How to install a dishwasher

In the vast majority of homes, a dishwasher is an essential part of the furnishings. However, when it comes to installation, a dishwasher requires a little more attention than other household appliances.
In some cases, it may be necessary to call on the services of a plumber. In any event, correct, methodical installation will guarantee that the dishwasher functions well for many years to come.

Setting the stage for a successful installation

Dishwashers are most often built in underneath the kitchen counter in a space set aside for that purpose. If there is no reserved space, you should know that a standard dishwasher is 35 inches high, 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep. There also needs to be extra space behind it for pipes, insulation and adjustments (which you’ll make by screwing or unscrewing the legs to ensure that the dishwasher sits level).

You may also want to place an anti-vibration pad underneath the dishwasher, depending on the evenness and composition of the flooring. Obviously, you shouldn’t install the dishwasher until you have successfully completed all of the preliminary steps.

Please note that, if the dishwasher is far removed from the water supply lines and drainpipes, you may require the services of a plumber and an electrician.

Another tip: if you are replacing an existing appliance, it’s always best to use new pipes and connectors, even if the old ones appear to be in perfectly good condition. Make sure you have the proper tools on hand, including a multi-bit screwdriver, a nut driver, a level, a socket wrench, pliers, a pipe cutter, a wrench, a tape measure, a drill and a bucket.

The three essential steps

The actual installation of the dishwasher consists of three steps:

1- Connecting the water supply

2- Connecting the drainpipe

3- Connecting the electricity

The parts you need to make these connections won’t necessarily be included in the package with the appliance. You may need screws, hose clamps, a drain hose, molding, caps, Teflon tape, a hot water supply line, connectors, etc.

The dishwasher must be connected to the hot water. If there’s a nearby supply valve, hooking it up is easy. All you have to do is connect the end of the flexible hose to it.

First, insert a seal ring and then tighten securely. Open the valve to make sure the connection is good. It’s recommendable to coat the threads of the water supply line with silicone grease or to wrap them with Teflon tape. If there is no nearby water supply valve, you can use a saddle valve or you can cut the pipes and make the connections.

In either case, it’s preferable to entrust the job to a plumber.

Connecting the drainpipe is generally simple. Attach the dishwasher drain hose to the drainpipe, specifically to the lateral inlet of the existing PVC backflow preventer. Use a hose clamp to prevent any leaks. If there is no existing connection, once again, it’s best to call on the services of a plumber.

The electrical connections for the dishwasher must be properly grounded and include a circuit breaker. The wiring must be connected to the back of the dishwasher junction box using a strain-relief cable clamp. Distinguish the dishwasher’s three wires (white, black and green) with the ends stripped.

Use standard wire nuts of the correct width to join the wires of the dishwasher to the residential wiring (white to white, black to black and green to the ground wire). Replace the cover on the junction box. Avoid using an extension cord.

The pros at Plomberie Roger Chayer are very familiar with all kinds of installations, whether old, new or unusual. So to ensure your peace of mind, call on our services