Changing Your Dishwasher On Your Own Is Easier Than You May Think
Whether your current dishwasher is no longer reliable or you're renovating your kitchen and are looking for a more contemporary look, buying a new dishwasher may be a priority for you. When you lug the heavy machine home, you might contemplate calling a plumber to hook up the new dishwasher. This is certainly a good idea if you're completely overwhelmed with the idea of basic household projects, but you can also consider doing this job yourself — and keeping your plumber's phone number handy if you need it. This task is easier than you might think. Here's an idea of how to do it.
Remove The Old Machine
The process of removing your old dishwasher is straightforward. Start by turning off the electricity and water supply to the kitchen. Then, check for the two clips on the upper front edge of the machine that hold the dishwasher in place under the counter. Apply downward pressure on the clips and slide the appliance forward just enough so that you can access the electric and water hookups. Unplug the power cord and use a pipe wrench to loosen the water hookup. Because the water line will have some water in it, place a thick towel beneath it when you loosen the nut. Disconnect the drain line, which runs from the machine to the pipes beneath your sink. Once you've performed these steps, you can completely pull out the dishwasher and dispose of it.
Hook Up The New Machine
Hooking up your new dishwasher isn't as daunting as it may seem. Slide it to the front of the hole but leave enough space that you can reach behind the machine to access the electric and water hookups. Attach the water hookup by connecting the water line with the new machine's hookup by tightening the nut. Run the drain line to the correct pipe hookup beneath your sink and then plug the new dishwasher in. Gently slide the machine into place, pushing down on the upper clips until the dishwasher slips under the counter. Use a wrench to twist the adjustable feet, as necessary, to raise or lower the machine and get it level.
Test The Machine
Turn the water and electricity back on and check the lights on the front of the machine; they should light up. Run a rinse cycle and watch carefully to make sure no water leaks appear beneath the appliance. If you've performed the above steps correctly, leaking should not occur. If you notice water, though, shut off the machine and call your plumber.
For a plumber, contact a business such as Action Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.