Kitchen: Installing a Dishwasher

March 4, 2012 by • 6 Comments

 DIY Kitchen Makeover: Installing a Dishwasher

Replacing our dishwasher was real simple, the toughest part for us was making sure we had it level once installed.  Our dishwasher was standard size, 24 inches wide…thankfully, we didn’t need to alter our cabinets for installation.  We installed a GE Dishwasherand it’s been great.But, before I get to the tutorial…let me show you a beautiful inspiring kitchen…one worth dreaming of…and I’m crossing my fingers we get there someday!!!

To install our dishwasher, first we shutoff the hot water valve under the sink and turned the kitchen power off.  Safety first, right!   Place an old rug or blanket underneath the dishwasher to protect the floor.  Then, unscrew the lower panel from the dishwasher and you will see the water and electrical connections.  Stud always tests the electrical wires, double checking that the power is totally off!
Our dishwasher had an electrical line leading to the main electrical source.  The wires were not contained in an electrical box…instead they were laying on the ground under the dishwasher…so not good!  We decided for our peace of mind, the safest route was definitely to install a plug and cord rather than hard wiring the dishwasher.
The drain line is the flexible hose clamped to the garbage disposal under the sink.  We made sure our old dishwasher was completely empty before removing the drain line.  Keep a towel handy just in case!   Don’t reuse the old drain line, install a new one that comes with your dishwasher.  This new line will attach from the dishwasher to a plug on your garbage disposal.

To slide the dishwasher out, lower the dishwasher feet.  If you need more clearance, use a hacksaw blade to turn the screw out.  Be sure to place a rug or cardboard under the feet so you don’t gouge the floor.  Review your dishwasher’s manual and installation instructions.  I had to convince Stud to do that…you know guys and instructions!  Turn the dishwasher on it’s back and add the 90 degree fitting as pictured on instructions.  Don’t reuse your old water supply line, your new dishwasher should come with a new one.   Your water supply line will hook up to the 90 degree fitting that you installed on your dishwasher.  The other end of the line hooks into your hot water valve.

The manual will tell you how to adjust the leveling feet to fit the height of your opening. It’s easiest to set these before sliding in the dishwasher.  Plug your dishwasher into the outlet and slightly lift the dishwasher as you slide it into place.  You can make more adjustments once it’s in place.  We had to buy plastic shims to raise our dishwasher slightly, even with the leveling feet all the way up.  Attach the dishwasher with a couple mounting screws to the counter and you’re in business!  No more excuses for a sink full of dishes!!!  More Rancher Kitchen Updates.

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Comments

6 Responses to “Kitchen: Installing a Dishwasher”
  1. Jo-Anne's Rambling says:
    March 4, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Ok you had to install a plug our dishwasher came with the plug attached, also you have to connect it to the hot water we connect ours to the cold water………

    Reply
  2. flavholman says:
    March 4, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Wow looks like a lot of work, but worth it. It looks very nice.

    Reply
  3. Emily @ 52 Mantels says:
    March 5, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Haha. You’re so funny with your picture labeling! I was hoping for a bit more plumber’s crack ;) .

    You guys are so hands-on. I love that! Our new dishwasher was installed by a sears guys that definitely worked the plumber’s crack look! Wish we could have done the job ourselves.

    Reply
  4. iSavortheWeekend says:
    March 7, 2012 at 1:43 am

    Love the before and after. Great job!! Can you come do mine?? ;) Visiting from Wow us Wednesday.

    Reply
  5. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says:
    March 7, 2012 at 2:22 am

    So happy for you, dishwashers (we have 2) are the backbone of my kitchen!

    Reply
  6. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says:
    March 8, 2012 at 3:48 am

    Gotta love whoever invented the dishwasher!! Y’all are doing a great job in that kitchen! thanks for sharing with us! Bonnie ;)

    Reply

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