Friday, February 8, 2013

How to Replace Old Dishwasher

Channel Lock Pliers®
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
Adjustable crescent wrench
Air gap 
Channel locks 
Dishwasher 
Dishwasher install kit 
Duplex electrical tester 
Electrical power cord 
Electrical tape 
Electrical wire nuts 
Flat head screwdriver 
Flash light or safe light 
Hose clamps 
Mufti-meter 
Phillips-head screwdriver 
Razor knife 
Safety glasses 
Hex head metal screws(2) 
Tarps 
Teflon tape 
Torpedo level

The Jone's family purchased a new dishwasher for their 50th anniversary. 

This post shows the thirty three steps on how to install a new dishwasher.

Step 1: Fig.1 is the old dishwasher being replaced by fig.2.
Fig.1 Old dishwasher
Fig.2 New dishwasher
Step 3: Step 2: Fig.3 shows the the steps are an aid to installing your new dishwasher. Or let a professional do the work, it is still important that you see the professional installer does the correct steps while installing the appliance. The instructions below start when the dishwasher arrives in its box to the last step when the dishwasher is being tested.
Step 3: The dishwasher should be protected in a heavy cardboard box. Check the receipt from the appliance store to make sure that the dishwasher is the correct model. Make sure that the box is not damaged. Fig.3 shows, the new dishwasher has arrived from your appliance store. If the box is damage, the box needs to be taken apart to make sure the dishwasher itself is not damaged. If the dishwasher is damaged, do not sign the receipt, contact the appliance store and have them deliver another model. If the dishwasher is not damaged proceed to the next step.

Fig.3 Boxed dishwasher
Step 4: Fig.4 shows the empty space the installer has removed the old dishwasher so the appliance delivery can pick up your old unit. 




Fig.4 Dishwasher area
Step 5: Some models come with all the parts that your installer needs, but most dishwasher do not. A dishwasher installation kit will be required purchase to install the dishwasher. This kit can be purchased at any hardware store or your appliance store.

Step 6: Once the kit is obtained, the installer needs to remove the dishwasher from its box, and remove the cardboard and wooden pallet to the trash area, or at least away from the kitchen area. A razor knife will help to cut the card board away and plastic straps.


Step 7: Fig.5 on the right shows the instruction for the dishwasher. Read the instructions, just in case this dishwasher requires special installation, for example new construction codes. If the instruction does not make sense, hire a professional to finish the job. There is no shame in doing so; lots of people hired my services that were very busy with their own businesses. 

Fig.5 Instructions

Step 8: Fig.6 shows the electrical panel is were the power needs to be turned off before the work is done in the kitchen. This will protect the installer from getting hurt.
Fig.6 Electrical panel


 Step 9: Turn off the water. The water shutoff is usually located in the garage, backyard, side yard or where the water line enters the home. Fig.7 shows the home water shut off valve, this ball valve has a yellow handle and this valve is in the off position. 
Fig.7 Water main

Step 10: The water shutoff is usually a painted red. If no water shut off exists in any of these places, your only choice is to turn off the water located on the street, usually in a cement box. Fig.8 shows the Crescent wrench and one way to open or close the valve. Using this tool is very difficult to turn off the valve.
Fig.8 Crescent 
Wrench 8-inch

Step 11: Fig.9 through fig.11 shows the steps required to turn off the main water valve. Fig.9 shows that you need to pull of the cement cover off, fig.10 shows the pushed back the valve cover, and fig.11 shows the crescent wrench on the valve nipple and turn off the water. Not as easy as it looks! 

 Note: The warehouse stores do sell the large wrench for around $50 will would make this job easier to do then the instructions above.
Fig.9 Street meter cover
Fig.10 Street meter
Fig.11 Meter
Step 12: The next step is to test the kitchen faucet to make sure no water comes out. 

Step 13: Fig.12 shows a tarp to protect the floor from scratches during the installation of the dishwasher.
Fig.12 Tarp

Step 14: Looking at the front bottom view of the dishwasher remove the four screws to the access panel. Fig.13 shows a Phillips or Hex screwdriver to remove these screws. 
Fig.13 Phillip screwdriver
Step 15: Removing the panel give access to inlet, plastic drain lines and electrical box.  
Step 16: Fig.14 shows Safety Glasses to protect your eyes. 
Fig.14 Safety glasses
Step 17: Fig.15 shows the screwdriver that will attach the plastic drain line into the air gap. Fig.16 shows the Hose Clamp at the sink plumbing. This is assumed that the air gap exist, if it does not an air gap should be purchased.
Fig.15 Phillip screwdriver
Fig.16 Hose clamp
Step 18: The stop valves are located underneath the kitchen sink. Some newer homes have a dedicated stop valve just for the dishwasher. Fig.17 shows the 6-foot 3/8 inch braided stainless steel water line that will connect the dishwasher to the hot side of the stop valves. Fig.8 shows the adjustable crescent wrench needed to tighten the braided hose to the stop valves and to the brass fitting.
Fig,17 All hoses 
through cabinet

Step 19: One end is connected to a brass 90 degree fitting and the other side is connected to the stop valves. The fitting make is easier to install the water line, it places the water line at the floor level. 
Step 20: Fig.18 Make sure to use Teflon tape to prevent any leakage. Wrap the thread of the brass inlet and the stop valves counter clock (in the opposite direction of the thread) with the Teflon tape. 
Fig.18 Teflon Tape

Step 21: Fig.19 shows an electrical duplex outlet tester. Make sure the power is off, to check this plug with the tester. If the tester lights up, you have power. Go to the electrical panel or outside and turn off the breaker associated with the dishwasher or kitchen.
Fig.19 Electrical 
tester

Step 22: The dishwasher electrical box is usually located on the right side of the dishwasher with Phillips screw that holds the box closed and the cover needs to be removed. 
Step 23: Pull off the cover; pull out the wires, green, black and white wire. Notice that the ends have been pre-spliced. All that needs to be done is to remove the rubber from the end and connect each wire to the electrical line provided in the kit.
Step 24: Some models need a separate power cord attached to the dishwasher power box. The installer will need to check to see if this model comes with a cord, or will a cord need to be purchased. Fig.20 shows a power cord with a ground for safety. 
Fig.20 Dishwasher 
electrical cord
Step 25: Twist each wire black with black and inserted the wire inside a wire nut. Fig.21 shows the wire nuts. White wire with white twisted together and inserted inside a wire nut, and the ground wire is attached inside the electrical box. When finished, plug in into the dedicated GFCI-receptacle. Some newer homes have a dedicated GUCCI-receptacle that turns off in case of water touching the circuit thus protecting the user and the appliance. 
Fig.21 Wire nuts

Step 26: At this point all the connections to the dishwasher have been done. The dishwasher should be pushed inside its cabinet, or underneath the counter top, and all that needs to be done is to level the legs of the dishwasher. 
Step 27. Fig.22 shown a torpedo level to assist in leveling the dishwasher. 

Fig.22 Torpedo level

Note: Some dishwashers have 2 or 4 legs that have a leveling foot that can be moved up or down using a wrench to help in leveling the dishwasher. 
Step 28: Now is the time to turn on the power, and water back on to the house. Testing can be easily made by turning on the faucet, if you have water, then you have turned on the meter. The power test by turning on the garbage disposal, some outlets share the garbage disposal with the dishwasher.  If not use a millimeters to test for power. Turn on the dishwasher and look for leaks. Possible leaks would be at the left side of the brass inlet and or at the plumbing area underneath the sink. 
Step 29: Before placing the front cover, make sure that the discharge hose is not kinked, and the braided stainless steel water line is at the bottom of the floor. 
Step 30: Fig.23 and fig.24 shows the bottom cover and 4-screws need to be tighten the cover screws. 
Fig.23 Nut at bottom 
of dishwasher
Fig.24 Plate bolts
Step 31: Some dishwasher have an additional step to place two Stainless Steel Screws into the wood frame, located on the top of the dishwasher, this provides additional support and prevent the dishwasher from falling forward. 
Step 32: Open the dishwasher, and remove any packaging, manuals, that still may be inside the dishwasher. 
Step 33: The last step is to run the dishwasher for a complete cycle and read the maintenance manual to learn how to use your new dishwasher.
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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

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