A new dishwasher requires three connections: a power cord, a water supply line, and a drain line. It is easy to DIY if you have completed all of these requirements.
- The power connection
- The water supply connection
- Connecting the drain höse
The Power Connection
The power connection could be the most difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with electrical wiring. Dishwashers can be "hard-wired" with an NM circuit cable that feeds directly into the wire connection box on the dishwasher, or they can be plugged into a wall outlet with a conventional appliance cord. In either case, the electrical code mandates that a dishwasher be connected to its own dedicated circuit, so if yours isn't, you might want to consider having a new circuit installed at the same time as the dishwasher. Dishwashers must have GFCI protection by 2020, according to the NEC code. Even where not required, this is a preferable method because it makes it easy to unplug the appliance in the future if it needs to be serviced.
There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to wire the dishwasher on your own. Wire connections are established inside an access panel at the base of the appliance for both hard-wired and appliance cable connections.
The Water Supply Connection
The water supply connection is an easy matter of connecting one end of a braided steel supply tube to the water inlet valve on the dishwasher and the other end to a shut-off valve on a hot-water supply pipe.
This supply tube is simply a longer version of the supply tubes that feed sink faucets and toilets, so if you've worked on such plumbing fixtures before, you'll have no issue hooking up the dishwasher.
Connecting the water supply tube to the dishwasher normally necessitates the use of a specific brass fitting known as a dishwasher 90, which is a 90-degree elbow that makes it simple to connect the supply tube to the dishwasher. The braided steel supply tube is usually included with the connecting kit.
Connecting The Drain Hose
Connecting a dishwasher's drain hose is a similarly simple plumbing task. The drain hose connects to the drain trap under your sink and either loops up to the underside of the countertop under the sink or is connected to an air-gap fitting on its way there. The best way to do this depends on your local rules, but both methods are designed to prevent unclean wastewater from returning to your dishwasher. As the drain hose loops back down, it is connected to either a nipple on the garbage disposal or a nipple on the sink drain tailpiece directly.
You will need:
Tools:
- Screwdrivers
- Channel-lock pliers or adjustable wrench
- Drill and spade bit (where necessary)
Materials:
- New dishwasher
- Dishwasher connector kit
- Pipe joint compound
- Electric appliance cord
- Wire connectors (wire nuts)
THE STEPS TO INSTALL DISHWASHER
- Attach the Electric Cord
Find an Access panel. Most people find it easier to remove the access panel and make the preliminary connections by carefully laying the dishwasher on its back.
To begin, take off the dishwasher's bottom access panel. The power cable connection connectors, the water inlet solenoid valve, and the drain fitting should all be visually identified.
Remove the wire connecting housing's cover. Make the three wire connections: green wire from the appliance cable to the green grounding screw, white neutral wire to white dishwasher lead, and black hot wire to black dishwasher lead. Twist-on wire connectors (wire nuts) are commonly used to make these connections, however some appliances may use a different approach. Replace the cover on the wire connector housing.
- Hook Up the Water Supply
A dishwasher 90 is included in your dishwasher connector kit and will be used to connect the water supply to the dishwasher. The first step in connecting your dishwasher's water supply is to install the dishwasher 90.
On the solenoid valve, look for the water inlet fitting. Apply pipe joint compound to the dishwashing 90 fitting's threads before threading it onto the solenoid valve. Tighten entirely by hand, then use channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench to tighten an additional 1/4 turn.
- Attach Water Supply Line
A braided steel water supply tube is also part of the dishwasher connecting kit. Tighten with channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench the coupling nut from the supply tube onto the dishwasher 90 fitting. This is a compression fitting without the need for pipe joint compound. Overtightening can strip the threads, therefore be careful not to do so.
- Position the Dishwasher
Turn the dishwasher right side up. Place the dishwasher under the kitchen counter and feed the power wire, water supply tube, and drain hose through the holes in the cabinet's walls. Place the appliance in the middle of the opening without pushing it back too far.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, use the adjustable legs to elevate and level the dishwasher. To bring the dishwasher up to counter height and level it, detach the legs with pliers if necessary.
- Anchor the Dishwasher
You can fasten the dishwasher into place once you're pleased with its positioning. To get to the mounting brackets, open the dishwasher door. Use the included screws to secure the brackets to the cabinet frame beneath the counter's lip.
- Connect the Water Supply Tube
Connect the water supply tube's end to the kitchen sink's water supply shut-off valve. (This shutoff valve may need to be installed on the hot water line in a new installation.)
Check for leaks after turning on the shutoff valve. Check for leaks at the other end of the supply tube, where it connects to the dishwasher 90 fitting, under the dishwasher as well. If you discover leaks in any area, loosen the fittings somewhat more.
- Connect the Drain Hose
In most cases, the dishwasher's rubber drain hose is already connected. If not, a hose clamp can be used to attach it now.
- Test the Dishwasher
Connect the dishwasher's power cord. Test the face plate by running the dishwasher through a full cycle before putting it on the front of the dishwasher. Make sure there are no leaks at any of the connections and that fresh water is being taken in and drain water is flowing appropriately.
Finally, the final step is to replace the face plate on the dishwasher's bottom front.