Dishwasher Installation

Improper installation of a dishwasher can affect washability, cause leaks and drain problems, and even lead to unnecessary expenses. These are some of the most common mistakes we see and tips on how to avoid them!

Flooring

When having new flooring installed throughout your kitchen it is important to have the flooring installed under all appliances, but especially dishwashers since they are built-in. Oftentimes, we see new flooring has been installed up to the dishwasher, but not under. In some cases, this causes inadequate space to remove the unit from the cabinet, which is necessary for replacement and many repairs. This unfortunate mistake often adds extra cost and inconvenience to the homeowner in the form of flooring and/or cabinetry work that is necessary to make the unit accessible.

Another reason to have the flooring installed under your unit is leaks. Recessed flooring underneath units can allow leaks to go unnoticed until serious secondary damages have been caused.

Whether you are DIYing your new flooring OR if you are hiring a contractor, make sure that it is installed under your appliances!

Mounting

Another common mistake we see when installing dishwashers is improper mounting, sometimes even damaging the dishwashers in the process.

The preferred method of mounting dishwashers is to secure them to the underside of the countertop using the provided mounting brackets. In some cases, a mounting block may need to be secured to the countertop to allow for the screws.

If countertop mounting is not an option, dishwashers can be installed from the side, but need to be done properly to prevent issues. Some units have recessed holes for screws to be placed through the side walls, but if not, you will need to use a side mounting kit. Dishwashers should never be installed by screwing through the tub. Doing so can cause functionality issues and even irreparable damages.

Drain Hose

We often get complaints about dishwashers leaving standing water in the bottom of the tub causing a foul odor. Many times this is caused by inadequate placement or installation of the dishwasher's drain hose, that has allowed backflow into the tub from the kitchen sink.

Under the sink the dishwasher drain hose will port into either your drain pipes or your garbage disposal. At some point, the drain hose itself needs to be higher than wherever it connects to the drain port. We recommend securing the hose to your pipes or cabinet with a zip tie. This is called a check loop, and will prevent any water from flowing back into the dishwasher.

Also, if you will have your dishwasher drain into the garbage disposal, you will need to remove the knock out plug from the disposal's drain port. This plug is there to prevent leaks from the sink in the event you do not have a dishwasher. But it will also prevent the dishwasher from draining if it is not removed.

By following manufacturer and model specific instructions when performing any appliance installation, you can be sure to prevent these and other common mistakes! If you are hiring a contractor to install your appliances, or do any home repairs, we always recommend making sure it is a reputable company with insurance, experience, and knowledge!