How To Install Countertop Dishwasher

Countertop dishwashers are amazing for people who are renting, who don’t have enough space under their counters to permanently install a dishwasher, or just about anybody who wants a temporary solution to this permanent problem- dishwashing!
No matter where we live or how we live, dishwashing is a given that no one can escape. But sometimes it can get out of hand where you just don’t have the time. But leaving them be is not a solution either as it can attract flies and other bugs, not to mention, leave you with no clean plates for the next meal.
The only solution is to get them cleaned up, and a dishwasher is what fits the job, but maybe not your home. So if you want a temporary or portable solution to this problem, you need a countertop dishwasher. If you want to know the entire process of how to install countertop dishwasher, then keep reading.

How To Install Countertop Dishwasher

There are a few different ways you can go about installing a countertop dishwasher.

Kitchen Counter

Of course, as the name suggests, you can install these on your kitchen countertop, which goes without a saying. But you can replicate the setting and place it elsewhere too.

Inside A Cabinet

This is another option you have, where you can place the dishwasher out of sight. But there are some limitations and requirements here. Things you will have to keep in mind include having access to a power socket, a water inlet, and a water outlet. These can be done by creating holes on the sides of the cabinet if there is none present already.
The position of the cabinet is also important, as a cabinet too high or too low will not allow you to properly load and unload the dishes, and might become more of a hassle than a convenience. The ideal height would be that of a kitchen countertop.

The Floor

This should be your last resort, but it is possible. If you have no other space, you can place the dishwasher on the floor, given that you have the necessary outlets around it. And if the countertop dishwasher is especially big in size, so that it does not fit on your countertop or anywhere else, then the floor is where it should go. This goes especially if it comes up to your waist in height, in which case it becomes easier to load and unload.

Necessary Requirements To Install Countertop Dishwasher

• Water Inlet – You will need a source of freshwater that will go into the dishwasher to get the job done of washing the dishes.
• Water outlet – You will also need a source for the dirty water to leave once it is done washing the dishes.
• Electricity – You will need a source of electricity, which means an outlet that is grounded.

The Process Of Installing Countertop Dishwasher

The very first step is to place your dishwasher in the correct place and position it correctly. This refers to placing the dishwasher close to the sink so that it is easy for you to create drainage.

You must also ensure that the four screws that are located under the dishwasher are adjusted so that the dishwasher sits at a level on the countertop. Not sitting on a leveled surface can cause disruptions in its service.

The dishwasher will come with a quick-connect adapter. This, you will have to attach to the sink’s faucet after removing the aerator that is already there. This will allow you to switch this new adapter on and off as you require.

Now you have to connect your countertop dishwasher to the faucet. For this you get an inlet hose, that will supply clean water into the dishwasher. The straight side of the hose has to be connected to the dishwasher and the bent end has to be connected to the faucet. Use pliers to secure them tightly to prevent leaks.

Next, you connect the drainage pipe that will carry the dirty water out of the dishwasher. You will get a drainage hose and a U-bend. Using the U-bend, bend the hose at one end which will then go into the sink or a drainage pipe if you have one to connect to. The other end of this drainage hose has to be connected to the dishwasher’s back, where there is a port for this pipe.

Check to see that both the pipes have been properly connected. For this, run the water to see that the water flows smoothly both ways and if there are any leaks. If there are leaks, chances are you have not attached them properly, so get those pliers and tighten them again.

Plug the dishwasher into an outlet, making sure it is grounded. Since you are dealing with a machine that works with water and electricity, you do not want to take chances on such things, and it is always good to be extra careful.

Do a test run with a batch of dishes to see that the dishwasher works properly on all ends and that it cleans and drains properly. If it does, you are good to go! If not, go back to the instructions manual to cross-check every step and see where you have made a mistake.

How To Install A Countertop Dishwasher Under The Sink

If you are wondering how to install a countertop dishwasher permanently or under the sink, do note that all countertop dishwashers cannot be converted into a permanent one. Some are loaded from the top, while others have controls at the top. These cannot be converted and have to be used as temporary ones, as they are meant to be used.
But for the ones that you can convert, the following changes need to be made to the countertop dishwasher to convert it into a permanent one:
• The power cord on portable dishwashers tends to be longer since it gives you the option of connecting to outlets that are far away. But if you want to set this under the counter and make it permanent, then it needs the cord needs to be shortened.
• The inlet and drain hose also need to be replaced. For this, you can get dishwasher installation kits that come with pipes for permanent fittings. If you can get one from the same brand as the dishwasher, even better! The new drain hose will have to be connected to the garbage disposal.
• Countertop or portable dishwashers usually come with wheels on the bottom so that they can be easily moved. Some of these can be folded and locked, while others cannot. For those that cannot, you are going to have to unscrew them so that they can sit under the sink permanently.

Conclusion

Countertop dishwashers are a lifesaver for anyone who does not have space or means to host a full-fledged dishwasher. But they also come in handy for people who are short on a budget and want to make this one permanent without having to commit to a big budget.
In either case, if you want to know how to install countertop dishwasher, or even make it permanent, then we are sure this article will be of help to you!