How to Install a New Dishwasher

Co-authored by Egor Shevtsov

Last Updated: December 3, 2024 References

You need not to hire a plumber to install a dishwasher. It is a simple job you can do yourself. You just have to follow the following steps. This article assumes that you are replacing an old dishwasher with a new one.

Things You Should Know

You must shut off the water and electricity to install a dishwasher safely.
Keep towels nearby if you’re removing an old dishwasher to make way for a new one since water will likely spill out.
Turn the dishwasher on its side and assemble the water line and fittings before you slide it into the opening.
Attach the mounting screws after you’ve fully tested and checked for leaks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing to Install

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Turn off the water supply at the valve. Usually this valve will be under the sink.
Run the hot water on the sink to insure that the water has been shut off. With older houses, the shut off valve may be damaged and it will need replacing. If this is the case then the water will either have to be turned of at the house main or at the street.

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At the electrical service panel, switch off the power for the dishwasher. ^{[1]
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Test the electricity to ensure that it is turned off. Electrical panels are often mislabeled, especially if they are in an old house.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Disconnect and Remove the Dishwasher

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At the top of the dishwasher counter flange, you will find some screws. Unscrew them with the screwdriver to remove them.
Now pull out the bottom cover.
At the end of the wires, attach wire nuts. Now remove the wires from the terminal screws and tuck them out of the way.
Find out where the water supply is, usually under the washer. ^{[2]
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Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet by removing the nut. ^{[3]
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Loosen the clamp and remove the hose to disconnect the drain hose from beneath the sink. ^{[4]
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After disconnecting all the attachments, place a blanket in front of the old dishwasher, slowly lift up the old dishwasher and put it onto the blanket.
Keep a towel ready with you because in this process of lifting up the old dishwasher and putting it onto the blanket, some water may spill out. If it happens, just wipe it with the towel.
Now that you have removed the old dishwasher, clean the area where the old dishwasher was placed and where you have to install the new one.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Installing The New Dishwasher

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Position the new dishwasher on its back.
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Connect the hose. Connect the drain hose with a compression clamp.
- Don’t reuse your old drain hose because 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.
Wrap the water line connection with Teflon tape ^{[5]
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Screw the front legs of the new dishwasher in so that you can easily slide the unit into place. Meanwhile, have an assistant pull the drain hose through under the sink as you go.
Connect the copper water line underneath the dishwasher to the dishwasher. Align it so it slides straight into the threaded part of the elbow. If cocked to one side, the compression nut won’t thread on the right way and it’ll leak.
Pass the electric cable through the sleeve on the dishwasher and tighten the sleeve so that the cable can not be pulled out.
Now make all the electrical wired connections – ground wire to the green screw, white wire to white wire, and black wire to black wire. Use wire nuts to secure the connection.
Connect the new drain hose at its previous position.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Finishing Details

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Fill the water line by opening the hot water valve.
Carefully check if there are any leaks. ^{[6]
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If any leaks occur, recheck all the connections and test again.
Adjust front legs of the dishwasher down and position it properly on a level.
Drive the small mounting screws into the underside of the countertop through the flange in order to attach the dishwasher to the countertop.
Turn on the power and your dishwasher is ready to work.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Do dishwashers come with everything needed to install?

Egor Shevtsov
Home Improvement Specialist
Egor Shevtsov is a Home Improvement Specialist and Managing Partner at Appliance Techie in Orange County, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in maintaining and repairing appliances. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the International American University and a Master of Business Administration from the Russian University of Cooperation, former Moscow University of Consumer Cooperation.

Egor Shevtsov

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Usually, yes. The best way to install it, though, is to definitely refer to your user's manual that comes with the appliance, because every particular dishwasher has different instructions. Don't forget to remove all the packaging that comes with the dishwasher inside all the trays and removable parts.

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Question

Should you run a new dishwasher before first use?

Egor Shevtsov
Home Improvement Specialist
Egor Shevtsov is a Home Improvement Specialist and Managing Partner at Appliance Techie in Orange County, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in maintaining and repairing appliances. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the International American University and a Master of Business Administration from the Russian University of Cooperation, former Moscow University of Consumer Cooperation.

Egor Shevtsov

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Sure! If there's a sanitizing option or just a regular normal wash, run it without any dishes in it just so it will maintain itself. This way, you'll get rid of all the packaging material that was leftover, such as small particles, making sure they are not going to end up on your dishes.

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Question

How does the disposal connect to the new dishwasher?

Dvortygirl

Community Answer

You should find a hookup on the side of the disposal near where it connects to the sink. Assuming you have an air gap, the dishwasher's drain line will go into one of the air gap hookups and another hose will come out and go to the disposal. If you've never hooked up a dishwasher there, you will probably need to buy a length of rubber hose and two clamps separately. While you're under there, make sure the drain line is clear. There is a plug in the disposal fitting, which you'll need to knock or pull out before hooking up this hose.

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Tips

Most new dishwashers will come with similar directions for that specific dishwasher.

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Make sure you use a steel braided supply line. That way it will last a lot longer. Don't try to use the old one it is better to use a brand new one.

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Warnings

Make sure the new dishwasher you buy is the same size as the old one.

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Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Multimeter
Slip-joint pliers
Needle-nose pliers
Adjustable wrench

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How to Install a New Dishwasher

Things You Should Know

Steps

Preparing to Install

Disconnect and Remove the Dishwasher

Installing The New Dishwasher

Finishing Details

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

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