Step-by-step guide to installing a dishwasher

As anyone who has had to hand-wash dishes after a dinner party will tell you, dishwashers are a great time-saver in the kitchen. And purchasing an energy-efficient unit that does the dirty work for you can be good for the planet as well as your hands. [Photo Credit: www: istock.com/GeorgePeters]

Time: 1 to 2 hours
Frequency: As required
Difficulty: Easy
Tools: Drill, drill bits, hole saw, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, safety glasses.

Installing a dishwasher may seem intimidating, but following these four steps can help you get the job done easily and properly.

There are several varieties of dishwashers available. The first step is to figure out which best suits your needs.

Built-in dishwashers:

• This is the most common variety of dishwasher and features the familiar two-rack layout.
• It requires a permanent plumbing installation to your home’s waterworks.
• The standard width is 60 cm (24 in.); compact width is 46 cm (18 in.).
• Some newer models have modern features such as disappearing touch screens and advanced temperature settings.

Portable dishwashers:

• Portable dishwashers sit on wheels and can be moved to make space as needed.
• They attach to your kitchen faucet as the water source and drain into your sink.
• They provide additional counter space, but also take up floor space in your kitchen.

Countertop dishwashers:

• They sit on a counter or cart and attach to your sink’s faucet with an adapter.
• They have a smaller capacity than traditional dishwashers.
• It's an economical option for renters who can take their dishwasher with them if they move.

Drawer dishwashers:

• This is a permanently installed dishwasher.
• The double-drawer models have a similar capacity as a traditional dishwasher, but are more energy efficient as you can run one drawer at a time and use different wash cycles.
• Drawer dishwashers are more expensive than other types of dishwashers, but are aesthetically pleasing and easier to load.

This is an important step when tackling a DIY project. Before learning how to install a built-in dishwasher, ask yourself these three questions:

• What are the exact measurements of the space where the dishwasher will be housed? Most standard dishwashers need at least a 60 cm (24 in.) wide opening.
• Have you thoroughly read the manufacturer’s guide that came with the dishwasher? These guides include important plumbing and electrical requirements and product-specific information for your installation.
• Do you have the necessary tools to begin the project?

If you feel confident in your answers to these questions, it’s time to get started on your DIY dishwasher installation.

Start by connecting the supply lines:

• Turn off the water and install a dual outlet shut-off valve to connect the dishwasher supply line to the hot water pipe under the sink. One outlet on the valve provides hot water for the sink faucet while the other attaches to the dishwasher supply line.
• A dual outlet valve allows you to turn off the water to the dishwasher separately from your faucet if needed.
• Connect one end of the water supply line to the shut-off valve and the other end to the water inlet on the underside of the dishwasher using a right angle elbow.

 
Now it’s time to install the drain line:

• If your sink drain tailpiece does not have a side inlet, replace it with one that does.
• Slip a hose clamp over the drain line and push the hose over the sink’s drain inlet.
• Make sure there are no kinks in the line.
• Slide the hose clamp over the connection and tighten it by turning the screw.

How you complete your dishwasher installation depends on the type of connection you are using.  Here are the two main types:

Hard-wired:

• The circuit wires are available in the alcove into which the dishwasher fits; once you connect them, you can't pull the dishwasher out any farther than the wires allow.
• Without sound knowledge of electrical work, this type of dishwasher installation is best left to a professional.

Plug-in:

• This dishwasher connects with a standard pigtail plug. A power cord can be connected to the dishwasher and then plugged into the receptacle.
• The receptacle cannot be directly behind the dishwasher; it must be in an adjacent cabinet so you can access the plug without moving the dishwasher.
• Drill a 2.5 cm (1 in.) hole through the cabinet so you can pass the plug.

Don’t let the prospect of a dishwasher installation scare you away. With some careful preparation and/or professional help, you can safely swap dishpan hands for an energy-efficient dishwashing machine.
Note: Not only is it dangerous, it may even be illegal in some provinces, such as Québec, to do your own electrical wiring. The solution: consider hiring a master electrician.