We’ve had to stop some of our install services due to COVID-19, so we’ve had our experts come up with some tips to help you get up and running with your tech.
Disconnecting your old dishwasher
Before you can install your new dishwasher, you need to remove your old one safely.
Step 1
Unplug your dishwasher, then disconnect the water or waste connections.
You should find the electrical, water and waste connections under the kitchen sink if it’s close, or directly behind the dishwasher.
Can’t see the connections? Skip to step 4, and return here when the dishwasher’s been moved and you can access the connections.
Step 2
When you’ve removed the water connections, you can now disconnect the waste pipe.
Make sure you support the pipework while you pull it, as it can be tight and tricky to loosen. There might also be a clamp securing things that you’ll need to remove.
Step 3
Now switch the water supply off. It’s normally a blue tap.
Make sure the tap is at a right angle to the pipe. The tap only turns 90°, and it means the water supply is now off.
Slowly loosen the pipe. You might get a small amount of water coming out. Don’t worry if that happens, but if lots of water keeps coming from the pipe, it hasn’t been turned off correctly.
You can get rid of the old water pipe as your new dishwasher will be supplied with a new replacement hose. You need to use this one – not an old one - to prevent leaks or damage.
Step 4
Pull the dishwasher out until you have easy access behind it.
Be careful when removing existing pipes, as they might be tightly connected. And even when you disconnect them, they can become stock when you pull out the dishwasher. The dishwasher might leak a small amount of water during this step, so don’t worry if this happens.
When everything’s disconnected, clean the area and get rid of any excess water.
You’re now ready to install your new dishwasher.
Installing your new dishwasher
We’ll now take you through the process of installing your new dishwasher. Please also refer to your dishwasher instructions, to make sure it’s set up in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Unpack everything
As soon as your dishwasher is delivered, carefully unpack it. Start with the outer wrapping and then remove any polystyrene packaging covering the machine.
Now check underneath, as there’s usually a polystyrene base to remove. To do this, either lift the dishwasher off the base, or tilt it backwards and pull the base out.
If you need to lift the appliance off the base, we recommend you get help. Dishwashers can be too heavy for one person to move safely.
You can now get rid of the packaging. It’s only used for protection during transport.
Now look inside the dishwasher. You’ll find a new inlet hose, instructions, and any additional materials supplied by the manufacturer.
Install the inlet hose
Before installing the new inlet hose, make sure it has a rubber seal in both ends.
You’ll notice that one end of the hose is angled, and the other is straight. Connect the angled end to the back of the dishwasher, and the straight end to the water supply. Tighten by hand to start with, then carefully tighten a little more with pliers. A quarter turn is usually all you need.
Your dishwasher might not have an extra inlet hose, as some new models come with them pre-installed. You need to connect this to the water supply, in the same way as a normal hose.
As this is slightly larger than a standard inlet hose, you might need to create a larger hole in the cupboard to the water supply.
Connect the waste and water supplies
The waste and electrical connections will normally be the same on all types of dishwashers. Here’s how to connect them…
Step1 - water
Your water connection should have a blue tap on it, indicating that it’s a cold water supply. If yours is coloured red, it’s a hot water feed.
Check your manufacturer’s instructions for the installation requirements, as the majority of machines can only be connected to a cold water supply.
Make sure your tap is in the ‘OFF’ position before disconnecting the existing hose. Tighten by hand to start with, then carefully tighten a little more with pliers. A quarter turn is usually all you need.
When the water connection has been connected, turn it on. Then check around both ends of the pipe for any leaking water.
Step 2 - waste
Now connect the waste pipe.
On the standpipe, insert the hose around half way and use the ’horse shoe’ shape clip to secure the it into place.
If you’re connecting to the spigot, check for any caps that have been fitted. These need to be removed before you install the new dishwasher.
Now push the hose securely onto the spigot connection. Your dishwasher might be supplied with a clamp. If so, secure the drain hose with it.
Completing your installation
When you’ve connected the water and waste pipes, push your dishwasher back into place. Make sure you don’t twist or trap any pipes!
Now check your dishwasher is level and doesn’t rock. If it’s not level, the dishwasher will be noisier during its washing cycle, and might move out of place. If it needs to be levelled, adjust the feet and check with a spirit level. You might have to pull the machine out to adjust the rear feet.
You can now plug your dishwasher in to the electrical supply.
It’s now installed and ready to test! Run a short cycle to remove any deposits or water before adding your dishes. During this first cycle, make sure you inspect the water and waste connections a few times, as well as checking underneath for any leaks.
Don't forget to take care of your new dishwasher to maintain the best results. Check out these tips on how to keep your dishwasher clean!
