How to Install a Dishwasher in an Existing Kitchen Cabinet

How to Replace a Dishwasher in 4 Easy Steps

Our pros tell you how to avoid the most common mistakes on how to replace and how to install a dishwasher.

Family Handyman

This step-by-step guide shows you how to pull out your old dishwasher, slide in the new one, and make the new water, drain and electrical connections. All it takes is a few basic tools and a few hours of your time.

You might also like: TBD

Time

A full day

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Step 1: Getting started on How to Replace a Dishwasher

In most cases, you won't need any special tools or skills to replace or when installing a dishwasher. Most dishwashers are 24 in. wide, so you won't have to alter cabinets to get the new one to fit. (If you change sizes, you'll have to alter your cabinets. This requires more advanced carpentry skills that we won't show here.)

You may find that extra layers of flooring have raised the floor height in front of the old dishwasher. This can make it difficult to remove the old dishwasher and install the new one. In some cases, you have to either loosen the countertop or remove flooring when learning how to hook up a dishwasher. Consider consulting a professional installer if you don't feel confident about the best strategy.

Get a blanket, an old rug or cardboard to protect your floor while you work on how to remove a dishwasher. Gather two adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver, a tape measure, a pair of pliers and a level. You'll also need a shallow pan, bucket, sponge and rag to collect water that'll drain from the lines when you disconnect them.

Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the main panel or unplug it under the sink. Also turn off the water to the dishwasher at the nearest shutoff valve, usually the hot water shutoff under the sink. Or shut it off at the water heater. Consider removing the cabinet doors from your sink base to make disconnecting the drain lines easier as you begin the how to hook up a dishwasher task.

Step 2: Disconnect the electrical cable and water line

Photo 1: Remove the front panel

Turn off the power, remove the front panel and use a voltage tester to make sure the power is off. Disconnect the wires and pull the cable from the box. Wiring the dishwasher will come later.

Photo 2: Disconnect the water supply

Remove the compression fitting nut from the water supply line (water turned off). Note which way the 90-degree elbow points, then unscrew it.

Photo 3: Disconnect the drain

Slide the dishwasher drain tube off the inlet arm on the sink drain. Drain it into a bucket. Remove the screws securing the dishwasher to the countertop.

Photo 4: Pull the dishwasher out

Lower the dishwasher and slip cardboard under the feet. Then gently lift and slide the dishwasher out. Work the drain tube out through the side of the cabinet.

The water and electrical connections are underneath the dishwasher, behind a lower front panel that you have to unscrew (Photo 1). Always test with a voltage detector to make sure the power is off. When you remove the electrical line from the box, leave the cable clamp on and reuse it on the new dishwasher(Photo 12). Sometimes dishwashers are plug-and-cord connected rather than "hard wired" as shown in our photos. If so, disconnect the cord and reuse it on the new dishwasher. If it's in bad condition, buy a new one from an appliance dealer.

Usually, the water supply line is flexible copper or braided stainless steel. In either case, remove the nut securing it to the 90-degree fitting on the dishwasher (Photo 2). As long as the nut and ring are in good condition (no nicks or gouges; Photo 11), leave them on the line for later reuse. You can bend the copper line slightly, but take care not to kink the line. If you do, you'll have to replace it. Flexible stainless steel lines are a good replacement. They are available at a hardware store or home center. Make sure you buy them long enough and with fittings that match the old.

Remove the 90-degree fitting for use on the new dishwasher. It's important to orient it exactly the same direction on the new machine so that the water line feeds directly into it. Otherwise you might kink the line.

Sponge out any standing water inside the dishwasher before removing the drain line under the sink. It's the flexible hose that's clamped to an inlet arm on the sink drain or a garbage disposer (Photo 3). As you slide the old dishwasher out, you'll have to simultaneously work the drain hose back through the hole in the sink cabinet. Keep a rag handy to wipe up the water that'll run out of the line.

Lowering the dishwasher gives you more clearance to slide the dishwasher out. Chances are the leveling feet will be difficult to turn, but a shot of penetrating oil on the threads may make it easier. If you need more clearance, cut the feet off with a hacksaw blade and turn the screw out. Then be sure to slip cardboard or a rug under them to avoid gouging your floor when you pull out the dishwasher.

Step 3: Installing a Dishwasher: Prep the new dishwasher

Photo 5: Screw on the water valve

For how to install a dishwasher, wrap the 90-degree fitting twice with Teflon tape and screw it into the new water valve. Tighten it, aiming the elbow as on the old machine.

Photo 6: Attach the drain line

Thread the new dishwasher drain line into the sink base cabinet. Loop it higher than the inlet arm on the sink drain or garbage disposer. Slip it on and tighten the clamp.

Photo 7: Adjust the dishwasher feet

Lay the dishwasher water supply line, drain and electrical lines flat on the floor. Measure the height of the opening, then adjust the wheels and feet according to the manual.

For how to install a dishwasher, uncrate the new dishwasher according to the instructions in the box. Once it's uncrated, you'll find the manuals and dishwasher installation instructions on how to install a dishwasher inside the dishwasher. Review how to install a dishwasher before proceeding; the instructions may differ slightly from the details we show.

Tip the dishwasher on its back and attach the 90-degree fitting (Photo 5). Don't reuse your old drain hose; the dishwasher will come with a new one. To prevent sink clogs from flooding the dishwasher, be sure to loop the flexible drain line all the way up to the bottom of the countertop (Photo 6). Some plumbing codes require a special air gap fitting in the drain line. Call your local plumbing inspector to find out the rules on how to install a dishwasher.

The manual will tell you how to replace a dishwasher and adjust the leveling feet and/or wheels to fit the height of the opening. It's easiest to set these before sliding in the dishwasher. Make minor adjustments after the dishwasher installation. But if your kitchen floor is built up (higher than the area where the dishwasher sits), you'll have to adjust the feet after you slide it into the opening. If your dishwasher is equipped with rear wheels without adjusters in the back, you may have to set shims (Photo 7) to raise the back to the height of the finished floor. Tack them to the floor so they don't shake loose when the dishwasher runs.

Step 4: How to hook up a dishwasher and reconnect it

Photo 8: Slide the new dishwasher in

For how to install a dishwasher, grasp the sides of the dishwasher, lift slightly and roll the dishwasher into the opening. Protect the kitchen floor with a tarp or cardboard.

Photo 9: Align the dishwasher

Slide the dishwasher back until it's flush to the cabinets. Positioning may vary slightly according to dishwasher styles and the style of your cabinets.

Photo 10: Level the dishwasher

Adjust the leveling feet with a wrench until the dishwasher is level (side to side) and plumb (up and down).

Photo 11: Attach the dishwater supply line

Align the dishwasher water supply line so it slides straight into the 90-degree fitting. Thread on the compression nut (no Teflon tape needed) and tighten with a wrench.

Photo 12: Finish the drain and electrical connections

Clamp the dishwasher drain hose to the dishwasher. Then clamp the electrical wires and connect them. Finally, screw the dishwasher to the countertop bottom.

For how to install a dishwasher, slide the new dishwasher in (Photo 8), grasping it by the sides to avoid denting the front panel. Set the dishwasher in position according to Photos 9 and 10. But don't secure it to the countertop yet. Wait until you make all connections and adjustments.

How to install a dishwasher involves connecting the copper water line so it doesn't leak can be tricky. The secret is to align it so it slides straight into the threaded part of the elbow (Photo 11). If it's cocked to one side, the compression nut won't thread on right and it'll leak. If necessary, turn the elbow on the dishwasher slightly with a wrench to align it, or gently bend copper lines about 8 to 12 in. from the end.

With the dishwasher water supply line, the electrical cable and drain connected, turn the power and water back on and check for leaks. Recheck the positioning, then screw the dishwasher to the countertop (some screw to the cabinet sides). If your countertop is a synthetic material or stone, and the old holes don't line up, follow the directions listed in the manual on how to install a dishwasher.

Caution

If you have aluminum wiring, call in a licensed electrician who's certified to work with it. This wiring is dull gray, not the dull orange that's characteristic of copper.

Required Tools for this Dishwasher Installation Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project on how to install a new dishwasher lined up before you start—you'll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for this How to Install a Dishwasher Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips on how to install a dishwasher by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.

Similar Projects

How to Install a Dishwasher in an Existing Kitchen Cabinet

Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-replace-a-dishwasher/

Share this post