Replacing Your Kitchen Dishwasher

Mix water, moving parts and wear and tear and you get a dishwasher replacement project. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace your Dishwasher.

Cost Factors of Replacing Your Dishwasher

No doubt the biggest factor in the project cost of replacing your dishwasher is the cost of the appliance itself. Dishwashers come in all types, sizes and finishes from economy to designer. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your dishwasher.

• Removal of the old dishwasher
• Delivery and installation of the new dishwasher
• Replacing drain lines (if applicable) and the material costs
• Hauling away and disposing of the old dishwasher

Removing Your Old Dishwasher

Follow the steps below to remove your existing dishwasher. It's a good idea to have a few bath towels on hand when disconnecting water lines.

• Turn off your power and waterTurning off your power is a good idea although you can also unplug the unit if it is plugged into the wall socket. Make sure your water is turned off at the main source.
• Disconnect the drain lines from your sinkDo not remove them at this point, your drain lines may be re-used if they are still in good condition.
• Disconnect the water line from the sourceThe water line is usually connected underneath your sink. Disconnect and do not remove as this line may be re-used as well.
• Disconnect the electricalYou can usually access the electrical cords by removing the dishwasher door and toe kick. Unscrew and remove these items and then disconnect the electrical wires. Leave them as they may be re-used.
• Disconnect the drain and supply lines from the dishwasherLeave the drain line and water supply line in place.
• Remove the dishwasherYour dishwasher is usually mounted to the cabinet or countertop. Remove the mounting screw and slide out your dishwasher.

Installing Your New Dishwasher

Follow the steps below to install your new dishwasher

• Inspect your old drain and water linesNow is the time to take a look at your drain lines. If they are old or have cracks you will want to replace them. If they are in good condition you can re-use them. When in doubt replacing your drain lines will give you peace of mind when it comes to future leak potential.
• Re-connect the drain and water linesFollow the directions that came with your dishwasher. To make sure the connection is water-tight, use Teflon tape on the threads to the joints where your lines connect.
• Re-connect your electrical wiresSecurely re-connect your wires. Take extra caution to connect the right wires to each other.
• Move your new dishwasher into placeAs you slide your new dishwasher into its place you will want to feed the drain lines back under the sink while also looking for a good fit under the cabinet or countertop. If there is too big of a gap you can adjust the legs of your dishwasher for a better fit. Once in place, secure the dishwasher to the countertop or cabinet with the attachment on top of the new dishwasher.
• Re-connect water lines and electrical under the sinkRe-connect the lines and electrical as they were with your old unit. Once finished, turn back on the water and power.
• Test the applianceRun a cycle and check for leaks. Check both under the sink and around the dishwasher. If everything is good, you can attach the toe-kick on the front of your dishwasher and you are done!

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