Introduction

This step-by-step guide shows you how to swap out your old dishwasher and make the new water, drain and electrical connections.

Getting Started: How To Install A Dishwasher

Dishwasher installation isn’t terribly challenging. In most cases, you won’t need any special tools or skills.

Most dishwashers are 24 inches wide, so you won’t have to alter cabinets to get the new one to fit. If you change sizes, you’ll have to alter your cabinets. This requires more advanced carpentry skills that we won’t show here.

You may find extra layers of flooring raised the floor height in front of the old dishwasher. This can make it difficult to remove the old one and install the new one. In some cases, you may need to loosen the countertop or remove flooring. Consider consulting a dishwasher installation professional if you don’t feel confident about the best strategy.

Get a blanket, an old rug or cardboard to protect your floor while you work. Gather two adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver, a tape measure, a pair of pliers and a level. You’ll also need a shallow pan, bucket, sponge and rag to collect water that will drain from the lines when you disconnect them.

Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the main panel or unplug it under the sink. Also, turn off the water to the dishwasher at the nearest shutoff valve, usually the hot water one under the sink. Or shut it off at the water heater.

Consider removing the cabinet doors from your sink base to make disconnecting the drain lines easier.

Caution

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