How to Install and Remove a Dishwasher

how to install a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

An experienced plumber can usually install a new dishwasher in less then an hour. Hooking up a dishwasher might take the average DIY’er a little longer, but installing a dishwasher is not too difficult as long as you have the existing electrical and water hookups in place. If you do not have existing water and electrical hookups and are installing a dishwasher for the first time, you will need to have an experienced plumber perform the plumbing before you can complete the dishwasher installation.

DIY Dishwasher Installation

Dishwashers have three basis connections: a water supply, a drain line, and an electrical hookup. Figuring out how to hook up a dishwasher is not difficult. Quite simply, you just disconnect the water drain, and electrical connections from the old dishwasher and then hook the new dishwasher up to the existing connections. Installing a dishwasher is simple as long as you have good electrical and plumbing connections. First, you’ll need to remove your old dishwasher.

Items needed for dishwasher removal and installation:

  • Cardboard or blanket to protect flooring
  • Two adjustable wrenches
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Pair of pliers
  • Level
  • Bucket
  • Rag

How to Remove a Dishwasher

  • Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker panel. Close the water valves under the sink. It might be more comfortable for you to remove the cabinet doors under the sink to give yourself more access. Make sure there is no standing water in the dishwasher. If there is any standing water, sponge it out.

dishwasher installation | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Remove the front panel of the dishwasher to reveal the water and electrical connections. A ground wire will be connected to the box with a green screw. Disconnect all electrical supply wires.

installing a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Put a dish or old towel under the water supply line to catch any water or drips. Disconnect the water supply line by removing the compression fitting nut attached to the 90 degree fitting. The water supply is usually braided stainless steel or copper. Make a not of how the 90 fitting is oriented; you’ll need to replace it in exactly the same way. Remove the 90 fitting and set it aside for the new dishwasher.

how to hook up a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Identify the drain line under the sink. It is a flexible hose attached to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Disconnect the hose clamp and slide the tube of the inlet arm and allow it to drain into a bucket

hooking up a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Remove the screws securing the dishwasher to the countertop. Position your cardboard or blanket so that you can lift the dishwasher and slide the front part onto your protective padding. Gently lift the dishwasher and work it out. The drain line will need to slide out through the hole in the cabinet.

how to connect dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

How to Install a Dishwasher

Below are the general steps for how to connect a dishwasher. Be sure to read and follow all of the manufacture’s instructions. Be sure that the power and water are still off before beginning to hookup the new dishwasher.

  • Remove your new dishwasher from the box and read the manufacturer’s instructions. Lay the dishwasher face down so that the back is accessible.

diy dishwasher installation | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Identify and remove the cap to the drain line connection. It is normal for some water to come out; this is due to testing at the manufacturer’s factory. Attach the drain line included with the dishwasher, crimp the clamp around the hose using pliers, and thread the end of the drain line through the hole in the cabinet so that it runs from the dishwasher area to under the sink. Attach the 90 degree fitting to the water valve.

how to install a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Using floor protection, slide the dishwasher under the countertop.

dishwasher installation | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Re-attach the wires of the same color, then screw on wire nuts and wrap with electrical tape. Place the copper ground wire under the green-round screw, then tighten down.

installing a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Attach the water supply line to the 90-degree fitting and tighten with a wrench. Run and secure the drain line all the way up to the counter top before attaching the drain line to your garbage disposal or sink drain and tighten a clamp around the hose.

how to hook up a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

  • Turn the water and power back on and check for leaks. Using your level and a wrench to adjust the dishwasher’s legs, level the dishwasher under the countertop. When the dishwasher is level, secure the dishwasher to the counter with screws.

hooking up a dishwasher | Ben Franklin Plumbing San Francisco Bay area

Modern dishwashers are quiet, energy efficient, and use less water then previous models. If you have been putting up with an old, inefficient, and noisy dishwasher from years past, it is time to upgrade. Now that you know how to install a dishwasher, save money by installing your new dishwasher yourself, or save time by having an experienced plumber handle the dishwasher installation for you. For professional assistance contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Bay area. We serve San Jose, San Francisco, Redwood City, Marin, Santa Rosa and Concord Area.