Person installing a dishwasher

How to Install a Dishwasher: A Step by Step Guide

By Asher B In blog No comments

After you’ve finished up with the family dinner, there is nothing better than tossing your dirty dishes into the dishwasher, rather than standing over a sink and washing them yourself. If you have not had the pleasure of owning a dishwasher or have an older one that needs replacing, you may be wondering how hard it is to install a dishwasher.

To give you all you need to know about home appliance installation if you are installing a dishwasher for the first time, here is our Boss Plumbing guide for dishwasher hookup.

Does a Dishwasher Need to be Installed by a Plumber?

While you don’t need a plumber to install a dishwasher, it’s often a good idea to leave this type of home appliance installation to a professional plumber from Boss Plumbing. Since there are various types of dishwashers you can have installed in your kitchen, such as built-in or drawer, almost all makes and models have different installation procedures that must be followed to the letter. If you are not quite sure you have the plumbing skills needed for the job, leave connecting the dishwasher to us here at Boss Plumbing.

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Decided to Go DIY? Here’s What You Will Need

If you do think at least initially that you have the DIY plumbing expertise to handle a dishwasher installation on your own, you’ll need to get your game plan together before you get started.

First, expect it to take the entire day, so plan accordingly. Next, you’ll need some basic tools from your toolbox. These should include:

  • two adjustable wrenches
  • a screwdriver
  • pliers
  • tape measure
  • a level

Also, since you will be draining water from water lines, have a bucket, sponge, and some rags or paper towels to clean up any water that spills during the job.

Finally, since you will be on the floor most of the day, use an old rug or blanket to not only keep you comfortable, but also to protect your floor from getting scratched or otherwise torn up.

How to Install a Dishwasher by Yourself Step by Step

Once you have all your tools and have worked up your nerve to get started, begin installing your dishwasher by taking the following steps:

  • Step 1: Turn off power and water to the dishwasher.
  • Step 2: Remove the front panel of the dishwasher, use voltage tester to determine power is off, then disconnect electrical cable and water lines.
  • Step 3: Attach a 90-degree fitting valve to your new dishwasher. Do this by tipping the new dishwasher backwards.
  • Step 4: Do not reuse your old drain hose, but rather the new one that comes with the new dishwasher.
  • Step 5: Adjust leveling feet on the dishwasher so that it fits into the opening.
  • Step 6: Hook up water lines and electrical cables, then slide into place.
  • Step 7: Turn it on and check for leaks or other issues.

When to Call a Plumber

When you get into the installation of your dishwasher, you may at some point realize you took on more than you can handle. Should you get your dishwasher installed but it keeps on leaking, doesn’t come on as you expected, or is making noises of which you are not familiar, don’t keep trying to figure out what is wrong.

By doing so, you may actually make the problem worse. Instead of doing this, put down the wrench, pick up your phone, and call Boss Plumbing.

Plumber installing a built-in dishwasher

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Dishwasher?

When you decide to have your dishwasher installed by a professional plumber, the good news is that it won’t bust your budget. In the U.S., the average cost to purchase and install a dishwasher is just under $1,000. 

Labor costs associated with installing a dishwasher across the U.S. average between $100-$300, depending on customer location, the level of difficulty associated with the installation, and other factors.

How Long Will it Take to Install a Dishwasher?

When a pro from Boss Plumbing installs your dishwasher, it can often be done in less than one day, with most installations typically only taking one-half day. Of course, if unexpected problems arise or if your home appliance is unique in certain ways, the installation process could take a bit longer. Nevertheless, you will know that once your dishwasher is installed by Boss Plumbing, it will function exactly as you expected.

Get in Touch with Us Today

Rather than only hope you can install your dishwasher and have it work perfectly from the first time you turn it on, get in touch with us today here at Boss Plumbing. When you do, you’ll get the highest levels of experience and customer service, along with installation costs that are very affordable. When you want the best plumbers in Los Angeles, call on Boss Plumbing.