Did you know that the cost of installing your new dishwasher isn’t always included in its final price? If you’ve taken a virtual or real life visit to a home improvement store, you’d know that the appliance installs need DIY skills. And dishwashers, which are among the most useful household appliances, aren’t an exception.
So, here we are to help you figure out the dishwasher plumbing in the absence of a professional service.
Before you can start connecting your new dishwasher to the existing plumbing, there are a few things to take care of.
*Please keep in mind that the installation should correspond with the Building Code of Australia. This states that water pipes and power points can’t be installed in the same under-sink cabinet as a dishwasher.
Most dishwashers employ either an NM circuit cable, which directly runs into the wire connection box on the unit. These are referred to as “hard-wired” dishwashers. Or, they may use a basic cord that fits into any wall outlet.
This means that the drainage pipe, power outlet and water lines should ideally be installed in an adjacent cabinet. And the required hoses and pipes are connected to the unit through an opening between the two cabinets.
This is a relatively easy process. All you have to do is connect the water inlet valve (located on the dishwasher) to one end of a braided steel tube supply line. For this purpose, you will need a dishwasher 90-a dedicated brass attachment. And the other end of this line should be connected to the shutoff valve of a hot water supply line.
The good news is that most dishwasher installation kits come with both the attachment and the supply connection line, so you don’t have to buy them separately.
Last but not least, connect the drain hose to the drain trap located under the sink according to the plumbing codes of your area. A successfully installed drain hose will keep the dirty wastewater from re-entering the dishwasher, which is why it’s either attached to the sink outlet or garbage disposal.
When it comes to putting in a dishwasher, there are a few things to keep in mind. From the tools needed, to the necessary steps, our experts have provided a brief overview. All of which comply with the corresponding Australian standards.
This helps you make your dishwasher installation hassle free!
Take a look at the below:
The plumbing and electrical connections are generally placed behind an access panel. And this panel is placed on the front bottom side of the unit. Hence, it may be a good idea to make these connections while keeping the dishwasher lying flat on its back on the floor.
Once you remove this panel using the screwdriver, you will have access to the electrical housing.
Now, carefully insert the provided power cord through this housing so that the green wire connects to the green grounding screw. Likewise, the black wire should connect to the black tip and the white one should connect to the white tip. Use the wire connectors and nuts to secure these connections and replace the housing.
Start by installing the dishwasher 90 attachment on the water inlet (solenoid valve). For this, apply some pipe joint compound to the threads on the attachment, place it on the inlet and tighten its position by twisting it. You may even use the pliers or wrench to ensure that it’s fully fitted.
Then, take the water supply tube and attach its coupling nut to the attachment using the pliers.
However, be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may damage the threads of the coupling nut and, in turn, the connection.
Straighten the dishwasher so that its front side is facing you and push it inside the under-sink cabinet. Use the opening on the sidewall of the cabinet to position the plumbing and electrical connections in the next cabinet.
If the dishwasher comes with an adjustable base or feet, you can decide its height according to your convenience.
Once you have decided on the position and height of the dishwasher, open its door to get to the mounting brackets. The installation kit should also come with screws that will help you fasten it to the frame of the cabinet.
As the next step, connect the free end of the water supply tube to the shutoff valve under the sink and turn it on to check for potential leaks.
Simultaneously, check the other end of the connection (attached to the dishwasher) to ensure that there are no leaks. If you notice any, use the pliers or the wrench to tighten the joints, but don’t turn them aggressively. Otherwise, you may break the fittings.
This involves attaching the drain hose to the dishwasher, by following the plumbing regulations in your area.
For instance, some regions may require you to attach the drain hose to the air gap fitting on the countertop, while others may mandate looping it up and securing it under the sink.
Finally, plug in the unit and test it by running a full cycle to ensure that the water inlet and outlet are functioning properly.
*Please note that this provides rough guidelines for install instructions. And may vary based on the model chosen.
Truth be told, dishwasher plumbing can be both challenging and tiresome! Especially if you aren’t familiar with DIY plumbing tasks.
In that case, we’d suggest calling trained and licensed professionals. They not only ensure the safe installation of your dishwasher, but also have the knowledge to meet the necessary standards.
We understand that dishwasher installations can be hard to navigate. Rest assured, All Day Plumbing is here to help! Our team has provided a range of seamless appliance installations. Leaving you with a kitchen appliance install designed to last.
From the beginning to end, trust our commitment to transparency. We’ll ensure you remain informed, promptly address concerns, and detail all the costs involved. Which is why, we’re trusted by residents Sydney-wide for meeting different plumbing needs.
