Portable dishwashers are very real solutions for everyone who does not have space or budget for a permanent one. However, these portable dishwashers too can be converted into a permanent one with a very little added cost so you too can have a permanent system in place.
There will be, however, a lot of changes here and there that you will have to make. These include getting new pipes, removing old ones, hooking the system up for proper drainage, and so on and so forth.
All of this comes as a step-by-step procedure, where you are posed with multiple options as well. The biggest confusion that stands is usually the point of starting.
So to make things simpler for you, take a look at our guide here on how to hook up a portable dishwasher permanently, and you will get an idea of where to begin.
Hooking The Dishwasher Up Permanently
To hook the portable dishwasher permanently, you have to go through a series of steps. Now, there are various ways of doing this.
But instead of laying down every possible way of moving forward, we are listing down the method which is the simplest for DIY-ers and is something you can do at home without a lot of expertise in this certain field.
Of course, even if you have the expertise and you simply want things to be easier, you can follow these steps too.
1. Location
One of the first things you have to do is fix a location where you want to fix the dishwasher permanently. The location is crucial because while the dishwasher was portable, you could move it in case of a connection failure, but once it has been made permanent, you cannot do that anymore. For this reason, the location should be one where you have access to a water supply, the drainage, and an electric outlet altogether.
Having it close to the sink is a good idea in this case as you can connect the dishwasher to the lines which are connected to the sink, be it the hot water supply or the drain.
And if this is not feasible for you, you would need an alternate, which is often the clothes washer that also has a water inlet and outlet.
2. Fixtures
You will need to change some parts of the portable dishwasher in order for it to become permanent. This includes the water inlet and the drainage system. The ones that you have on the portable dishwasher are not of high quality and are not strong enough either, neither are they long enough for you to have flexibility with the installation.
Now, you can get these pipes and fittings separately, but we recommend getting a dishwasher installation kit instead. It comes with all the components you need, you don’t miss out on anything, and even if you don’t have a lot of expertise in this area, you don’t risk messing up the fixtures you buy.
Try getting one from the same brand as the dishwasher you currently have, so that the compatibility is better.
As for the type of kit, you should go for ones that come with long lines, so there is flexibility with the installation in case you want to install it a bit further away from the actual sink. A longer line will allow you to do that. Also, try to get braided steel water feed lines that are stronger and hence longer lasting.
3. Connections
After you have your kit, it is now time to connect everything. You need to start by removing all the current parts, which include the water inlet, drain hose, and the brass fittings.
And then you replace all these parts with the ones that came in the kit. If you want to be extra careful, you can go over these connections with a plumber’s tape for extra precaution, even though it is already stronger than what you initially had.
Now it is time to connect it to the sink. But before that, you need to turn the hot water shutoff valve off which is located under the sink. Install a tee fitting here in between the flex line and the shutoff valve, and then connect the water feed line to the third connection here.
Then take the drain line from the dishwasher, and connect it to the garbage disposal unit, which is also located under the sink.
4. Power Source
The dishwasher also needs to have connections to a power source. The best option here is using the closest outlet you have and this is a prime reason why you should locate the dishwasher close to an outlet in the first place.
And if you don’t have an outlet close to you, you will need to install one, for which you should contact an electrician.
You might also have to drill holes under your cabinet to pull the wires from the dishwasher’s new place to connect to the outlet.
5. The Trim
Once all the connections have been made, you can finish the whole job off with a nice trim. This is definitely optional, but it provides a nice home for the dishwasher and makes it look more built-in, and not one that has been converted into a permanent one.
You can buy trimmer pieces from home-improvement stores. Measure the trims you need, buy the required sizes. Glue them on first, and then drill them in for stronger support. This is a small step, but will uplift the entire look of the dishwasher, so it does not look like a cheap DIY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do You Need A Dishwasher Installation Kit?
You can buy the individual components yourself. But getting a kit is an easier solution for a DIY since there are many factors to consider when buying the required components separately, which increases the chances of an error or mismatch.
Moreover, if you can get an installation kit from the same brand as your dishwasher, then the job becomes even easier with higher compatibility.
Can You Turn A Temporary Dishwasher Into A Permanent One?
Yes, you can turn a temporary or portable dishwasher into a permanent one. This would require changing the connections of the dishwasher and connecting them to a permanent source of water, drainage, and electricity.
What Is The Difference Between A Portable Dishwasher And A Permanent Dishwasher?
Portable dishwashers are not permanently connected anywhere, which is why they can be moved around when needed, which permanent dishwashers cannot do.
Permanent dishwashers are permanently connected to the sink or a source of water, while portable ones are temporarily connected and have limited access to the source of water.
Because of these differences, portable dishwashers are also cheaper than permanent dishwashers.
What Is The Difference Between A Portable Dishwasher And A Countertop Dishwasher?
While both portable and countertop dishwashers are temporary dishwashers, they have a few differences.
A countertop dishwasher has to be used on a countertop or placed on top of a body, it cannot be moved frequently or stored elsewhere such as a cabinet or under the sink.
Portable dishwashers on the other hand come with wheels on the bottom, which allows them to be more movable.
Countertop dishwashers also have smaller capacities, which means you won’t be able to wash as many together. However, portable dishwashers usually have the same capacity as a permanent one, making them more efficient.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a tough and tedious procedure at first, it won’t anymore once you see all the details for yourself. Following a step-by-step guideline makes things easier for the user, especially those who haven’t dealt with such installations before.
This is why we recommend that you take a moment to see your options, get your questions answered, and then finally move on with the installation. This way you won’t have any confusion or hiccups along the way and will know how to hook up a portable dishwasher permanently and effectively.
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