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Getting a new dishwasher is a dream come true for any household, especially if you were doing dishes by hand until the joyful moment of the purchase. But how do you actually get such an appliance installed? You don’t just place it in your kitchen and connect it to an electrical outlet, right? It can’t be that easy.
Well, you are right – it’s not. So if you:
Then, read along…
Installing a dishwasher yourself is not an easy task but it’s not an impossible one, either. Basically, the key element of completing this project is a lot of patience. Anything else, such as instructions and list of tools you can find here, in this article. But before we get to the actual guide…
There are two main factors of great importance when it comes to installing this appliance: the type of your dishwasher and its size.
This is the most popular dishwasher type out there. Unlike other models, this one is designed to stay visible with its door is placed on an accessible area. Due to the fact that many homeowners choose this type of appliance for their kitchen, there is a wide range of colour options, styles, etc. A major bonus to owning a freestanding dishwasher is that it’s not built into your kitchen, meaning that you can easily transport it in case of a move. And, of course, the negative aspect of this model is that it doesn’t have the sleek and blended look like an integrated option would have.
Looking for a more uniformed look for your kitchen? Integrated dishwasher options can bring that exact vibe to your kitchen. Again, like with the freestanding one, you get a lot of style and colour options and, if you wish, you can even have the appliance completely concealed behind a cabinet door.
Basically, this dishwasher option is the best of both worlds – you get to have the appliance concealed, while the control panel is placed on an accessible and visible area. This means that you don’t need to open the dishwasher door every 20 minutes to check if it’s ready.
If the pile of dirty dishes after dinner gets a little scary at times, a full-size dishwasher is your best bet. As the name states, they have a larger capacity than other options available on the market with up to 16 place settings. And don’t let the bigger size worry you – such an appliance can be a freestanding or an integrated model. Both options are around 60 cm in width. Another benefit of having a bigger dishwasher is that it saves water and it’s energy-efficient as you get to wash a larger number of dishes at the same time.
If your kitchen is narrow or just small, a slimline model is the way to go. Most models are just 45 cm wide and can wash around 10 items. The downside of owning this type of dishwasher is that it will be a bit harder on your water and electrical bill.
Portable dishwashers no bigger than a large microwave are perfect for people who are living alone, don’t cook as much, and frown at the idea of washing dishes. Compact dishwashers don’t take a lot of space and can store around 6 items. And because of its size, this dishwasher model is more budget-friendly when it comes to monthly bills.
Before we get to the actual installation process, you need to gather some tools and materials for the project. Most of them you probably have to lay around in your home and those that you don’t own, you can get from your nearby hardware store. Note that some of the items can be on the expensive side, especially the power tools.
In case you are replacing a dishwasher with a newer, nicer model, you’ll have to remove the old one, right? Here are the steps you need to take:
Now that you’ve got all of your tools gathered and the old dishwasher removed, it’s time to get your new appliance installed and here is how this process goes:
Turn off the main water supply before doing anything else. Drain any excess water from the plumbing lines by opening the faucet located closest to your shut off.
Once you’ve located the water supply valve (should be under your sink), get a pair of pliers and loosen the compression nut on the valve that connects the water supply to the faucet. Don’t worry if a little water comes out – it’s perfectly normal. Gently loosen the nut that holds that secures the valve to the copper pipe located under the sink. You can use an adjustable wrench for this part. After that, pull the supply valve from the pipe. Do the same for the compression nut and the copper ferrule part placed underneath it.
Get an emery cloth any clean any deposits from the pipe. Wipe off the emery residue with a clean towel.
Slide the compression nut from a dual outlet/dual shut-off valve over the copper pipe. The threads must face forward. Place the brass ferrule that comes with the valve onto the pipe. Now, slide the new dual-outlet/dual shut-off valve on to the pipe. Then slipe the ferrule right next to the valve and then the nut over it and onto the threads of the new valve. Secure the nut.
Get the adjustable wrench and secure the supply valve with it. With the use of another wrench, gently tighten the valve compression nut.
Almost there – attach the water supply line to one of the dual shut-off valves. Remember to leave the other valve for the supply line of the appliance. Tighten both valves until they are in an “Off” position.
Carefully slide in the appliance. It’s best to screw the front legs of the dishwashers, so you can move it easier.
Get someone to pull the drain hose from under the sink, while you manoeuvre with the appliance. Attach the water line underneath to the dishwasher. Pull out the electric cable through the sleeve of the appliance. Secure it, so the wire doesn’t come out afterwards.
Connect the wires to their according colours – ground wire to the green screw, white wire to white wire, and black wire to the black wire. Secure with a few wire nuts.
Now, attach the hose to its previous position. Fill the waterline by turning on the water valve. Make sure to test for leaks.
Level the dishwasher by adjusting its front legs. Secure the mounting screws by driving them into the underside of the countertop and through the flange to attach the appliance. Turn on your dishwasher and make your first load of dirty dishes!
Fantastic Services is here for you!
Want to connect your dishwasher to the garbage disposal so you can make life a bit easier? The job is not as complicated as you might think.
As you can see for yourself, the answer to the question “How to install a dishwasher?” is neither short nor simple. There are a lot of things involved in the process – from buying special tools and equipment to having to deal with wirework. By all means, we don’t want to discourage your appliance installation project, but why not spare yourself a little bit of cash from tools and a few headaches by getting your dishwasher installed or repaired by experts?
We, at Fantastic Services, offer professional appliance installation and repair services. The technicians come fully equipped for the job with all the necessary tools and equipment. They are specially trained and fully insured and can visit you on any day of the week thanks to their flexible work schedule.
So, drop that screwdriver, get your phone and make your appointment with us today! In case you prefer to get a helping hand, now you can.
Visit the main website for price rates on our professional plumbers!
Did you find our article on how to fit a dishwasher helpful? Leave your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!
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