Believe it or not, you can actually reduce the amount of energy that you use by installing a new, energy efficient dishwashers. If you have a dishwasher that was manufactured before 1994, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA, you can save over $30 a year in energy cost by replacing it with an Energy Star Rated dishwasher. Energy Star Rated dishwashers use 41 percent less energy than conventional model dishwashers and use 75 percent less water than washing dishes by hand does. Considering the fact that 18 percent of your utility costs comes from heating hot water, 75 percent reduction in water consumption brings about an additional savings. With Energy Star Rated dishwashers you can save even more money by avoiding the Rinse-Hold, the Pre-Rinse and the Heat-Dry cycle settings opting for the Air-Dry Cycle instead. If you already have one of those older models, all you have to do is switch it out with the new, energy efficient one but for the sake of this How To Guide I’m going to assume that you will be installing the dishwasher where no dishwasher went before.
Installing a built-in dishwasher is a relatively easy project for even a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer. There will be a little carpentry work involved as well as some electrical and plumbing work but nothing that the average home handy person can’t handle easily. Let’s begin by taking a look at the tools that you will need.
Tools and materials needed to install a built-in dishwasher where none was before
· A reciprocating power saw
· 7 ¼” Circular saw
· Drill/driver
· Hole saw kit with ½”, ¾” and 1 ½” hole saw bits
· Claw hammer
· 2 foot level
· Tape measure
· Philips screwdrivers
· Flat blade screwdriver
· Utility knife
· 10” Channel-Lock™ (Slip-Joint) pliers
· 8” Crescent Wrench™ (adjustable wrench)
· 10” Crescent Wrench™
· ¼” nut driver
· 3/8” nut driver
· Small tubing cutter
· Wire cutter/strippers
· Flash light or work light
· Torx T15™ screwdriver
· Shallow pan
· Rags
· Teflon plumbers tape
· 90° elbow with external 3/8” N.P.T. (National Pipe Threads) on one end and external threads to fit your water line on the other end.
· “T” fitting
· #10X1/2” wood screws
· Small wire nuts
· Waste “T” connection kit
· Dishwasher water hook up kit
· 20 Ampere appliance whip
Preparing the rough opening for the dishwasher
Most dishwashers require a rough opening that’s 24” wide, 34” high and 24” deep. The best place to locate the dishwasher is right next to the sink. The required rough opening width can be achieved by removing two adjacent cabinet doors. After removing the cabinet doors you will have to cut out the cabinet shelves and the “Toe-Kick” to achieve the required height and depth. If possible, remove the shelves and cut them down as needed using the circular saw, if they aren’t removable cut them out with the reciprocating saw. Also use the reciprocating saw to cut the “Toe-Kick” and other framing out with the reciprocating saw. This space should be free of all intrusions.
The electrical hook up
The dishwasher should be supplied by a dedicated 110 Volt, 20 Ampere circuit that is GFCI protected. If you need information on GFCI circuits and how they work, read my Factoid on that subject. The dishwasher can be plug and cord connected with the plug acting as the disconnecting means required by the NEC. If necessary hire a professional electrician to pull the required permits and run the circuit for you. If you feel competent to do it yourself feel free to do so, just remember that if you want to be completely legal that you will have to pull the permit and get the required inspections. Install the appliance whip (Cord and plug) at this time too. Once the wiring has been installed and inspected you are ready to continue.
Install plumbing
· Using the drill/driver with the hole saw attachments, cut holes in any partition separating the dishwasher location from the sink.
· Shut the hot water feed off where it exits the floor or wall and then disconnect the line going to the sink faucet.
· Tighten these connections carefully with you adjustable wrenches holding the valve body securely with one while tightening the fitting flange nuts with the other. Care should be taken so as to not damage the solder joint or the copper pipe inside the wall or floor.
· Install the “T” that came with the dishwasher plumbing hook up kit between the cut off valve and the faucet line. Attach the dishwasher feed line to the center connection on the “T.”
· Install the dishwasher drain adapter between the sink basket and the “trap.”
· Attach the dishwasher drain hose to the drain adaptor using the hose clamp
· Attach the feed line and the drain lines to the dishwasher
· Turn the water on and check for leaks on the feed side
· Plug the dishwasher in and run it through it cycles empty while checking for leaks on the drain side
· Check the dishwasher with the 24” level to make sure it’s level from side to side and front to back. Use the adjustable feet to level it as needed.
· After everything checks out, slide the dishwasher in place and secure it to the underside of the countertop
· Install the face trim and you’re done.
Dishwashers come with detailed installation instructions but I have attached the pdf file for a Kitchenaid installation manual which is typical of all major brand manuals.
