Your dishwasher needs a power supply, water supply, and a drain. It’s essential to ensure the electricity is shut off (at the circuit breaker) and the water supply is turned off at the valve under your sink. Next, readjust the dishwasher feet to ensure a flat and stable fit. Finally, connect the power cord via the front access panel.
Remove the Cabinets
It’s important to empty your cabinets and clear the kitchen of any items you may not want to keep. This will make it easier to remove the cabinets from your home. It’s also a good idea to use protection for your floors and countertops to prevent damage and scratches by removing the cabinet doors and hardware during the design process. You can label the hardware in plastic baggies to know which cabinet it belongs. This will also make it easier for dishwasher installation Maryland. Next, you will need to remove your base cabinets and the countertop. You can do this by pulling on the first cabinet and then removing it. Then, remove the screws that attach the cabinet to the wall. Do not damage the wall by prying too hard or hitting a stud. Also, disconnect the water and drain hoses from under the sink.
Remove the Countertops
Removing the countertops is a good idea to prevent damage if you’re retrofitting a dishwasher to an existing kitchen. The most important thing is a pry bar, designed to help lift the countertop without damaging the base cabinets. Also, you’ll need a drill or hole saw to make a 100 x 150mm hole in the cabinet where the tap connection will be located and some sealant to protect your benchtops from steam and water damage.
You’ll also need to turn off the water supply line at the shut-off valve (usually under the sink) and drain the sink by turning on the faucet and keeping a bucket nearby. Finally, clear everything off the countertop and store it somewhere safe. This will make it easier to work on the project. Hiring a professional may be a good idea if you’re unfamiliar with how to do this.
Turn Off the Water and Electricity
A dishwasher can be a tremendous labor-saving addition to your kitchen. It also saves water and energy because it runs only when complete. However, improper installation can lead to leaks that damage your countertops and cabinets. This is why it’s worth hiring a professional to get the job done right the first time. Before beginning the work, turn off the power to the dishwasher at your circuit breaker box and the water supply valve under your sink. Then, use a wrench to disconnect the existing hot-water supply valve and install a new three-way shut-off valve with two branches: one for the dishwasher and one for the sink. Next, carefully lay the dishwasher on its back and remove the front access panel so that you can make the electrical connections. Connect the power cord, drain hose, and water supply line and extend them from the sink cabinet through the hole in your countertop to that piece on the back of the dishwasher.
Remove the Old Dishwasher
When you’re sure the water and power are completely off, it’s time to start removing your old dishwasher. Before doing so, put a bucket or bowl underneath the drain line to catch any water that may spill. Then, loosen the clip or clamp holding the hose and pull it away from the sink. Disconnect the drain hose by tracing it to where it ends beneath the cabinet — it often connects to an air gap fitting mounted under the sink or to a nipple fitting on a garbage disposal or sink tailpiece. If so, loosen the nut or screw connecting the hose and detach it. Use a voltage detector pen to ensure no power is running through the dishwasher’s electrical wiring. If there is, shut off the breaker box again and call a licensed electrician to replace it. Once the electrician has installed the new circuit breaker, follow the dishwasher’s instructions for reconnecting the water, drain, and electricity.