How Long Will It Take To Install A Dishwasher?
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The process of installing a dishwasher is not complex.
You don’t necessarily need to have advanced electrical or plumbing skills for you to install it in your kitchen.
Basic knowledge of dishwasher installation can suffice.
Installing a dishwasher takes one hour to execute if all the space considerations were made prior.
The process includes hooking up the drain lines, connecting the water, mounting the unit, and setting up the power.
The final step is testing for leaks and working of the components.
You need to know your way around the dishwasher components and have the right equipment, including a reliable water supply line and a dishwasher installation kit.
Do I Need a Plumber to Install a Dishwasher?
Yes, you may need to use the services of a plumber if you don’t know much about installation work.
Using the services of a professional will save you the headache of dealing with hiccups that may occur during a dishwasher installation.
The following are some of the reasons why it is advisable to use a professional plumber when installing your dishwasher.
1. You Risk Your Warranty Voided
Most new dishwashers come with a warranty.
The terms in the booklet often indicate that your warranty will be void if an unlicensed person installs your appliance.
It would be prudent to get a qualified plumber and electrician to install the plumbing and power outlet, respectively.
These professionals will know the requirements for a secure installation.
Dishwashers need a pressure-regulating valve and a small stop tap.
The minute stop tap makes it easy to connect the water hose, without necessarily turning off the water source.
A pressure-regulating valve averts blowouts whenever there are fluctuations in the water pressure.
Most appliances have a limit when it comes to the maximum pressure that they can take.
Therefore, the pressure-regulating valve sees to it that the water pressure remains within the range that the dishwasher can handle.
It is also an obligatory requirement in the warranty.
Some dishwashers come with valves already fitted into the water hose.
A professional plumber will know whether your appliance has a valve or not.
If absent, the plumber will find ways of installing one, to guarantee the dishwasher’s durability and safety.
2. Any Damages Caused By Dishwasher Leaks are Not Likely Covered by Insurance
A cross-thread can occur while making a connection between the cold water hose and the water point.
A qualified plumber will always be on the lookout for the likelihood of such occurrences and avert them.
When done unprofessionally, such common dishwasher installation mistakes can lead to water damage.
If the insurance company discovers that you did not hire a certified person to install your dishwasher, they might deny any damage claims that you make.
3. Likelihood of Accidents and Damage
If you’re not conversant with the installation process, you might end up causing damage to the electricity or water connection which may cost you to fix.
You may also end up flooding your kitchen.
Such an occurrence might need you to replace your cabinetry and water-damaged floor, leaving a dent in your finances.
To avoid such headaches, you are better off hiring a qualified plumber to do your dishwasher installation.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Dishwasher?
Depending on the type of dishwasher, a simple dishwasher installation by a professional may cost $150 an hour.
If you choose to use the services of a plumber and electrician, the cost might go up.
It is advisable to shop around and find a service that offers the entire package. You may find services with lower rates.
What Do I Need To Install A Dishwasher?
You need four things to install your built-in dishwasher. These include:
- Ample space to accommodate it
- A reliable power supply
- A steady water supply line
- A drain line.
(a) Ample space to accommodate it
You need ample cabinet space to install your dishwasher.
Normal under-the-counter appliances have a width of 24 inches, a depth of 24 inches, and a height of about 35 inches.
It has legs that can be adjusted. If the standard size cannot work for you, then you can go for a narrower or a single-drawer model.
For easier access to a water source and drain lines, installing your dishwasher close to your kitchen sink is advisable.
However, drawer banks can also offer a perfect location for your dishwasher.
(b) A Reliable Power Supply
Most local codes usually need the dishwasher to be on a different circuit that can it can share with the garbage disposal.
The load the dishwasher draws will determine the size of the circuit breaker and the wire.
When you mount the electrical box on the surface, you are better off using a secured cable for running the line.
Installing the dishwasher power supply should be reserved for a professional electrician.
(c) A Reliable Water Supply Line
A dishwasher always requires hot water. The closest hot water supply you can have is the one under the sink.
Install a new shutoff valve to connect both the dishwasher and the sink to the hot water supply.
Also referred to as an angle stop, the new valve should connect a vertical outlet to the faucet as well as a horizontal outlet that will supply hot water to your dishwasher.
(d) A Drain Line
The dishwasher comes with a hose that connects the appliance to the drain located below the sink.
The hose connects to a particular inlet in the rubbish disposal.
Water from the sink goes through a strainer and empties into a tailpiece linked to a p-trap.
The water eventually ends up in the waste line.
You may need to have an air gap installed on your countertop. However, it will depend on the local plumbing code.
Installing an air gap involves drilling a hole in the tile to help prevent any backflow of dirty water into the dishwasher.
How to Install a Dishwasher?
As stated earlier, you require three main connections to install your dishwasher:
- A power connection
- Water connection
- A drain line connection
A Power Connection
Power connection is the trickiest of all. Most dishwashers use a standard appliance cord plugged into an outlet on the wall.
You will need a separate circuit for the dishwasher. If yours is different, it is advisable to install a new circuit, as you replace your dishwasher.
You might also require to plug your dishwasher into an outlet.
Even without the requirement, plugging the dishwasher into an outlet makes it easier to disconnect, in case you need to service it in the future.
Water Connection
To connect the water supply, you need to connect one end of a supply tube (mostly made of braided steel) to the dishwasher’s inlet valve.
You can connect the other end to a shut-off valve located on the pipe that supplies hot water.
The supply tube is simply a longer form of the same type of supply tubes used to feed the toilet or sink faucets.
To hook up your water supply, you will need to attach a distinctive brass fitting called dishwasher 90.
The 900 elbow will make it possible and easy for you to connect the supply tube to your dishwasher.
A Drain Line Connection
The process of connecting the drain hose to your dishwasher is dependent on the local code requirement.
The aim is to keep contaminated wastewater from flowing back into the dishwater when it is running.
Connect the drain hose to the drain trap below your sink.
Before it reaches the trap, you can attach it to an air-gap fitting.
You can also loop it up to the countertop underside, just below the sink.
Attach the drain hose either directly to a nipple located on the tailpiece of the sink drain or one on the garbage disposal.
