How to Easily Install a New Dishwasher
Time to start cleaning and relaxing, all at once!
Whether you’ve got a brand-new dishwasher, or just one that’s new to you, we are here to help simplify the transition from in the box, to in the wall… or wherever you feel like putting your dishwasher!
So, instead of frantically searching up, “How do I install a dishwasher?” or “Can you install a dishwasher without a plumber?” – we have an easy and straightforward guide for you! It will require a few tools, so be prepared to either borrow some from your neighbor or visit your local hardware store, because this is not a job that can simply be done with two hands and some elbow grease alone.
Okay, so what tools do I need to install a dishwasher?
Fantastic question! Let’s start with the preliminary things first, like what you’ll actually need to get this installation done!
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Drill
- 1.5-inch drill bit
- Pliers
- Braided stainless-steel hose
- Box-cutter/Knife
- (Optional) Wrench [size depends on model]
Is it hard to install a dishwasher by myself?
With these tools, I’ll break down the simplest and most straightforward guide on how to install a dishwasher (with some well-timed humor mixed-in) so you can get some clean dishes, without all the hassle!
We’re going to be covering three different and equally essential sections throughout this dishwasher installation journey: electrical, plumbing, and the installation of the washer itself. When going through this guide, make sure you have any plumbing or electrical currents OFF. You will electrocute yourself if you do not heed these words carefully – that is not a joke!
Your first real step is to bring your dishwasher over to where you are going to be installing it, and lay it down on its back like a really, really big baby – that way you can connect and secure any lines to it.
Electrical
- First, you’re going to want to take your box-cutter/knife and cut a splice up the middle of your electrical feed from your fuse box near the end, so as to have enough wiring to fix to the terminals of your washer.
- On the bottom of your dishwasher, you’ll notice a small little metal box-like structure with hazard labels on it, you’ll want to remove any screws to get into that box, and then feed your electrical wiring through it.
- You’ll most likely have some sort of connector or fastener for these wires included with your dishwasher, and if you don’t - that’s alright (but it helps). Put this connector near the end of your wiring configuration and feed the wires through to the inside of the box under your dishwasher, fastening the connector by unscrewing and re-screwing the detachable end of it.
- Next, you’ll want to wrap the ground wire from within your electrical cable around a clamp screw in the direction you tighten it to make sure you’ve got the best fit.
- Then, secure both the hot-line (black wires) and neutral line (white wires), tightening the clamp around them each.
- Secure the junction box that would have been previously removed to install your wires. Now the electrical portion of your washer installation is complete!
Plumbing
- To get this done as easily as possible, check your drain next to where you’re going to be installing your dishwasher. It’s essential that your drain has an extra spigot for your dishwasher – so if it doesn’t, you may need to replace your drain or find an alternative method of draining your dishwasher.
- Now you'll need to check the spigot in your drain and make sure there’s no blockage within – if there is, you’ll need to get that handy screwdriver that I mentioned earlier, because as a precautionary measure unused spigots, upon installation, have a drain stopper inside.
- Take your screwdriver, insert it into the spigot and then wielding your mighty hammer, punch the plastic stopper out. Now you can move on to the final installation of your new dishwasher!
Dishwasher Installation
Congrats! You’re on the home-stretch! Make sure to stay hydrated, this is simple but also hard work!
- You’ll have a water fill-line (a hose that puts water into the washer) that you’ll want to attach to the proper connection to your washer. This line most likely ends in a threaded garden hose style or an elbow connector, so make sure you have the right one on your fill line for the best connection.
- Grab your drill and the 1.5-inch bit and make a hole between where your washer will be sitting and the drain. If your water lines are completely unimpeded, you can skip this step. But this is for your drain and fill lines, so you’ll want to route them through the hole and connect them to the machine now, wherever that may be on your machine.
- Fasten the fill line to the machine and the drain line to the spigot, and your installation is now complete!
Now that whole install thing wasn’t too hard, was it?
You can now wash dishes in peace and relax with ease while your dishes get a better shine than Mr. Clean’s forehead! All jokes aside, if you find your dishwasher is missing a part or two, or needs a serious refurbish – be sure to check out our wide-range of OEM approved dishwasher parts!
