Expert Dishwasher Install In Toronto

Expert Dishwasher Install in Toronto: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a dishwasher can seem daunting, but with some good measurements, the right parts, and a few tools, it can be a straightforward process. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing a new one, understanding the steps involved in a dishwasher installation, and buying a few key parts, is crucial for a painless and happy setup. Here’s a comprehensive guide to an easy and expert dishwasher install in Toronto homes.

Replacing an Existing Dishwasher or Is It A New Install?

Existing dishwasher? You’re in luck! It should only take you an hour or so. But, before you begin, measure the existing dishwasher and the opening to make sure the new unit will fit. Width and height. Now you’ll have to pull the unit out. It is most often fastened under the countertop. Or, on the sides. If it’s not fastened under the counter, then open the door and look for screws that go through holes very close to the front edge of the dishwasher where the door closes.

Once it’s free, carefully pull it out from under the counter. Make sure you don’t scratch the floor! Check if the unit is plugged into an outlet and unplug it. If it has a plug, then check to see if your new unit comes with a plug. It probably won’t, and so you’ll need to remove and keep the old plug with the wire from the old unit. Or, you can buy a new one. You can also remove the old wire connector/grommet on the dishwasher’s metal electrical box. You’ll need that piece for sure.

Next, go under the sink and turn the hot water shut off valve off. Then look under the dishwasher and remove the water supply line with a small adjustable wrench. Maybe have a towel to sop the water up that may leak out. Then grab your locking pliers or groove joint pliers, or maybe vice grips, and remove the brass 90 degree fitting that the water line was screwed into and which is connected to the dishwasher. If the washer is in good shape, you can reuse this 90 degree fitting too.

Stay down there and take your vice grips and now remove the drain hose. There is usually a metal clip that you squeeze and then work the drain off.

Now connect the wire connector and plug wires in the dishwashers electrical connection box under the dishwasher. You have to unfasten and remove the cover of the box first. Then connect the drain line using the vice grips. Then connect the water line brass 90 fitting and then the water line to the fitting.

Plug the dishwasher in and carefully push the dishwasher under the cabinet. Level it and then fasten it under the counter or through the sides.

Then go back under the sink and open the shutoff valve for the hot water. Check for leaks and then run a cycle and test for leaks again. Congrats! You’re done! You can now say you completed an expert dishwasher install in Toronto.

Not convinced? Book us today. Click the book button, pick a day and time, and in the appointment notes mention that it’s an existing dishwasher replacement. It normally only takes us an hour to install it.

New Install? The first thing is you have to make sure you have a kitchen cabinet space that properly fits an oversized, standard dishwasher, or a smaller compact 18 inch dishwasher. Measure the width depth, and height. Consult the rough in specs for the new unit you are interested in. And, please keep in mind the distance for the drain line. Standard drain/discharge lines are only 6 feet long. So, a spot that is next to the sink or two sections over will be fine. Further away, and you can find longer discharge lines, but the maximum distance is really just 10 feet (consult the dishwasher specs to make sure) because the dishwasher pump has to work too hard over longer distances.

Next, and just as important, is you need a 15 amp circuit (check the dishwasher specs because some units require 20 amps) with a wire that goes into the cabinet space. If not, you’ll need to hire an electrician to run a wire and install a circuit. If you have the space and the wire, you’re in luck! You are now on your way to an expert dishwasher install in Toronto courtesy of you, the handy homeowner!

Now that you know that the dishwasher install can happen, and you know the dishwasher specs, you can prep the install by drilling holes for the drain line and water supply line. You’ll have to drill 1-1/2” holes through the cabinets to fit the water supply line AND the drain hose. You can also attempt to remove the cabinet kick plate and go under the cabinets. Make sure the hole/s are sanded smooth.

You’ll also need to do some parts shopping. A new dishwasher usually only comes with a 6 foot drain hose. So, you’ll need to buy and add a hot water supply line. The easiest way to do this is to also buy a Brass-tee adapter 3/8 x 3/8 x 3/8 x 3/8-in. Turn your hot water supply shut off valve to the off position. Use an adjustable wrench to put the retro fit valve tee on. Now you have a spot to screw the sink’s hot water line AND the dishwasher’s water line using the existing shut off valve. The other fairly quick option is buy a SharkBite Dual Outlet Stop 1/2 inch x 3/8 inch x 3/8 inch which has two water supply connection fittings. This way all you have to do is turn the main water shut off, let the water drain, and then cut the old valve off. Sand the cooper pipe to a shine, and then push the dual SharkBite brand shutoff valve onto the copper pipe. Then reconnect the faucet’s supply line and ALSO the new dishwasher supply line (7’ is probably best for most installs). Hand tighten and then use an adjustable wrench and turn both half a turn.

Next buy a drain tail piece with a dishwasher drain fitting to attach the new dishwasher’s drain/discharge hose. If the existing one is plastic, buy a plastic one and swap it out. If the existing tail piece is metal, buy a metal one and swap it out. Make sure you use the proper plastic tail piece washer.

Now that you’ve taken care of the drain and the water supply shutoff valve and water supply lines, you can start making the dishwasher connections. I forgot to mention earlier that you can flip the dishwasher on its back to make the connections easier. This is truly turning into an expert dishwasher install! Keep going!

Remove the dishwasher electrical box cover, install the wire connector (important so the wire doesn’t get cut or worn down), pull the plug wires into the box and fasten the wires as per the instructions. Next, grab vice grips and connect the brass elbow on the water supply outlet and then attach the water line to it. Lastly, grab the vice grips, squeeze the metal clip, and work the drain hose onto the drain. Right the dishwasher. Then connect and fasten the other end to the kitchen tale piece drain with the supplied hose clamp. Ensure that the hose is elevated to prevent backflow issues. You can use a 12 inch section of old wire to screw in a loop up in the cabinet to hold the drain line up as high as possible.

Plug it in, level the dishwasher, carefully push it under the cabinet and fasten as per the instructions. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Then run a cycle and check for leaks. Congrats! You’re done. Life just got easier! You just completed an expert dishwasher install in Toronto.

Not convinced? Or you don’t own a drill, a 1-1/2” drill bit, vice grips, screw driver, or adjustable wrench? Book us today then. Click the book button, pick a day and time and in the appointment notes, mention that it’s a dishwasher install with no previous hook up. It normally takes us 3 hours to install a new set up. But, you CAN DO IT!

Conclusion

Dishwasher installation really doesn’t have to be a daunting job. By following these steps, you can successfully install your dishwasher and enjoy the amazing convenience it brings to your kitchen and to your life.

Of course if you live in the west end of Toronto and don’t want to tackle the dishwasher install yourself, we can happily install it for you. High Park Handyman has skillfully completed many expert dishwasher installs in Toronto neighbourhoods!

Book us today for expert dishwasher install in High Park, dishwasher install in Roncesvalles, dishwasher install in Parkdale, dishwasher install in Bloordale Village, dishwasher install in the Junction, dishwasher install in Runnymede, dishwasher install in Bloor West Village, or a dishwasher install anywhere in West Toronto.