How to install a new dishwasher

Okay,

So I know that this is a project that many homeowners want done but many are afraid to do it is pretty simple and straightforward so here is how it is done.

First of all you need to get the supplies necessary to complete the process.

Supplies needed:

• Teflon tape
• Dishwasher installation kit
• Crescent wrench
• Screwdriver
• Wire nuts
• Flashlight
• Torpedo or 2' level

Okay so now you have the new dishwasher and you can't wait to get the old one out. 

It is a good idea to inspect your new dishwasher for damages.  This is the easiest time to return the dishwasher before you get the old one out.

First of all you need to shut down the water and the power to the dishwasher.  You can find the shutoff under the sink and the electrical you can throw the breaker or remove the fuse.

**PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NOT ANY ELECTRICITY STILL HOOKED UP TO THE DISHWASER.  IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT WHETHER THE ELECTRICITY IS SHUT OFF TURN OFF YOUR MAIN BREAKER OR HIRE A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN OR INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN!!!!!!

One way to check if there is electricity or not is when you shut off the electricity then close the dishwasher and attempt to start the dishwashing cycle.  If the machine does not come on then the electricity is probably shut off.  There is also some circuit testing devices that you can buy for about $10-15 that beep and blink when they sense electricity. 

Next, you need to uninstall the old machine.  You need to remove the t wo screws that hold the diswasher to the countertop.  There will be two of them simply remove and discard unless you are going to save the old machine.  Next you need to remove the access panel from the bottom of the dishwasher.  This will be held in place with 2 or 4 screws and they will have hex heads on them as well as probably phillips heads.  Remove these small machine screws and discard or if you are saving the machine place in a safe place.  Next, you will see a small box held in place wit a small machine screw.  remove this small screw and discard unless you are saving the machine then put this in a safe place. 

OKAY I know you are all asking, "where is a safe place?" get a small plastic zip lock bag and place all the small parts in the bag.

Once you open the small box you will now be able to access the wiring.  Disconnect the wires and also unscrew the lock nut.  It will be what appears to be around the wire it actually secures what is called a strain device.  Keep the nut as you will reuse this on the new machine. 

Once you loosen the wires you can now move under the sink and disconnect the drain hose and the water supply.  This should be self explanatory how to loosen these connections.  MAKE SURE THAT THE WATER IS SHUT OF PRIOR TO DISCONNECTING THE WATER SUPPLY HOSE.

Next remove the old machine.  The drain hose will tend to leak water so be prepared to clean up a little water on the floor. 

IF YOU HAVE LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLED THERE MAY BE A GOOD CHANCE THE MACHINES FRONT FEET ARE LOCKED IN BY A PLANK.  THIS IS WHY WHEN LAMINATE FLOORING IS INSTALLED IT SHOULD BE INSTALLED INTO ALL OF THE APPLIANCE AREAS.  THE EASIEST WAY TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM IS EITHER WIND THE FEET UP OR CUT THE FEET OFF WITH A SAWZALL.  THE BACK FEET SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM AS IT IS THE FRONT CONTROL PANEL THAT MAKES GETTING THE MACHINE STARTED OUT OF THE RECESS DIFFICULT.

...so now that the old machine is removed it is time to install the new machine.

Remove the new dishwasher and if you haven't inspected it inspect it now for damage.  If it is damaged now is the time to address it and not later after you have it installed!

Gently place the dishwasher on its back.  You can move the new machine into the kitchen and do this work there.  Get your installation kit.  I use the installation kits that have a 6' braided stainless steel hose in them and is about $15 -20.  You will need your teflon tape and elbow at this point from the installation kit.  You can buy installation kits with longer hoses and other water suply lines but I like this method of installation.  Wrap the threads of the elbow with a few wraps of teflon tape.  If you are looking at the hole or opening you are preparing on the elbow wrap the tape CLOCKWISE or RIGHT.  What this does is when you tighten fittings on these threads it tightens the tape and makes a tight seal and won't bunch up.  Do both openings of the elbow and install the elbow onto the machine.  Use the crescent wrench to complete this step.  Tighten it good as this is the easiest place to do this NOT when it is installed.  I tighten it so that the opening that is parallell to the floor faces the back of the machine as this prevents the hose from kinking.  Now install the hose onto the elbow again tighten it good as this is the time to do it not when it is installed.

Now take the newly connected hose and run it through the cabinet opening.  This will prevent you from having to wrestle the hose at a later time.  Also this is the time to run the drain hose throught the opening, if you need to enlarge the hole do it now.  You can hook up the hoses at this time under the sink.  Make sure you connect the drain hose to an air gap if required in your area or connect the hose so that there is a high loop or basically get a piece of wire and wire the drain hose up so that the water can not slush back and forth this step will be illustrated in the installation instructions that comes with your new dishwasher.  Make sure that you wrap teflon tape around the threads of the water connection under the sink that the other end of the hose connects onto so that you get a watertight seal there also.

Now you can place the machine in the hole.  Make sure you keep the electrical wire to the right side of the machine so that you can make an easy connection when the time comes.  You wil have to level this machine up so if the machine has rear wheels instead of feet then I find it works best to move the wheels to the highest point.  once you get the machine in its hole feed the elctrical through the hole and adjust the feet so that the machine is level front to back and side to side so that it drains properly.  Connect the electrical wires black to black white to white and bare copper to the green screw and close up the box with the screw provided.   When you wrap the wire around the green screw you are going to use the same principle as the teflon tape wrap it CLOCKWISE or to the RIGHT as when the screw starts to cinch down on the wire if it is wrapped left then the wire will loosen itself.  If it is wrapped right then the cinching screw will pull the wire around the screw and make a more secure connection. 

Check the machine with a level on the bottom of the door or inside of the tub. Make sure it is level side to side and check the door to make sure it is level front to back.  I find the easiest spot to do the plumb check (level straight up and down) (make sure the door IS SHUT AND LATCHED) is right from the front of the dishwasher on the door itself.

Now that you have the machine hooked up and leveled and all connections are tight you can put the screws into the countertop that hold the machine in place, turn on the water and check for leaks.  Then if it is dry and everything is okay go ahead and turn on the electricity.   Now make sure you have all the tags and signs out of the inside and click rinse only and start.  This will give you the shortest cycle and will ensure the machine is working as intended.  If everything works right and is dry go ahead and close up the bottom.

Mainly what you are doing is reversing the taking out process so pay attention to what you do taking it out and it is pretty much the same putting it in.

I hope that this helps and if anything lets you know how it is done.

If you need any help let me know and I will do what I can!

Happy Refurbing~

Sincerely,

James D. Van Raden

Owner~ Paragon Renovations

www.paragonrenovations.net  or www.paragonbathrooms.com