Can I install a dishwasher myself?
In this article, we will answer the question “Can I install a dishwasher myself?”
Can I install a dishwasher myself?
If you are familiar with working with a spanner, you can easily install a dishwasher in place of an old one. For the first-time installation, certain rules and safety regulations need to be followed. Installing a dishwasher is difficult.
Replacing an existing dishwasher
Replacing an existing dishwasher doesn’t require you to be a professional. The job is made way easier because you don’t have to set up power, water, drainage, and space. You just need to loosen the screws of the old one and connect its replacement with a drain and inlet tap.
Tools and supplies
- A screwdriver and/or a driver drill
- A drop sheet or cardboard (optional)
- Tape (optional)
- A mop and bucket to clean up any spills
- The inlet and outlet hoses that came with your dishwasher, and the mounting hardware that was included
Instructions
- If your old dishwasher was in working condition, you need to run it for one last time at least 30 seconds. This is to force all the residual water to come out. Turn off the water supply.
- Unplug the power, water inlet, and drain hoses.
- Spread a drop sheet or some cardboard on the floor beneath the connecting dishwasher. This will catch the spills and reduce the cleanup.
- Disconnect the dishwasher from your countertop by removing the screws. Place it carefully on the cardboard sheet.
- Search the cabinetry for damage. Do any cleaning that you must at this point.
- Unpack the new dishwasher. Read the manual for instructions related to installation.
- Set up the power, water, and drainage lines through the hole in your cabinetry. Connect all the pipes beneath the sink.
- The water hose should be loosed up and over in an arch. U-bend that comes with the dishwasher can be used in this regard. The end of the hose should be in an exalted position to prevent a siphon effect in your drainage.
- Move the new dishwasher into the cabinetry. Feed cables and hoses through the cabinetry.
- After setting the dishwasher, reassure that It is in place, stabled, and leveled.
- Do a test run and beware of the leaks.
Installing a dishwasher for the first time
Tools and supplies
- A drill, hole saw, or other means of making a 100 x 150mm hole in the side of your cabinetry
- A crowbar or similar for removing cabinetry
- Sealant for protecting your benchtops from steam and water damage
- A brush or roller to apply the sealant
- A new tap connection
- A new drain connection with an attachment for the dishwasher drain hose
- A new power outlet and the right cabling.
Instructions
Getting started
Plan how you will be using up space. Leave the cabinet spaces for water and drainage. Carefully measure everything.
Separating power points and water pipes
In some countries, It is unlawful to install the power and water hoses in the same cabinet as the dishwasher.
If this is the case, install another cabinet beside the existing cabinet. Pass all the pipes and cables through a small hole (about 100 x 150mm) of this cabinet to the appliance
Getting in licensed tradespeople
Get in touch with a licensed tradespeople who will help you install the power and drainage pipes If there aren’t any.
You can be fined If you illegally try to do it yourself. If a problem occurs, your insurance company won’t take responsibility.
Other important things to think about
In case you are replacing a dishwasher, It is recommended to hire a professional who can de-install your old dishwasher and set the new one in place. You could probably do it yourself as described above but hiring a professional is safer.
The underside of the benches should be laminated and sealed to prevent the risk of water damage due to water spillage.
Get help from your friend or family member to carry the heavy dishwasher. Plus make sure you do not hurt yourself during handling as the dishwasher has a lot of pointy edges.
Things you shouldn’t put in your dishwasher
Copper
The dishwasher environment is extremely corrosive to the shine of the copper pots, pans, and mugs. For the longevity of copper utensils, prefer hand washing them.
Wine bottles
Washing wine bottles will result in trapped food particles inside the bottles. To avoid this, do a separate load for the wine bottles in the dishwasher. Besides, wine bottles with labels should not go in the dishwasher. The label can clog the drain.
Wooden utensils
Wooden utensils are prone to warping and molding in the dishwasher. Hand wash these utensils and do not forget to dry them afterward.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can I install a dishwasher myself?”
