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Installing a Kitchen's First Dishwasher

• Difficulty Rating: Expert
• Time to Complete Project: 1 – 2 days

Replacing an Old Dishwasher

• Difficulty Rating: Moderate - Difficult
• Time to Complete Project: 2 – 3 hours

When installing your new dishwasher, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

If this is your first dishwasher, you may wish to hire out the installation process. While this can be quite costly, it can be the most efficient means of installing the machine. This is because there are many, somewhat complicated steps involved in installing a 'first-time' dishwasher.

1. You need to excavate a cabinet in order to make room for the new dishwasher.
2. The dishwasher needs to be installed.
3. A grounded electrical outlet needs to be installed.
4. You need to tie a hot water line into the dishwasher.
5. The dishwasher's drain needs to be tied into an existing drain.

Compared to installing a "first-time" dishwasher, replacing an old dishwasher is a snap. However, some of the steps may seem a bit complicated. Therefore, take the time to visit your local library before you begin. Many fine books exist with step-by-step pictorial guides that outline the process of installing a dishwasher.

Your first step is to remove the old machine.

1. Turn off the power supply to the dishwasher, at the breaker.
2. Next, turn off the water supply running to the dishwasher.
3. Unplug the machine. If the dishwasher has been hardwired into the circuit box, an electrician should be called in to unwire the old machine and rewire the new one.
4. Remove the lower panel on the front of the dishwasher. This will allow you access to the water and drain lines that connect to the machine.
5. Disconnect the water line.
6. Disconnect the drain line.
7. Unscrew the top of the machine from the cabinet.
8. If all connections have been severed, you can now slide the old machine out and discard it.
9. If your old machine was not plugged into a grounded plug, now is the time to have one installed.

Standard dishwashers are 24 inches wide. Therefore, replacing one standard machine with another should not require any structural changes to your kitchen. Don't worry if the new machine is a little shorter. Most new dishwashers come with adjustable feet. If not, you can use shims to raise the level of the machine.

1. Slide the new dishwasher into the space just vacated by the old one.
2. Adjust machine to proper height.
3. Open front door, and screw the top of the machine to the countertop.
4. Remove lower front panel.
5. Connect drain hose.
6. Connect water supply.
7. Turn on the water and check for leaks.
8. If there are no leaks, plug the dishwasher in.
9. Replace lower panel.
10. Turn electrical breaker back on.
11. Try out your new dishwasher…