How to install a dishwasher/complete instructional video

You will learn all kinds of things for installing a dishwasher if you choose to sign up for this video course. I will also be showing you how to install a dishwasher without using &/or installing an air gap that is perfectly code approved.

We didn't want an air gap on the nice new counters that were installed in the Kitchen. If you already have an existing air gap on your countertop, that's ok as I will discuss & go over some options for that too.

I hope to see you sign up for this course!

Which dishwasher should I get? Good question...yes which one SHOULD you get? Well you will be the one to make that decision but what I can tell you is there will be a slight sticker shock when you go to the hardware store to see how much they cost!

Don't fret. Just remember you will be saving money on the dishwasher install portion of the project since you won't be paying a professional plumber to install it. That's why you signed up for this course remember?

Now before you go to the hardware store I want you to do something. Stand back & look at your existing dishwasher. Do you like the looks of your existing dishwasher color wise? Does the dishwasher blend in with the existing color conditions of your kitchen? Would you like to change the color of your dishwasher so it matches all your other kitchen appliances such as the microwave, oven/stove, refrigerator, sink faucet colors?

Taking a picture with your cell phone of your old dishwasher & surrounding kitchen area might be a good thing to do so when you go to the hardware store it will give you a better perspective of what color you would like to look for on a dishwasher.

All dishwashers are created equal somewhat since all dishes will wash your dishes so why the difference in price per manufacturer? Who knows! Just keep your head up & reel in those numbers as you walk down the aisle so you can start projecting what you think you are willing to spend for a new dishwasher.

Maybe they might have one that they are discontinuing to order & they might have a few in the back they want to get rid of so ask. Maybe they have a few slightly damaged/scratched ones in their warehouse that they would be happy to give you a discount on so ask. Maybe they are going to have a sale soon on their dishwashers so ask.

Speaking of costs let's for a moment think about your existing dishwasher & deciding whether or not you might want to consider keeping &/or fixing your old dishwasher for example. Is there something that could be fixed on your existing dishwasher that might change your mind about replacing it with a new one?

How old is your current dishwasher? If your dishwasher is getting up there in age then you might not want to spend good money after old money, meaning do you really want to spend $250 dollars or more to fix a 30 year old dishwasher when you could use that money towards a new dishwasher? Now the new dishwasher will cost $250 less than sticker price is you don't spend that $250 on your old one...is the thinking here. If your current dishwasher is only 5 to 7 years old however, you will then have to ask yourself why you want to replace it. Maybe you should have it serviced after all...if it makes sense cost wise.

Plus if you spend say $250 on your old dishwasher to fix whatever was the issue, then there's really no telling when the next thing will break down on your 30 year old dishwasher that will again need to be fixed...see what I mean?

Here's something to think about as well. If you were to decide upon spending your hard earned money on a new dishwasher, the new dishwasher will be an energy style dishwasher & will be more efficient than the ancient one you have. You may even save a few bucks on your electricity bill too.

Did you also know that in some cities & or counties you might be able to get a rebate? You would have to do some digging here by contacting your electric company & ask them & they might be able to shed some light on the matter & yes you would then need to fill out some paper work & send in a copy of the receipt etc. but hey you might get $50 to $75 dollars back for the purchase of your new dishwasher. It's worth a shot to find out since I know there are rebates for certain things like old window mount ac units, microwaves, refrigerators, washer & dryers, & such. So maybe there is a rebate program in your area for dishwashers too.

Check it out.

As for tools needed in order to install a new dishwasher...you probably already have them. You're not going to need many.

You might need some cutters like electrical wire cutters, tin snips, drywall knife, hand drill, Phillips screw driver, pliers, small crescent wrench, the basics. Nothing special. If you happen to need to run to the store to pick up a tool or two, just know that down the road you will be using your tools more often for other DIY (do it yourself) projects to save you more money around the house. You are now investing in yourself.

Will you need someone else to help you install your new dishwasher? Probably not as I will show you how you can install it on your own but if you would like a helping hand, it could make it a little easier but not needed. Just make sure to protect yourself with a back support brace I always use & a knee pad maybe.

The important thing to remember when jockeying the dishwasher around is you don't want to scratch up your existing floors so the dishwasher I'm installing I installed some heavy paper down on the floor first. This is when it might be helpful if you have someone assisting you with the install if you don't want to purchase something to put down on your floor for example. Get creative.  Just don't scratch or mark up the floors.

Now are all dishwashers created equal with the install? Most dishwashers will get installed about the same but of course maybe some will have 4 legs & some will only have 3 so the install will be slightly different. Really? Some coming with only 3 legs? Yes.

The one I will be showing you how to install happen to come with just 3 legs. There will be 2 legs (or two wheels that can be adjusted for height in the front), & one leg in the back center that you can raise up & down using an allen wrench adjustment screw located at the front middle of the dishwasher after you slide the dishwasher into the hole. Kind of slick how that works. Do all dishwashers now days have just the one leg in the back like the dishwasher I installed? Not sure!

In the old days there use to be 2 legs in the back where you could slide the dishwasher into the hole then get on your belly & raise or lower the back legs with a crescent wrench or pair of pliers or tilt the dishwasher forward so you could turn the legs with your hands. Some dishwasher brands you might still need to do it that way. Of course there will be directions that come with any new dishwasher so read the directions & anything I don't cover will be in there I'm sure.