Trying to save up some cash by setting up your new dishwasher yourself? Then you’ve come to the right place.

This article is a step-by-step guide on how to install a dishwasher, be it full-size or countertop.

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Step 2 — Turn off the water supply at the valve. You’ll probably find this valve under the sink.

Step 3 — Test the water by running the hot water on your sink. This way, you’ll be sure that the water has been cut off. 

In older houses, there’s a chance that the shut-off valve would be damaged and you’d need to replace it. In this case, you’ll have to shut off the water either at the house main or at the street.

Step 4 — Turn off the power for the old dishwasher. The switch is typically located at the dishwasher’s electrical service panel.

Step 5 — Test the power to ensure that the electricity has been turned off. Pay extra attention in this step as electrical panels often get mislabeled, especially if you’re in an older house.


Prepare to Install

Step 1 — Remove the attachment screws starting with the ones at the top of the old dishwasher’s counter flange. Use a screwdriver to unscrew and remove the screws.

Step 2 — Remove the bottom cover by simply pulling it out.

Step 3 — Cover the wires. This involves attaching wire nuts at the end of the wires, then removing the wires from the terminal screws and tucking them out of the way.

Step 4 — Find out the location of the water supply, which is typically under the dishwasher.

Step 5 — Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet by removing the attachment nut.

Step 6 — Remove the hose by loosening the clamp. This allows you to disconnect the drain hose from beneath the sink.

Step 7 — After disconnecting all the attachments, lay down a blanket in front of the old dishwasher then carefully lift the old dishwasher and place it onto the blanket.

Step 8 — The process of lifting the old dishwasher and putting it onto the blanket may cause some water to spill out. So have a towel ready to clean up the mess if this happens.

Step 9 — Now that the old dishwasher is out of the way, clean the space where it was placed to prepare it for the new dishwasher.

Disconnect and Remove the Old Dishwasher

Before you dive into installing the new dishwasher, read the user’s manual that came with it. This guide will tell you everything your specific dishwasher model needs for proper setup.

If this is your first time installing an appliance on your own, we recommend that you read the entire manual carefully. Think of it like you’re working with a new recipe, you’ll want to make sure you understand the whole process and have all the required items ready.

Start by taking the new dishwasher out of the box and lay it face down so you can see its back. Then, make sure that it arrived with all of the connections.

Next, take the cap off the drain line connection at the dishwasher and attach the drain line to the appliance.

Don't worry if some water spills out. It’s expected as each unit gets tested at the factory before it's shipped to customers.

Now is the time to crimp the clamp around the hose to secure the connection using pliers. Next, thread the drain line into the hole under the sink.

Step 3 — Place the Dishwasher Under the Countertop

After that, you want to carefully slide the new dishwasher under the countertop. Be sure to level the countertop by adjusting the height of the legs using a wrench.

Once you get the positioning right, fasten the dishwasher to the countertop with screws.

Before you move on to this step, make sure that the power is still turned off at the breaker.

Now, attach the wires of the same color then screw on wire nuts and wrap them with electrical tape.

Put the copper ground wire under the green-round screw and tighten it down.

Step 5 — Attach the Supply Line and the 'Dishwasher 90'

Proceed to attach the dishwasher supply line to the 'dishwasher 90', then tighten the connection using a wrench.

Note that new dishwashers come with all the parts you need for installation, except the 'dishwasher 90'. You'll have to buy this from your local hardware store.

Finally, it’s time to turn on the water from under the sink. Then, attach the drain line to the plumbing system and tighten the clamp around the hose.

Lastly, turn on the power at the breaker.


Install the New Dishwasher

In case your question is meant for a countertop dishwasher, here are the steps for installing one:

Place the dishwasher on the countertop and level it. Choose a spot that’s close to the sink for drainage purposes.

Remove the sink faucet's aerator and replace it with the one that came with the portable dishwasher's packaging.

Connect the dishwasher to the water supply by attaching the straight end of the inlet hose to the back of the dishwasher and the bent end of the inlet hose to the faucet. Then, tighten both ends using pliers.

Use the plastic U-bend included with the dishwasher to bend the drainage hose into a U-shape on one end, then connect the bent to the drainage pipe or sink.

Use the provided clip to attach the other end of the drainage hose to the drain port at the back of the portable dishwasher.

Turn on the water faucet and check for any leaks.

How to Install a Countertop Dishwasher

There you have it, a simple step-by-step guide on how to install a dishwasher, be it full-size or countertop.

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How To Install a Dishwasher

Prepare to Install

Disconnect and Remove the Old Dishwasher

Install the New Dishwasher

How to Install a Countertop Dishwasher

Wrap Up