keep it from spilling onto your floor. Then, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect it to the sink tailpipe or disposal unit. If required, loop the hose up to create an air gap.
Prep the Floor
Before you begin dishwasher installation, read the manual from start to finish. Dishwasher setup and installation require precision, and missing even one step could put you at risk for electrical shock, water damage, and more.
Ensure that the existing plumbing connections align with the requirements of your new dishwasher, such as an appropriately sized drain pipe setup and an air gap or high loop to prevent backflow and clogs. Also, apply a few wraps of Teflon tape to the threaded plumbing connections to create a watertight seal.
Remove the faceplate from the bottom of your new dishwasher, and lay a drop sheet or cardboard on the floor to avoid scratches from any tools and components that may fall out. Lastly, adjust the dishwasher’s leveling legs to keep it flush with your countertop. This helps to minimize steam damage to laminated benchtops and cabinets. It also makes the appliance more straightforward to reach for cleaning and maintenance.