How to Install a New Dishwasher in an Old Home
- 1). Measure the space next to the sink on both sides to determine where a dishwasher can be installed. Look for a space of at least 24 inches. Check to see if the cupboards can be moved around to make room or if there is a 24-inch cabinet that can be removed.
- 2). Bring electricity to the site by hiring an electrician, or if you have experience, by installing the wiring yourself. Realize that old houses with old wiring need special care in this regard, because they were not wired to accommodate many electric appliances. You might need to upgrade the panel before installing a dishwasher.
- 3). Unwrap the new dishwasher from the packaging, and set it in front of the spot you have prepared for it. Slide it in place and make sure it fits before you start making the connections. Slide it back out to make the electrical and plumbing connections.
- 4). Connect the wires from the wall to the wires in the dishwasher, matching the colors and connecting them securely with wire nuts and electrical tape. Stuff them back into the connection box and close the cover.
- 5). Drill three 1 1/4-inch holes in the back of the side wall of the cabinet adjacent to the sink for the water supply line, the drain pipe and the wiring.
- 6). Attach the water supply line to the piping under the sink. Hire a plumber if the original pipes do not have a supply line for a dishwasher under the sink, because the old pipes might have to be cut and replaced. Measure all pipes before purchasing your connections, because 3/8-inch water pipe is not always used. Screw an elbow onto the pipe coming out of the dishwasher, making sure it points to the back. Connect your supply line to the elbow and through the cupboard hole to the supply line under the sink.
- 7). Connect the drain pipe to the outlet on the dishwasher using a hose clamp, tightening it securely with a screwdriver. Thread the pipe through the hole in the back of the cabinet, and then clamp it onto the dishwasher drain inlet on the sink drain pipe using a hose clamp. Hire a plumber to refit the plumbing under the sink if there is no inlet installed. Lift the drain hose up so that it forms an upside down U, and screw it in place to the back of the sink wall using a cable clamp.
- 8). Slide the dishwasher into its space. Open the door to make sure it doesn't scrape the bottom of the countertop, although it should fit snugly. Adjust the leveling feet to keep the dishwasher straight. Screw the top of the dishwasher into place using two wood screws to secure it to the underside of the countertop.
- 9). Turn on the electricity to the dishwasher and the water supply valve. Run the dishwasher through a cycle to make sure there are no leaks or problems.
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