Are you looking to install a dishwasher in your home or place of work? There are plenty of factors you should consider to install it properly. Some of these things, as given by dishwasher repair professionals, include:
For the dishwasher to function optimally, it needs hot water. The closest source of water is under the sink. Replace the shutoff valve with a new one that connects both the sink and dishwasher to the hot water line.
The new valve, also known as angle stop, will have a vertical outlet supplying hot water to the dishwasher. You should use a long braided wire hose for connection. You can find the hose from hardware stores, supply homes, or home centers.
Remember, you may have to drill a hole in the side of the cabinet to route the hose from the shutoff valve to the dishwasher opening.
Drain line
Most dishwashers come with a hose used to connect them to the drain under the sink. Usually, the hose is connected to an inlet in the garbage disposal. Since you don’t have one and don’t want one, you will need to do simple plumbing.
Water empties from the sink through a strainer and into a tailpiece connected to a p-trap and then into a waste line. To connect the drainpipe hose, replace the straight tailpiece with a tailpiece that resembles a “Y.” Secure the drainage hose to the “Y” with a hose clamp.
Depending on the local plumbing code, you may have to install an air gap in the countertop. This will require you to cut a hole in the tile with a diamond-tipped hole saw that is attached to a drill.
If you don’t have an air gap, you can accomplish the same by securing the drain line with a clamp at the top of the sink cabinet.
Cabinet space
Standard under-counter dishwashers are 24 inches wide, 35 inches high, and 24 inches deep, and they often come with adjustable legs. You need to ensure you have enough cabinet space to fit your appliance. Before you head to the stores, take accurate measurements of the available space, and buy the appropriate appliance.
Power
Local codes require a dishwasher to be on a separate circuit that may be shared with garbage disposal. The size of the wire and circuit breaker depends on the load the dishwasher draws.
To be safe, use a 12-gauge wire run to a duplex plug and protect it with a 20-amp circuit breaker. If the electrical box is mounted on the surface, use armored cable to run the line.
Tips to consider when installing the dishwasher
For you to get the most from the dishwasher, you need to consider several tips. Some of these tips include:
Have the necessary tools
You can’t properly install the dishwasher if you don’t have the right tools, right? Some of the tools you need include: screwdrivers, pipe joint compound, electric appliance cord, wire connectors, and dishwasher connector kit.
Prepare the new dishwasher.
You can’t install the new dishwasher without first preparing it. Begin with screwing on the water valve. This calls for you to wrap the 90-degree fitting twice with Teflon tape and screw it into the new water valve.
You should then tighten it, aiming the elbow as on the old machine.
You should then attach the drain line by threading the new dishwasher drain line into the sink base cabinet. You should loop the line higher than the inlet arm on the sink drain or garbage disposer, then slip it on and tighten the clamp.
Once you are done, adjust the feet of the dishwasher. Lay the dishwasher water supply line, drain, and electrical line flat on the floor then measure the height of the opening. You should then adjust the wheels and feet according to the manual.
Properly hook up the dishwasher and reconnect it.
After setting the dishwasher, slide it in by grasping the sides of it and lifting it slightly and roll it into the opening. To avoid damaging the floor, protect it with tarp or cardboard. Once in place, align it, so it’s flush to the cabinet. Appliance repair Alexandria professionals advise you also level it with a wrench until the appliance is level and plump.
