dishwasher install?

Question

Is installing a dishwasher into a kitchen that doesn't have one currenly a big task?

Answer 1

If I were doing it for a customer, it would probably be $500 or more.

Much depends on the individual situation, particularly the cabinetry. You have to make space; this is typically cabinet modification. That might be fairly easy, if for example you had a prefab cabinet set with a 24" module right next to your sink. More likely it will require some custom work and refinishing.

In addition, you need an electrical circuit, prefereably a dedicated one, a water connection, which is spliced in under the sink to the hot water line, and a discharge line which also goes under the sink, and typically dumps into a port on the dishwasher.

Answer 2

If have a garbage disposal it has a stem on it that is the drain for dishwasher you need a shut off on your hot water line under your sink hook a no burst hose to it and on the dishwasher a power outlet with a switch if you have garb disposal you may have the outlet already a 24" hole in your counter and some dirty dishes

Answer 3

Standard size for a residential d/w is 24" x 34" if you have a 24'' cabinet in close proximity to the kitchen sink, use that space to install d/w. the cabinets are usually screwed into the countertop at several locations from underneath. The screws can be reached by removing top drawers, opening cabinet doors and look carefully for the screws. To get the existing cabinet out, you will probably have to remove several screws along front to allow room to slide cabinet out, as well as screws into wall and possibly into neighboring cabinets. Be careful of front "kick plate" while removing cabinet, it may have to come off all the way across, and be cut to allow for d/w

It does require a dedicated 20 amp circuit, and can be hard-wired or have a receptacle installed in back wall to plug into. Hard- wired is easier, just leave enough wire to slide d/w in and out.

water and drain connections can be run through cabinets by simply drilling from point A to point B most d/w pumps state that they will pump up to 12 feet.(use a paddle bit that is of sufficient diameter to allow water and drain lines in one hole.(keep in mind that drain hose end is larger than the hose itself, so factor that in. I drill an 1 1/4" hole to make it easier to get lines in and out. Also, run drain line through first, it will make the job a little easier. Lines have to be pulled through as d/w is slid back into place.

It is true that there are kits sold to make the water connections, and some of these are pretty good, I would just reccommend that you use one that has copper tubing rather than plastic to feed the d/w as this line will be always under pressure, and I've seen poly tubing split and cause big damage.

Use a chrome or copper dishwasher tailpiece for your under-sink drain connection.( the water discharged from the d/w will be quite hot, and will eventually take its' toll on a plastic tailpiece.

The only water fitting that may not come in the kit is a
3/8"mip x 3/8" compression 90 degree brass ell. This threads right into the female threaded fitting on bottom of d/w. (Hold back on fitting attached to d/w as you thread this fitting in)

after water connections and electric are hooked up the d/w has to be leveled and screwed into counter top with SHORT screws provided with d/w. D/W is leveled by holding a pocket level (torpedo level) to front edge where door meets d/w face. This should be done with door open. The d/w legs are adjustable, and should be screwed in or out to level front to back and side to side. Check clearances on sides and top before screwing into counter.

if you are pretty mechanically-inclined, you can do it yourself, if not, hire someoe to do it for you. for an experienced guy it should take @ 3-4 hours if all goes fairly well.

Answer 4

Depends on your skill level and your cabinets. The most difficult parts will be making a place for it inside the cabinets and running electricity to it (needs its own 120 volt circuit). The plumbing is very easy because several kits are made to make that part of it a snap.

Answer 5

it can be....you will need eletric installed where the dishwasher will go... as far as the water and drain hook up... thats easy as long as its next to the kitchen sink.. so to answer your Q ... no its not a big or exspensive deal at all

Answer 6

yes.............Call a plumber and a Mr. Fixit man