How to Install a Dishwasher
If you’re up for a little DIY work, installing a new dishwasher is something you can do on your own with a bit of time and a few tools.
Written by Jessie Devine
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If you need a new dishwasher, you’ll need to remove your old one and install the new one in a few steps. Besides the cost of the new appliance, you can expect to spend $20-$40, depending on what tools you already have at home, and it should take you a few hours.
DIYing your home is a great way to save money and gain a sense of pride in your space. While it can seem overwhelming to install a dishwasher—you’ll have to deal with plumbing and electricity—the actual process is fairly simple.
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Get the space ready to install a new dishwasher
Gather your tools
After your new appliance arrives, the first step to installing a new dishwasher is to get the space ready. This means gathering tools and supplies and removing your old dishwasher. You’ll need:
You likely have most of these supplies at home. If you don’t, you can make a quick trip to a hardware store or order the tools online.
Remove your old dishwasher
Once you’ve gathered your tools, you can get started removing the old dishwasher. You should:
- Place the rug on the floor in front of the dishwasher
- Turn off the water and electricity in your house
- Using the screwdriver, unscrew the front panel of the dishwasher
- Remove the electrical line, water line, and 90-degree fitting
- Use the sponge to remove any water inside the dishwasher
- Remove the drain line from the dishwasher and the sink tailpipe, set it aside
- Use the rag to mop up any remaining water
- If necessary, remove the leveling feet, and then slide the dishwasher out
Prepare the new dishwasher
Once you have the old dishwasher out of the way, it’s time to get the new dishwasher ready. Here’s how:
- Unbox the new dishwasher
- Read the manual for model-specific installation instructions
- Tip the new dishwasher onto its back and remove the front access panel—just like you did on the old one
- Attach the 90-degree elbow fitting onto the new dishwasher’s water valve
- Attach water supply line to the new dishwasher
- Attach the new drain hose that comes with the dishwasher—don’t use the old one
- Direct the new drain hose between the dishwasher and the sink cabinet
- Attach the drain hose to the sink tailpipe (or garbage disposal, if you have it)
- Secure the drain hose to the back of the cabinet
- Make sure the hose goes higher than the drain inlet. This will prevent backwash from the sink drain.
Pro Tip You can reuse the waterline and 90-degree fitting from your old dishwasher, or you can buy a dishwasher installation kit with new parts.
Connect the new dishwasher
Now that all the parts are installed, it’s time to connect the new dishwasher. To do this:
- Connect the water supply line to the water supply
- Use the pliers to ensure a tight fit
- Turn on the water to check for leaks
- With the electricity turned off, use the wire nuts to complete the electrical connects Follow the new dishwasher’s instruction manual to do this part. The process varies by model.
- When the water, electricity, and drain lines are connected, turn on your home’s electricity and check that the dishwasher is working
- If so, move on to the next step
Adjust and secure the new dishwasher
Your new dishwasher is working. Yay! Now you can slide it into place. There are a few tips to get this done right. You should:
- Hold onto the sides of the appliance to avoid denting the front panel
- Grab a friend or family member for help
- Slide the dishwasher into the space under the counter
- You can use the adjustable wrenches to fine-tune the dishwasher’s height with the leveling feet
- Use the level to ensure the dishwasher is, well, level
- Check that the dishwasher isn’t sticking out too far—it should be flush with the cabinets
- When you’re satisfied with the dishwasher’s position, use the brackets included with the dishwasher to secure it to the bottom of the counter and next-door cabinets
Ta-da! Congratulations! You’ve just installed a new dishwasher on your own. You should be proud of yourself.
Does home insurance cover dishwashers?
Homeowners insurance policies
cover damage to your home from your policy’s listed perils
. Or, if you have an open perils policy, it covers damage from anything not specifically listed as not covered. Typically, that means damage from an outside force.So, if your dishwasher is damaged due to something on your policy—like a fire or tornado—you’re most likely covered! But if your dishwasher simply stops working, that’s not something home insurance covers (but the warranty might, so check with the manufacturer).
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FAQs
How much does it cost to install a dishwasher?
The cost of installing a new dishwasher is $20-$40 plus the cost of the appliance.
How hard is it to install a dishwasher?
Installing a dishwasher is an intermediate-level home project. To be successful, you should be confident using hand tools like a wrench, pliers, and a level. You’ll need to do minor electrical work (think connecting wires) to disconnect the old dishwasher and reconnect the new one, and you should be okay with installing water and drain lines.
If you’ve never worked on a DIY this involved, you can still do it successfully if you go slow and thoroughly follow the instructions. Good luck!
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