Dishwashers are an essential part of the household, and with everybody’s increasingly busy lives, this device is becoming more and more important. We cannot always find the time to wash sinks full of dishes, and there is no alternate solution than the dishwasher.
However, unfortunately, some homes and apartments still don’t have a dishwasher. This is a big minus, but let us say you can still rent or buy the home for other pros. So what can you do to cover up for this con? Install one yourself of course!
In this article here, we will cover all the details you need to know on how to hook up a dishwasher where there is no existing dishwasher. Our article here will act as your guide, so you can come out with a brand-new dishwasher installed!
Hooking Up A Dishwasher Where There Is No Existing Dishwasher
Below you will find a step-by-step guide, and we highly suggest you move in this order so that you don’t end up making mistakes!
Location
Given that you don’t have a dishwasher currently, you probably don’t have a dedicated space for it either. For this, you should pick the space that is easiest to work with, and this is either side of the kitchen sink.
We suggest that you don’t move too far from the sink, in which case it will become hard for you to connect the pipes. You can do it, but the process is too complicated. And this is why you should pick a space closest to the sink, even if that means relocating some other material.
In the case that you cannot absolutely place it beside the sink, try to locate it on the countertop, or across the sink on an island where you can still get direct access to the sink and plumbing.
Make The Area
Now you have to create the area where you plan on installing the dishwasher. The standard measurement for this is 24 inches deep x 24 inches wide x 34.5 inches high. However, if have a different dishwasher size in mind, then get your exact measurements of the dishwasher and create the space accordingly, which can be bigger or smaller.
In this area, you also need to have to make holes for the lines that will be going in and out. This includes holes for the water supply and the power which are to be made at the bottom and should be 1.5 inches.
The Drain
The drain is a very important part of the dishwasher, and this is where the garbage disposal comes in handy. On the side of the garbage disposal, there is a plug where you can connect the dishwasher drain.
If you don’t have a garbage disposal, you can make a dedicated outlet using a vertical pipe, and connecting this to the foul water line.
You may or may not need an air gap depending on whether it is mandatory in your state, and how low the drain tee is. If your drain tee is more than 18 inches, then you can loop the pipe, otherwise, you will need an air gap.
Wiring
You can do the wiring bit yourself if you are experienced, or you can ask a professional to help out here. What you will need here is a 120 Volt, 60 Hertz dedicated circuit, 15 or 20-amp breaker. This wiring can come in from the bottom of the cabinet, through a hole that is roughly 1.5 inches.
Water Supply
The water supply will be supplied through copper tubing connected to your current water supply, or through a steel braided flex hose. For the water heater, you should set it between 12- to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The water pressure should be between 20 to 120 PSI.
Place Dishwasher
Now it is time for you to put the dishwasher into its space, and you must push the drain hose through the hole as you push the dishwasher into its space.
Then secure it using the brackets it came with. For this, you can check the instructions manual to see how it is done for the particular model you purchased. Once completely in, test out if the door works.
Connect
Now you can connect the water supply and the power through an access panel. For this, you may use a dual shutoff valve with your existing line. Once again, if this is not something you have done before, seek professional help since you are dealing with electricity.
Test Everything
Do a “rinse only” cycle on the dishwasher once everything has been put in place. This will show you if there are any leaks or troubles. If it all goes smoothly, then you have a successful installation!
Conclusion
We hope you took notes on how to hook up a dishwasher where there is no existing dishwasher! While installing a dishwasher is not very hard, it is not the easiest either, especially if you are not a professional.
So we suggest that you take it slow, read up on everything you need to do, move step by step, and work on the weekend so you can provide complete attention to this little project.
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