A dishwasher is a fantastic labor-saving appliance that not only saves you time cleaning up in the kitchen but is also an extremely water- and energy-efficient method to do the dishes.

And the good news is that installing one is a rather straightforward task – especially if you’re replacing an old one that’s given up the ghost. That being said, like with any appliance installation, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure everything goes successfully, especially for a new installation where there are various guidelines to follow.

What you’ll need to replace a Dishwasher

Replacing an existing dishwasher is a reasonably simple task (if you’ve measured correctly and your new dishwasher fits in the area beneath your bench). All of the equipment you need is already in place, including electricity, water, drainage, and space. It’s basically a matter of removing the old one, connecting the new one to the drain and inlet taps, and then plugging it in, and your new appliance is ready to use.

Tools for installing a dishwasher

  • You will need the following materials:
  • A screwdriver and/or a driver-drill are also required.
  • A drop sheet, often known as cardboard (optional)
  • Recording (optional)
  • A mop and bucket for spill clean-up
  • The dishwasher’s intake and output hoses, as well as the mounting hardware.

How to Replace a Dishwasher: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. If it still works, try shutting off the water and running the old dishwasher for about 30 seconds to remove any remaining water in the bottom.
  2. Under the kitchen sink, turn off the water and disconnect the power, water intake, and drain lines.
  3. To avoid scuffing your flooring, lay down a drop sheet or some cardboard, and be ready to clean up any spills from the now-disconnected pipes.
  4. Remove any screws or bolts that are fastening the dishwasher to your countertop or cabinets, then carefully push it out onto the drop sheet or cardboard. To create room for the new one, move the old one out of the way.
  5. Examine the interior of the cabinets for any damage, then clean the area beneath the old dishwasher.
  6. As you wrestle the new dishwasher into place, retain the cardboard to cover the floor.
  7. Check the new machine’s handbook for any installation instructions or suggestions.
  8. Your dishwasher’s feet should be adjusted so that it sits firmly and level. It’s possible that you’ll need to modify it after it’s in position, but getting it near now is easier than getting it close when it’s beneath your counter.
  9. Connect the electricity, water, and drainage lines under the sink by feeding them through the hole in your cabinetry.
  10. When attaching the wastewater line, make sure it’s looped up and over in an arch – you may utilize the dishwasher’s helpful U-bend for this. Leave the hose’s end as high in the drainpipe as feasible – if you don’t, you risk creating a siphon effect in your drainage, which might harm your appliance – and then clamp it down.
  11. Place your new dishwasher in the available cabinetry space. To avoid crushing or kinking wires and hoses as your dishwasher glides into position, feed them through the cabinets as you go. (Alternatively, tape everything to the floor along the dishwasher’s centerline so it doesn’t tangle in the dishwasher’s feet before moving it into place.)
  12. Re-adjust the dishwasher’s feet once it’s in position to ensure its level and sturdy – this shouldn’t take long because you pre-adjusted them.
  13. Turn everything on and run it through a few times to make sure everything is connected and operating correctly, keeping an eye out for any leaks.
  14. Attach your dishwasher to the cabinets with a strong anchor. When closed, dishwashers are quite solid and confined, but if they are not securely fastened, they can topple forward when the drawer is pushed out to empty it. While every dishwasher is different, it’s usually only a question of screwing a handful of things in, so there’s no reason to put it off.

For dish-drawer-style machines, here’s a tip:

If you’re installing a dish-drawer-style dishwasher, you may need to remove the drawer from the chassis before sliding it into place – this can make the installation a little more difficult because you’ll need to feed the drawer’s cable and hoses through the chassis to their destinations. As a result, you’ll need the drawer to be close enough for them to reach, yet far enough away for the chassis to be installed.

What should you do before installing a new dishwasher for the first time?

When installing a dishwasher for the first time, there are certain guidelines to follow. Because dishwashers utilize both water and electricity, the potential of a disastrous consequence if something goes wrong is far higher than for most other appliances – the restrictions are in place to protect you, your house, and everyone else safe.

Tools Needed for Installing a Dishwasher

Aside from the equipment required for a replacement installation, you’ll also need the following:

  • A drill, hole saw, or other methods for creating a 100 x 150mm hole in the side of your cabinetry.
  • For removing cabinets, use a crowbar or something similar.
  • Sealant for preventing steam and water damage to your benchtops
  • To apply the sealant, use a brush or roller.
  • A brand-new tap connection
  • A new drain connection using a dishwasher drain hose attachment
  • A new power outlet and the proper wiring are required.
  • The latter three components should be available from your plumber and electrician.

Getting Started

Choose a location for the dishwasher, which should be one of the cabinet spaces on each side of your sink, since this is where you’ll access water and drainage.

Keeping electrical outlets and water lines separate

Power points and water pipes are not permitted to be installed in the same cabinet void as your dishwasher under the California Building Code; instead, your drainage, power, and water supplies must be installed in the next cabinet along, with hoses and cables passing through a small hole (about 100 x 150mm) to the appliance. Have you ever wondered why the outlet for your dishwasher is under the sink rather than behind the appliance? It’s to lessen the risk of electrocution if it leaks.

Other things to consider when installing a dishwasher

If you’re retrofitting a dishwasher into an existing kitchen, you’ll need to remove the cabinet unit that will house your dishwasher. You might be able to handle it yourself, but it’s usually a good idea to hire a professional in case you damage other elements of your kitchen in the process.

Then you must examine your counters. Because steam and water leakage from your dishwasher can harm laminated benchtops, it’s critical to seal the undersides of benches to reduce the danger of water damage.

Finally, because most dishwashers (especially built-under types) are large, bulky machines with many sharp edges, use caution when handling them. When transporting it inside the kitchen, have a friend or family member assist you.