Installing a new dishwasher in your kitchen is not nearly as difficult as most assume.  With a little bit of elbow grease, time and the right tools, you will be able to install a brand new dishwasher and no one will be able to tell it was a DIY (do it yourself) project.  Here’s how to do it.

Do not be Intimidated by the Prospect of Installing a new Dishwasher

The latest dishwasher models have an abundance of new technology.  However, when installing a new model, you will still be completing the same setup process that has been around for years so there is no reason to be intimidated.  Dishwasher installation requires working with a drain hose, a supply of water and an electrical hookup.  You can remove the current dishwasher and replace it with a brand new one without doing much more than attaching new connections in place of the old ones.

If all goes as planned, it won’t be necessary to replace electrical wiring.  The new dishwasher probably won’t have a power cord so you might as well buy one now so you can start using your new dishwasher immediately after it is connected.  The new dishwasher will have drain hoses yet you will likely have to buy a supply line.  Ideally, you will use a copper supply line.  Copper stands the test of time quite well compared to other materials.

Performing the Installation

Today’s dishwashers are built with adjustable legs, allowing you fit them below countertops with ease.  In fact, you can even adjust the height of your dishwasher without an abundance of effort.  Just be sure to measure the width of the area below the counter to guarantee the replacement dishwasher slides right in without impediment or spacious gaps on the sides.

Disconnect the current dishwasher’s power cord prior to removing the dishwasher and replacing it with a new one.  If the cord is left in, you run the risk of an electrical shock.  Use a box cutter to cut along the box’s lines at the bottom.  Fail to cut along these lines and the dishwasher surface and insulation will not be properly protected.  Discard the packing materials within the dishwasher.  However, you should leave the protective film along the dishwasher door and handles so they are not scratched during the installation.  Ask a friend to help you turn the dishwasher so it is on its side, providing you with optimal access to its plugs, outlets, etc.  Remove the dishwasher’s kick plate by detaching the screws along the sides.  Put the screw and the kick plate to the side for use at a later point.

Connecting the Dishwasher

Access the dishwasher’s electrical junction box.  Remove the cover from this box.  Insert the power cord, ensuring it snaps in place in a secure manner.  Connect the wires from the power cord to the motor by coordinating their colors.  Twist the wires of similar colors to one another, using a wire nut to cap the connections.  Once you are sure the wire nuts are fully attached, it is time to reconnect the cover to the junction box.  Just be sure not to pinch the wires during the reattachment. 

The Water Supply Line

Pinpoint the water supply line.  Look inside the package and you will likely find a 90-degree elbow that matches the dishwasher’s inlet.  Wrap the threads along the elbow with reliable tape.  Screw the elbow in the inlet.  Use a wrench to guarantee the elbow is screwed on properly so you do not end up with leaks.  The next step is to hook up the supply line with the elbow.  However, it is a mistake to over-tighten the line due to the presence of the rubber gasket.  Once the fit is fairly secure yet not overly-tight, it is time to position the dishwasher in an upright manner.  Guide the supply line through the hole within the cabinet below the sink.

Remove the drain cap from the back.  Connect the new drain line to your dishwasher.  Use pliers to crimp the clamp.  Move the line through the hole in the cabinet below the sink.  Gently slide the dishwasher below the cabinet.  Apply the adjustable screws to shorten or lengthen the legs so each side is level.  Once level, connect the water supply line to the unit’s hot water shut-off valve. Plug in the dishwasher.  Turn on the hot water.  Run an abbreviated cycle to determine if there are leaks below the dishwasher or the sink.  Once you are positive there are no leaks, the unit is ready for use.