Whether you’re installing a dishwasher for the first time or replacing an old one: It can be done without the help of a professional. With these practical step-by-step instructions and a few tools, you can get your dishwasher installed and running, all by yourself.
Step 1: Choose the Right Dishwasher
Dishwasher appliances come in different sizes and styles – built-in, freestanding, and slimline, so be sure to choose the correct type for your kitchen setup.
For example, if you have limited space in a small kitchen, you may want a slimline dishwasher. Most standard models with a width of 60cm, but slimline models have a width of 45cm. If you have a large household with lots of space, a full-sized freestanding model might be right for you.
And for this who prioritise attractive interior design, an integrated dishwasher fits seamlessly into your kicked units. It’s important to think about what you want from your dishwasher, and how it will fit into your kitchen and lifestyle, so the first, and most important step, is shopping for the right appliance.
Step 2: Dishwasher Location
Ok, now you’ve got the dishwasher, or you’re in the planning stage – you need to think about where you’re going to put the thing. Your dishwasher should be placed near the sink where it can be connected to the drain and water feed. This will make plumbing and loading your dishwasher much easier.
Step 3: Shut Off Water Mains
You’ve got your dishwasher in place, now, before you try to connect any hose you need to shut off the mains water supply. There should be a stopcock value connected to the mains water line – shut this off. In some larger apartment buildings, it can happen that the main tap is in a locked room. In this case, you have to ask the landlord to assist with the installation.
Step 4: Connect Water Feed Hose
Your new dishwasher has a water supply hose and a water drainage hose. Under your sink, you will find a water connection, the same type as your washing machine is connected. Now, if there is only one connection for your washing machine and no second connection for the dishwasher, then you’ll need to upgrade the pipe with a connector.
Your dishwasher is plumbed in just like your washing machine – with a water inlet hose and a drain outlet. Your plumbing under the sink should have x2 water inlets and x2 drain connection, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to adapt the plumbing.
Step 6: Connect Waste Water Hose
While the water supply hose transports fresh tap water into the dishwasher, the waste-water hose drains the dirty rinsing water. A suitable wastewater hose is usually included with the dishwasher. If not, you will need to buy an additional drain hose and connect it to the dishwasher.
Connect the waste water hose to the sink drain. A corresponding connection should be available here. You can buy a splitter adaptor that allows for two drain connections, one for the washing machine, and another for the dishwasher. These adaptors are cheap and easy to install.
Step 7: Power Up
Finally, connect your dishwasher to a power outlet. A socket should be near the dishwasher where you can plug it in. If you find that the cable does not reach the existing socket, you will need to insert a new socket or create an extension. If you need to extend, ensure the dishwasher is powered from its own single socked, and not plugged in with other appliances.
Step 8: Check for Leaks
Almost ready for the first load of dirty dishes. All you have to do is check the connections and tight and secure, and all hoses are free from kinks. Turn the mains water stopcock valve back on and let the inlet water pipe fill. This is the easiest way to see if water is leaking from the valves in the drain.
Then carry out a test run with the dishwasher without any dishes. Check that all lines and connections are tight and not leaking, even a drip. If everything is in perfect order, you can slide the dishwasher into its permanent place, select a standard cycle, and allow the dishwasher to run through a cycle.
All done! It’s quite an easy installation, much like a washing machine, but here are answers to some further questions you might have…
FAQ’s on Dishwasher Instalation
Do all Dishwashers Need a Water Inlet Hose?
No, you can connect a table dishwasher that has a water tank and does not need a direct water connection.
This type of dishwasher is not installed under the sink, but can also be used on work surfaces or tables. For example, they are extremely practical for use in an awning when camping. A good solution is also in apartments with a small kitchen or kitchenette without an existing water connection for a dishwasher.
The wastewater can be drained directly into the sink or into a bucket. Alternatively, such table-top dishwashers can be connected like a normal dishwasher, if the appropriate connections are available.
Who can Fit My Dishwasher for Me?
If you really don’t feel confident installing the dishwasher by yourself, or you’ve run into trouble during fitting, then call in some experienced help. To have a dishwasher connected, hire an installer (plumber, heating or appliance specialist), or take up a deal from a retailer when you buy a new one. This usually only costs a relatively small surcharge.
It is important here whether the connections for a dishwasher above the sink are already available or whether it is a built-in or built-in device (more complex = more expensive). If a new drain for the dishwasher has to be attached to the existing pipes and a new double valve, the material and the wages are also taken into account – as is the laying of new pipes on or flush-mounted.
Do Dishwasher Fit Under the Sink?
For the most part, no, as this is where a lot of exposed pipework is accessed and the recess from the sink bowl limits space. With that said, some kitchen cupboards are designed so that a dishwasher can be installed under the sink. This is particularly useful in kitchenettes and very small kitchens.
There are also combination units consisting of a sink and a dishwasher. With normal kitchen cabinets, you can usually install the dishwasher right next to the sink.
Related: How Dishwashers Compare to Washing Dishes by Hand
Dishwasher Hoses are too Short
Extensions are available, but a slightly longer hose with no additional connection is a better solution.
And be careful: the length of the hose is important, especially with the sewage hose, as the pump could be overloaded. Therefore, it is best to order a longer hose from the manufacturer and/or ask the service department whether the desired length can be used without hesitation.
If you have connected the dishwasher and washing machine to the same connection or intend to connect them in this way, water may start to run into the washing machine when the dishwasher is started up.
This is very unpleasant because firstly the water gives off unpleasant smells a short time later and secondly the washing machine can overflow, which can result in damage from water.
A very likely cause of your problem is the washing machine drain hose. Freshwater cannot get into the machine by itself, the water is pumped into the washing machine. If this does not work, no water will get into the machine.
The dirty water is likely to enter the washing machine through the drain hose. In such a situation, a sink siphon, which is equipped with two hose connections and a foam brake, is an adequate aid.
However, the drain itself could be a bit clogged and prevent the water from draining off quickly enough to be pushed into the washing machine.
Before you start installing a siphon, you should definitely check that the drain is not the cause of the problem.
