How to Install a New Dishwasher

Get Your New Dishwasher Up and Running the Right Way

The hardest part about getting a new dishwasher is deciding which appliance best suits the needs of you and your family and at the right price point. When you shop for a dishwasher at a big box store, you may or may not have the option to add on installation for an additional fee.  But when you purchase any name brand dishwasher from BSC Culinary, the price of the dishwasher not only includes delivery and installation, but also removal of your old dishwasher.

If you decide to buy at a big box store, and installation isn’t included, you could pay a contractor to install your new dishwasher. Or, with just a few basic tools and careful attention to some simple instructions, you can say, “I did it myself.”

If you’re in the market for a new dishwasher and are wondering if you could install the appliance on your own, read on. In this post we will cover: 

• The tools and materials you need to install and connect a new dishwasher
• The three dishwasher connections 
• Step by step instructions
• What to do if installing and connecting a dishwasher seems too complicated

Tools and Materials to Connect a Dishwasher

Here’s what you are going to need to install and connect a new dishwasher:

Tools:

• Screwdrivers (type depends on dishwasher screws, you may need more than one type)
• Channel-lock pliers and/or adjustable wrench
• Drill and space bit (in the event you need to drill access holes in base cabinet)

Materials:

• Pipe joint compound
• Wire connectors (nuts)
• Hose clamps
• Dishwasher connector kit (includes dishwasher 90 water supply connection and braided steel water supply tube) and electrical cord supplied with new dishwasher

Know Your Connections

Basically, a dishwasher has three connections:

1. Power. If your home is a relatively new construction, getting power to your dishwasher is as easy as plugging in the standard power cord supplied with your dishwasher. This assumes, however, that there is a pre-installed dedicated circuit for the dishwasher and that it is GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected.
   If you are replacing an old dishwasher, you more than likely have the dedicated circuit. GFCI receptacles feature two buttons, usually red and black, used to test and reset the circuit if it trips.
   
   If you don’t have a GFCI, it is highly recommended to replace the outlet with a GFCI receptacle. You don’t need an electrician to do this. Make sure the circuit breaker is off at your main electrical box and it is just a matter of connecting wires exactly as they were in the outlet you are replacing.
   
   If this is your first dishwasher installed in your home, check with an electrician to verify that you have a dedicated circuit. If not, an electrician can install the new circuit.
   
   Also note, if your dishwasher isn’t already hard-wired with an appliance cord, the power connection is found inside an access panel at the base of the dishwasher.
2. Water Supply. This is a braided steel tube that connects to the water inlet valve on the dishwasher at one end and to the shut-off valve of the hot water supply valve at the other end. The water supply connection and any special fittings are included with the dishwasher connection kit.
3. Drain hose. The drain hose connects to the drain trap under the sink to keep dirty wastewater from flowing into the dishwasher. It either loops to the underside of the countertop under the sink or attaches to an air-gap fitting. The loop back down attaches to the sink drain or the garbage disposal, if there is one.

Connection Steps

Follow the steps below to connect your new dishwasher. (Note: Different manufacturer models may have different instructions, which are included with the appliance. The steps below provide a basic understanding of how to connect a dishwasher; follow manufacturer instructions over any steps recommended here.)

1. Remove the old dishwasher and/or prepare the working area (for a completely new installation, this may include drilling holes in the side of the base cabinet to run the power cord to an outlet and drain hose beneath the sink).
2. Lay the dishwasher on its back and use a screwdriver to remove the bottom access panel to locate the power connection fittings, water inlet solenoid valve and drain fitting.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the cover on the wire connection housing. 
4. Thread the power cord into the wire connection housing. There are three color-coded connections—green, white and black. Use wire nuts to connect green-to-green, white-to-white and black-to-black. Replace the cover.
5. Apply pipe joint compound to threads of dishwasher 90 connection and tighten by hand to the solenoid. Use channel-locks or adjustable wrench to tighten a ¼ turn.
6. Thread by hand the steel water supply tube coupling onto the dishwasher 90 fitting.  Use channel-locks or adjustable wrench to tighten a ¼ turn. Do not overtighten.
7. Return the dishwasher to an upright position and slide under the counter. Adjust legs to level the appliance and raise it up to counter height.
8. Open the dishwasher and locate mounting brackets. Screw these brackets to the cabinet frame to secure the appliance.
9. Connect the water supply to the water supply shut-off valve on the hot water pipe under the sink.
10. Turn on the shut-off valve. Check for leaks at any of the connection points. Where necessary, tighten connections until leaks stop.
11. Connect the drain hose. The purpose of the drain hose is to prevent wastewater from flowing back into the dishwasher. There are two ways to do this:
    1. Use a clamp to attach the drain hose to an air gap fitting mounted on the countertop or sink deck. 
    2. Secure hose to the underside of the countertop and loop it down to connect to the garbage disposal or sink drain.
12. Plug in the electrical cord. Run the dishwasher for a full cycle. Check for leaks and ensure water is draining properly.
13. Secure faceplate to the dishwasher’s bottom front.

Avoid the Hassle with Professional Installation

If all this seems a bit overwhelming, consider buying an appliance from BSC Culinary that includes installation and delivery. Not only will you feel confident about selecting a leading brand with a track record of dependability and performance, you will also enjoy peace-of-mind from a dedicated Enjoy Life Counselor who ensures an error-free delivery and installation. You can even track delivery on the day of the appointment. 

Our technicians are qualified and insured. We install your appliance according to all local codes and regulations and take the time to ensure your new dishwasher provides premium performance to your complete satisfaction.

And if you do decide to install your new dishwasher, BSC Culinary provides contactless delivery. Our team delivers your dishwasher to a secure location outside your home, such as a garage, carport, or other sheltered areas and notifies you of delivery. No signatures or personal interaction required.

Call today to select a new dishwasher that best fits your needs and schedule a hassle-free installation. We look forward to treating you with kindness. Also, keep an eye on this blog and our resource center for more helpful information about appliances.