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Basic tips for installing a dishwasher

Installing a built-in dishwasher requires basic mechanical, electrical, and plumbing skills, so an average skilled person can install a dishwasher in 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether it is a new installation or a replacement dishwasher. If you are replacing an existing dishwasher, it will take less time.

New installation

1. Prepare the area of ​​the cabinet where the dishwasher will be installed. The opening should be 24 inches wide for most models, 24 inches deep, and 34 1/2 “from the floor to the bottom of the counter. The back wall cannot have pipes or cables. Supply lines Power and water will come into the cabinet in the 4 “X4” area on the bottom rear of the cabinet through a 1 1/2 “hole. Make sure the floor is level and the cabinet is square.

2. Choose your drainage method based on local codes and the height of the drain tee. Some codes require an air gap. If the drain tee is less than 18 inches from the floor, you must use an air gap. If an air gap is not required and the tee is more than 18 inches from the floor, you can use the loop method for the drain connection. If the drain hose will connect to a garbage disposal, you must remove the plug to allow the dishwasher to drain.

3. Inspect or install wiring making sure there is a dedicated 120 V, 60 Hz circuit with a 15 or 20 amp breaker or time delay fuse. Wiring must be 2-wire grounded and rated 75 degrees Celsius or 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Cabling can enter the cabinet from either side in the lower rear area. The hole should be a maximum of 1 1/2 “, and it can be the same hole that was used for the water supply line and drain hose if it is wired. If it is a flexible power cord, it should have a hole Wiring The cord will run up the right side along the bottom 24 inches of the cabinet to the right front electrical connection of the dishwasher.

4. Prepare the water supply line that enters through the 1 1/2 “hole in the bottom rear of the cabinet. Turn off the water to install a manual shutoff valve under the sink. The water connection is in the Left side of Use 3/8 “OD copper line to extend a minimum of 19 inches from the rear wall. The water heater should be set between 120 and 150 degrees (closer to 120 if there are children in the house to avoid burn accidents) and the pressure should be between 20-120 PSI.

5. Prepare the dishwasher by checking the balance of the door and adjusting the spring tension if necessary. If it is necessary to fasten the legs, do so close to where it will be installed.

6. Connect the drain hose to the drain port on the dishwasher if it is not factory installed. Route electrical wiring and water supply lines so that the base of the dishwasher does not trap them. Slide the dishwasher in front of the opening so you can feed the drain hose through the hole you made.

7. Slide the dishwasher inch by inch into the cabinet while passing the drain hose through its hole. Stop a few inches to the left and make sure nothing is bent or pinched. If everything is in order, push the dishwasher all the way so that the door edges are behind the cabinet frame. Test the door to open and close smoothly.

8. Level the dishwasher front to back and side to side by adjusting the leveling feet.

9. Align brackets and secure dishwasher to countertop according to manufacturer’s instructions.

10. Through the access panel, connect the water supply line and the electrical supply. Also connect the drain hose under the sink. You are ready to do a “rinse only” wet test.

cycle. Check for leaks and proper drainage.

Replacement of an existing dishwasher

You won’t need to drill the holes as they will already be there from the existing dishwasher. However, you should inspect the wiring and plumbing to make sure they are capable of servicing the new dishwasher. Once it is established, you should turn off the main power and turn off the water supply before you begin removing the old dishwasher. All lines and cables must be disconnected first. Remove the garbage disposal drain hose or drain pipe under the sink. If your dishwasher has a power cord, you must unplug it. If the dishwasher is wired, you must open the access panel and electrical junction box. Remove the wire nuts and disconnect the black and white wires. Also remove the ground screw to disconnect the green ground wire. Use a drip tray while disconnecting the water supply line. Once all of these lines and cables have been disconnected, you can remove the screws and brackets that hold the dishwasher in place and carefully remove the old dishwasher.

Then follow the same procedures to install the new dishwasher, with the exception of drilling the holes and running the wiring and water supply lines.

Once you’ve installed your new dishwasher and tested it for leaks, you’re ready to start cleaning.

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