Dishwasher Installation Hints and Tips

Ever wondered how to install a dishwasher? If you know what you are doing the process is very simple. Whilst we recommend always contacting a licensed plumber for dishwasher installation, there are some helpful tips and hints to follow.

What type of dishwasher should I buy?

First, you must choose the best dishwasher for your home and needs. Nowadays, half of Australian homes feature a dishwasher, so the selection process is one of the most important.

You need to take into consideration the size of the space you are looking to fill with a dishwasher. It is always best to measure, not once but twice. This eliminates the possibility of any mistakes being made.

The best tip to consider when buying a dishwasher is to look at the water and energy ratings. The stars will give you a good indication of how well the dishwasher is going to perform. These labels generally feature the kilowatt-hours and water usage figures. So you can use these figures to estimate the running costs and make an educated judgement.

As most dishwashers are the same size and have the same storage capacity, the only thing you really need to consider is the cost and the energy/water requirements. Whilst adjustable plate racks and cutlery baskets are cool, resisting the urge to purchase a dishwasher with a load of functions will reduce the cost.

DIY Dishwasher Installation

Whilst we recommend getting a licensed plumber to install your dishwasher, if you are going to attempt it, the first thing you should do is lay the machine face down on its back. This way you will be able to verify that all of the connections are there and make sure you have the right tools to tackle the task.

Next, set the dishwasher in position but don’t secure it to the benchtop until you have made all the connections. Once it is in place, you will want to remove the faceplate and thread the drain line into the hole under the sink, using pliers and a crimp clamp around the hose to secure.

The water line is the next thing to be connected. Usually, it is as simple as connecting a braided steel or copper pipe to the water inlet valve on the dishwasher and to the shut-off valve on the hot water supply.

The electrical supply can be the trickiest if your dishwasher comes with a hard-wired connection. If you are not experienced with electrical wiring, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician or dishwasher fitter. However, nowadays most dishwashers come with a standard appliance cord, so it’s as simple as plugging it into the powerpoint.

Next, you should slide the new dishwasher under the countertop. Grasping it by the sides will avoid denting the front panel. Don’t secure it to the countertop until you have made sure all the connections and adjustments are correct. Make sure to test all the connections for leaks and to see if they work properly.

Lastly, you will need to screw the dishwasher to the benchtop. Your dishwasher manual will have more information about this process. The final step is to put the faceplate back on the front of the dishwasher and admire your handy work.

If you have any questions or want your dishwasher installed by a professional, contact the team at Metropolitan Plumbing today.