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How Long Does It Take To Install A Dishwasher

Installing a dishwasher

One of the more frustrating parts of being a homeowner is when appliances start to break down. They are never cheap and in many cases, you are better off with a replacement over a repair. Once your home inspection has been completed and you are made aware of what appliances are needed, you should price match at your local hardware stores.

Get a variety of prices and see which dishwashers have the best ratings. Now that you have selected your dishwasher and setup your delivery date, you can ask the following question. How long does it take to install a dishwasher? Typically, you are looking at an hour to hour and a half to install a dishwasher.

Let’s take a look below at what tools are needed and the steps that it takes for a successful installation.

Removing the dishwasher.

What Is Involved

Every project that your home needs requires tools. Here are the tools that you will need for a successful dishwasher installation.

  • Tape measure – used to measure out the space that the dishwasher is going to fit in.
  • Dishwasher installation kit (containing dishwasher 90 and new supply line) – purchased when you purchase your dishwasher at your local hardware store.
  • Hose clamps – needed to lock your drain hose in place.
  • Wrench – needed to tighten your plumbing connections.
  • Electrical tape – needed for electrical outlet plug connections.
  • Screwdriver – needed to secure paneling on the dishwasher and installation of all parts.

How Long Should It Take

When it is time to install a dishwasher, the process can take an hour to complete as it all depends on what your needs are. If you are moving the old dishwasher out and using the same sized washing machines then a hole is already created. Just slide out the old dishwasher under the counter top, then disconnect it, and slide in the new one. Lastly, it will go under the counter top and then you will connect it.

This shouldn’t take more than an hour. However, if you are needing to do a first time installation, carving out a niche might take some time. Measuring the hole and making sure that the new dishwasher fits can be time consuming.

Replacing the dishwasher requires specific steps.

What Are The Steps

Depending on what you read, the steps for replacing a dishwasher can vary. Some break it down in a few extra steps, whereas others might keep it short and sweet. Let’s take a look at the steps regarding the plumbing and electrical.

  1. Turn off the water and power – you will want to turn the breaker off in your breaker box. Also, turn the hot water valve to your water supply to the off position. It is located under the sink.
  2. Placement – if you are swapping out dishwashers then a section is already cut out of the cabinet. If you are installing a new dishwasher for the first time, then measuring and cutting will be required.
  3. Instructions – make sure to read the manufacturer instructions. They are pretty clearly written and assures you have no missed steps.
  4. Drain Hose – remove the dishwasher from the box and place it face down so that you can see the drain hose underneath. The drain lines and drain hose need to be connected. Take the cap off the drain line connection and attach to the drain hose. Then, use a small hose clamp to secure the drain hose to the drain line.
  5. Water Line and Dishwasher Elbow – connect the dishwasher 90 elbow fitting to the dishwasher water line or valve that is located under the dishwasher. This will keep your water line flat and not put it into a bending situation. You should now have the water connector, drain line, and dishwasher elbow connected.
  6. Electrical Connect – if you already have wires from an existing dishwasher find the wires from your junction box, uncap the wires and slide them through the wire nut or sleeve that holds them in place. Connect the matching colored wires with each other and use your electrical caps to tighten the wires together. Use electrical tape to make sure the caps are secured. Lastly, connect the copper ground wire with the green nut on the dishwasher. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the nut and then wrap the copper ground wire around the nut and re-screw the nut in place. Finally, re-connect the junction box.
  7. Drain Hose – you can now reconnect the drain hose. This is going to be a connection under your sink. Since you already fed the drain hose through the cabinet opening, you can now connect it to your sinks tailpiece or garbage disposal.
  8. Test and Secure – now you will turn the power back on, open up the hot water valve and test your connections. Make sure that all is secured. Run your dishwasher through a cycle to verify there are no leaks and everything is running smoothly.

How Much Does It Cost

The average cost of installation and purchase can vary based on the type of dishwasher that you are installing and how much your handyman charges per hour. A low-end economy dishwasher can cost you $200 to $500. The mid-range dishwasher runs about $500 to $1,000, plus. Then the high-end stainless steel dishwashers can cost you over $1,000. These prices will vary based on the model that you have purchased and what is involved with the actual installation.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While you install your dishwasher, you will want to keep an eye on the plumbing of your sink. In some cases, the sink trap can become clogged while you are testing out your new dishwasher installation. If the sink trap is leaking then the timing could not be more perfect. You already have a handyman or master plumber present who could swap out or do a deep clean of your sink trap.

Next, while you are in and around your sink area, this is a great time to tighten up your kitchen sink faucet. Making sure that everything associated with your dishwasher is in good working condition is important. Use this time to complete the necessary repairs in and around your sink and dishwasher.

Lastly, don’t forget to address any issues with your garbage disposal. Anytime you have a garbage disposal clog that leaves standing water, you will want to address it before utilizing your new dishwasher. Check all pipes and plumbing that are connected to your dishwasher prior to running your first dishwasher cycle. This way any clogs don’t cause a drain issue for your dishwasher.

When Do I Call A Professional

The moment you have determined that a new dishwasher is needed, you should call on a professional to assist. In some cases, when you purchase a new dishwasher, the company will send a professional who can disconnect the old dishwasher and install the new one. If this is not the case, then use your local home inspection team to come out and give you a full assessment of your appliances. After you have purchased your new dishwasher, then you can call the referred master plumber or professional handyman.

Conclusion

An incorrect dishwasher installation could end up costing you a lot of money. The electrical and plumbing must be done the right way or you could end up damaging more than the dishwasher. Get a local recommendation from your home inspection team. Not only can the home inspection team identify other repair needs, but they can also refer a reputable plumber or professional handyman. Reach out to Atkinson Inspection Services in Altamonte Springs & Surrounding Areas in Central Florida.