Dishwashers are one of the most convenient appliances in any modern home, and the best dishwashers can clean up an entire meals’ worth of plates with ease. If you want to get a dishwasher at home though, you’ll need to know how to install one, unless you plan on hiring someone to do the work for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide on installing dishwashers, so you can save some time and money.
Step 1: Find a suitable spot
Before adding a dishwasher, you first need to find an ideal place to install it. Find out your dishwasher's dimensions as well as a pipe location to supply water and a line that drains the water out. For this reason, many people install dishwashers while they’re in the process of building or remodeling their kitchens.
However, if you have yet to install one in an already-furnished home, then placing the dishwasher as close to the sink as possible is ideal. If necessary, you may need to dismantle some cabinets or drawers adjacent to the sink. The sink already has a supply line and a drainage pipe and you can connect the dishwasher beside it to make installation as easy as possible for you.
Step 2: Get the space ready
Once you’ve figured out where to install the dishwasher, it’s time to clear some space. You’ll need to measure the dimensions of the dishwasher and check if the space beside your dishwasher is enough. If not, you’ll have to dismantle some space from the countertop if it doesn't sit flushed.
Step 3: Attach the drain line to the dishwasher
The dishwasher probably doesn’t have the drainage line connected yet, so connect that to the appliance. Don’t be alarmed or worried if you see some water come out of the dishwasher, since manufacturers test their products before being sold. Because of this, be sure that you aren’t plugging the drainage pipe nearby any sensitive appliances or electrical wires for safety purposes.
Step 4: Attach the line below the sink
The next thing you’re going to want to do is connect the other end of the drainage line to the hole below the sink. The water that’s used in the dishwasher will flow from this pipe and into the pipe below the sink. You can clamp down the pipes with some pliers and metal wire to be extra safe.
Step 5: Attach the wiring to the power outlet
Plug in the dishwasher to the nearest outlet. Before doing this, be sure that you’ve turned off power in that area of the house through the circuit breaker. You don’t want this to be on until you’ve completely finished installing the dishwasher.
Step 6: Attach the supply line
The supply line is the last part of the dishwasher you need to install. Connect the supply line to a dishwasher 90-degree elbow, which you may need to purchase at a home improvement store if it isn’t already installed.
Step 7: Turn the machine on
Finally, turn the dishwasher on and give it a spin. Place a few dishes inside and observe from a safe distance in case anything happens. If everything works smoothly, you should be good to go.
