How to Replace a Dishwasher (page 2 of 2)

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Prep the New Dishwasher
Uncrate the new dishwasher according to the instructions on the box. Once it’s uncrated, you’ll find the manuals and installation instructions inside the dishwasher. Review them before proceeding; they may differ slightly from the details we show.

Tip the dishwasher on its back and attach the 90-degree fitting. Don’t reuse your old drain hose; the dishwasher will come with a new one. To prevent dishwasher odors from entering the sink drain, be sure to loop the flexible drain line all the way up to the bottom of the countertop. Some plumbing codes require a special air gap fitting ($7) in the drain line. Call your local plumbing inspector to find out the rules.

The manual will tell you how to adjust the leveling feet and/or wheels to fit the height of the opening. It’s easiest to set these before sliding in the dishwasher. Make minor adjustments after the dishwasher is in. But if your kitchen floor is built up (higher than the area where the dishwasher sits), you’ll have to adjust the feet after you slide it into the opening. If your dishwasher is equipped with rear wheels without adjusters in the back, you may have to set shims to raise the back to the height of the finished floor. Tack them to the floor so they don’t shake loose when the dishwasher runs.

Slide the Dishwasher In and Reconnect It
Slide the new dishwasher in, grasping it by the sides to avoid denting the front panel. Set the dishwasher in position. But don’t secure it to the countertop yet. Wait until you make all connections and adjustments.

Connecting the copper water line so it doesn’t leak can be tricky. The secret is to align it so it slides straight into the threaded part of the elbow. If it’s cocked to one side, the compression nut won’t thread on right and it’ll leak. If necessary, turn the elbow on the dishwasher slightly with a wrench to align it, or gently bend copper lines about 8 to 12 in. from the end.

With the supply line, the electrical cable and drain connected, turn the power and water back on and check for leaks. Recheck the positioning, then screw the dishwasher to the countertop (some screw to the cabinet sides). If your countertop is a synthetic material or stone, and the old holes don’t line up, follow the directions listed in the manual.

CAUTION: If you have aluminum wiring, call in a licensed electrician who’s certified to work with it. This wiring is dull gray, not the dull orange that’s characteristic of copper.