Make short work of dirty dishes with an undercabinet dishwasher.
Installing a dishwasher can help improve the efficiency of your kitchen and also add value to your home. These appliances work by taking water from your home's water supply, mixing it with detergent and spraying it over your dishes, removing food and other debris. Because dishwashers need three connections to work--water, power and sewage--one of the best locations for a dishwasher is underneath your kitchen counter, next to your sink. To install an undercabinet dishwasher in this spot, plan carefully so that everything is done right.
Instructions
1. Measure the undercabinet space and make the appropriate changes, if necessary. Installing an undercabinet dishwasher will usually require the removal of any drawers or cabinet doors. Use a saw, hammer and chisel and screwdriver to make the needed changes.
2. Run an electrical line to the dishwasher location. Connect it to a free circuit at the main junction box. If you don't have a free circuit, have a professional install one for you. Dishwashers use a lot of power, and should be located on their own circuit. Turn off power to the circuit once it is installed.
3. Turn off the water supply underneath the sink. If this connection doesn't have a dual supply valve, install one. Remember to turn off the water at the main (which is usually located near the street) before installing a dual supply valve. Wrap the free outlet on the supply valve with plumber's tape.
4. Connect the water supply hose to the dual supply valve. Thread the coupling hand-tight at first, then an additional turn with the adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.
5. Attach the drain hose to the sewer inlet underneath the sink. This could either be a sink trap or garbage disposal, depending on your installation. Secure the hose in place with a compression clamp.
6. Move the dishwasher adjacent to the undercabinet space. Remove all packing materials. Remove the bottom front plate, located just underneath the door. This will allow you access for wiring and plumbing.
7. Hook the free end of the drain hose to the drain outlet at the back of the dishwasher. Secure with a compression clamp.
8. Install the dishwasher beneath the counter. Adjust the legs to ensure that it is level.
9. Connect the new circuit wire to the terminals on the dishwasher--black to black, white to white and bare copper wire to the ground terminal. Secure with wire nuts and electrical tape.
10. Connect the water supply hose. This usually involves first fastening an elbow joint to the dishwasher and then connecting the water supply hose, but can vary depending on your model. Use plumber's tape on the threads of all connections.
11. Secure the dishwasher in place, using the installation brackets.
12. Run a test load. Turn on the power for the circuit at the main breaker and the water on beneath the sink. Do not add detergent or dishes to the dishwasher. As the machine runs through the cycle, watch the hoses for leaks. Tighten any couplings if necessary.
13. Replace the front plate on the dishwasher.
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