Replacing your dishwasher? Save money by installing it yourself. This intermediate-level project will take you just one to two hours. All you need are some basic tools and supplies to replace dishwasher. While all dishwashers are installed the same way, there’re small differences depending on the one you purchase, so be sure to read the instruction manual that comes with your new machine. Here’s what you’ll need to take on this task:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Circuit Tester
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Adjustable Wrench
- 2-Ft. Level
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
STEP ONE
Turn off water supply valve. Before you begin your installation to replace dishwasher, you’ll need to turn off your current dishwasher’s water supply. Under your kitchen sink, you’ll find two valves – one for hot water and one for cold. Attached to one of these valves, you’ll see a tube, either copper or flexible and braided, connected to the dishwasher, usually through the side of a cabinet. Once you identify the valve associated with this water supply line, turn it off.
STEP TWO
Remove anti-tip anchors. Although there are typically two anchors attaching the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop, check around the perimeter of the dishwasher in case there are more. Each anchor will be attached with one screw. Remove each screw and anchor.
STEP THREE
Remove kick plate. Your dishwasher’s kick plate is attached to the appliance with two screws. Remove the screws and attach it.
STEP FOUR
Turn off power. Turn off the circuit breaker to the dishwasher in your home’s main service panel.Push the dishwasher’s start button to ensure it doesn’t start.
STEP FIVE
Disconnect water supply tube. The dishwasher’s water supply tube you identified earlier will be attached to an L-shaped fitting under the dishwasher. Use a small adjustable wrench to loosen the nut and disconnect the supply tube. There may be some water remaining in the tube, so be sure to have a towel on hand to wipe it up.
STEP SIX
Disconnect drain hose. A corrugated drain hose is connected to the sink’s drainpipe or garbage disposal with a hose clamp. Disconnect the drain hose by loosening the screw on the clamp until you can pull the hose off. Have a towel ready for any water that comes out of the hose.
STEP SEVEN
Open the junction box. Your new dishwasher’s cable will go into a junction box at the bottom of the machine. Remove the cover from the box. Sometimes the cover is connected with two screws. Other times, with one screw and a tab. Use a non-contact circuit tester to make sure the power is off. With these testers, you can tell if an electrical cable is live by touching the outside of the insulation.
STEP EIGHT
Disconnect the wires. Inside the junction box, you’ll see a black wire from your current dishwasher connected to a black cable wire and a white wire from your dishwasher connected to a white cable wire. Untwist the connectors to separate the wires. Then disconnect the bare ground cable wire from your dishwasher’s green grounding screw. If the wires are clamped together, loosen the clamp; then remove the cable. Your old dishwasher is ready to be removed.
STEP NINE
Insert cable in box. Remove the cover on your new dishwasher’s electrical box. Put the cable clamp through the hole in the box, then install and tighten the clamp ring. Push the wires through the clamp so you can tighten the clamp on the cable sheathing, not the wires.
STEP TEN
Connect wires. Make your connections according to the manufacturer instructions, then replace the cover on the electrical box.
STEP ELEVEN
Attach water supply and drain hose If your water supply line isn’t already connected, attach the supply tube, then tighten with a small adjustable wrench. Most dishwashers come with the drain hose attached. Thread the hose through the hole in your cabinet, then attach it to the drain or disposal with the hose clamp.
STEP TWELVE
Adjust for height and level. Push the dishwasher into place. If the front of the machine doesn’t fit under the cabinet, simply adjust its leveling feet until it does. Once it fits, place a level across the top of the door and adjust until the dishwasher is level.
STEP THIRTEEN
Install anchors. Anti-tip anchors typically slip into slots in the front of the dishwasher. Put them in place, then secure to the bottom of the countertop with screws provided.
STEP FOURTEEN
Do test cycle and replace kick plate. Turn your water and power back on. Run your new dishwasher through a wash cycle before putting the kick plate in place, so you can check for leaks under the machine and under the sink. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections. Once you confirm all connections are tight, install the kick plate with screws provided.
Congratulations! Your installation to replace dishwasher is complete.
Looking for great tools to help get your project done? Shop Stanley, Black & Decker and DeWALT for everything you need!
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