How To: Install a Replacement Dishwasher
Note: This installation requires you to work with electricity, so we recommend purchasing a voltage tester to ensure a safe environment. Read all instructions on your new dishwasher for information regarding your specific installation.
Properly remove your old dishwasher and install a new one with step-by-step instructions from Ben Goheen, a master plumber of 15 years. When you need to replace your dishwasher, consider your budget, experience level and timeline. Although this project took Ben around 45 minutes, most homeowners will need an hour or two to complete the installation.
When to Replace a Dishwasher
In this video, the customer needed to upgrade their dishwasher. It’s usually a sign to upgrade or replace your dishwasher when your dishes are no longer getting the proper cleaning. Although leaking was not a problem for this installation, it’s a common reason people replace their dishwashers. The most common reason dishwashers leak is from a damaged connection or seal.
Faulty drain hose and water supply line. When you encounter a leak, shut off the valve that supplies water to the dishwasher, which is located under the sink. Then, look for tears or loose connections on your drain hose and your supply line. To check the other end of the connections, unscrew the access panel at the bottom of your dishwasher and look for leaks.
Torn door gasket. If both your drain hose and supply line are free of leaks, check around the perimeter of your dishwasher frame for tears in the door gasket.
Preparation
After checking for leaks and shutting the water off, it’s time to prepare for installation. To prevent injuries or an incorrect installation, follow these steps before starting your project.
1. Power shut-off
First, locate your breaker and shut off the power to your dishwasher. Once you have switched the power off, confirm that there is no electricity at the site using a handheld voltage tester. Test under the dishwasher before handling any wires.
2. Dishwasher removal
After ensuring the power is off, assess your dishwasher’s electrical setup. Dishwashers are either hardwired or have a plug-in connection. Although most dishwashers are hardwired, use an Eastman dishwasher power cord if your dishwasher is not permanently connected to your electrical wiring system.
Disconnect the power. First, unscrew the junction box, which is located under the dishwasher. There will be a black ‘hot’ wire, white ‘neutral’ wire and a green ‘ground’ wire. Check the wires with a voltage tester before going any further. Remove the caps of all three wires with a twisting motion. Twisting them will disconnect the hardwire line from the dishwasher wires. Once disconnected, pull the hardwire line to the side and put the wire caps on to ensure you do not lose them.
Disconnect the drain and supply line. Unscrew the top of the dishwasher and drop the bottom legs as needed. Then, find the water supply line under the sink and disconnect it with a wrench. Some water will probably drip from the source, so grab paper towels or a container and put it under the valve. Then, disconnect the drain hose by unscrewing the hose clamp and twisting it off. Dry any excess water under the sink.
Remove the old dishwasher. Carefully pull the dishwasher out from the frame. Since the water line and drain hose still have water in them, keep the lines facing up while you move the dishwasher out. Ensure that your floor is protected while removing your old dishwasher.
Installing a Replacement Dishwasher
Unpack the new dishwasher. First, read the instructions that come with it, since installation can vary depending on the brand. There is an insulated blanket that will either be fitted to the dishwasher or draped on top. Either way, do not throw it out. Bring the new dishwasher a few inches from the frame and adjust the legs to ensure it is level.
Secure your lines. To hook up the new dishwasher, feed the water supply line through the sink cabinet and thread it back onto the water supply valve. Then, connect the gasket side of the line to the back of the dishwasher with a wrench. Connect the drain hose to the dishwasher and thread it through the cabinet if possible.
Connect the electrical wires. Pull the hardwire electrical line through the channel on the bottom of the dishwasher. Unscrew the junction box and the wire caps from the wires. Thread the hardwire lines to the new wires by matching black to black, white to white, and green/yellow to green/yellow. Then, twist the wire caps onto these three wires and screw the junction box back on.
Test the fit. Fit the dishwasher into the frame by carefully pushing it and adjusting the legs as needed. For a better grip, open the dishwasher and push the sides into the frame and ensure there are no gaps.
Check your mounting materials. Take out the mounting materials and packaging inside the dishwasher. For this installation, Ben decided to mount the dishwasher at the top, but since it is a dual-mount dishwasher, he used the plugs provided to plug up the side mounts. Check your dishwasher for these plugs to prevent leaks.
Mount the dishwasher. Slide the dishwasher out a few inches and mount either from the top or the sides. If mounting from the top, use pliers to secure the brackets and push the dishwasher back into place. Check that the dishwasher is set evenly into the frame and open it to push the door gasket completely into the frame using a flathead screwdriver. Use screws to secure the dishwasher mounting brackets to the frame.
Connect the drain hose. Take your threaded drain hose and connect it to the pipe, using pipe cutters as needed. Then, check that the water supply line is open all the way.
Check the System
After installation, turn the power back on to the dishwasher at the breaker box. Start an express wash and while running, check the connections under the sink and screw the access panel onto the bottom of the dishwasher.