How to connect the dishwasher – A guide

Since the installation of a dishwasher is quite simple, it is usually not necessary to hire a specialist. Nevertheless, a few details must be observed so that the device can later be used smoothly. You can find out what is important during installation and detailed step-by-step instructions on how to connect a dishwasher in the following guide.

Where should the dishwasher be installed?

The dishwasher should be installed in close proximity to the required connections. If you want to connect the dishwasher and work with extensions, there is an increased risk of water damage. It is better to plan the place for the dishwasher according to the connections that are available to you in your apartment.

The necessary connections include:

• a water supply,
• a power connection and
• a water drainage possibility.

As a rule, all these connections are available in a classic apartment kitchen. Furthermore, you should make sure that the dishwasher can be connected directly to the mains and no extension cable must be connected in between. This, in fact, favors a short circuit and, in the worst case, an electrical fire.

How to integrate the dishwasher and what should be considered when buying?

Fully and partially integrable dishwashers are available, as well as models that can be built underneath. Models that are fully or partially integrable are slid into the kitchen or kitchenette and are completely covered except for the control panel. However, there is a slight difference here from the integrable dishwasher. In this model, the controls are visible only when the door is open, because a kitchen furniture front completely covers the device. Undercounter dishwashers can be integrated under countertops, for example. The controls are visible in this variant. Before buying should necessarily measure the installation hole, so that a suitable model can be selected, which fits into the opening and takes into account the connections in the household.

What material / tool is needed to connect dishwasher?

For the installation of a dishwasher will only need a pipe wrench and a bucket that can collect excess water. If there are fastening straps, it is still recommended to additionally use a cordless screwdriver.

This is what you need to connect the dishwasher:

• Pipe wrench
• Bucket
• Cordless screwdriver
• Spirit level for alignment

How should the dishwasher be connected step by step?

Step 1: Unpacking and installation

Once the packing material has been removed, it is a good idea to check if your new machine still has a transport lock attached that needs to be removed. A look at the instruction manual can help determine where this is located and how to remove it. Usually this will be on the back of the dishwasher.

After all the fuses have really been removed, the dishwasher should be opened to remove the mounting hardware inside. But here you also need to be careful, because most devices are equipped with a lock, that is, with a child lock, so that the door can not be easily opened. You can also find out how to open the child lock by looking at the operating instructions. When attaching the dishwasher, it is important to use the protective plate, which is included with most high-quality models from the factory. This protects the worktop from moisture. This is attached with the help of fastening straps.

Once the dishwasher has been unpacked and the packaging waste has been disposed of, the dishwasher only needs to be moved to the correct installation location. As already mentioned, it should be ensured that at the desired installation type all the important connections are available and that they are located in the immediate vicinity of the machine, so that it can be connected without any problems. Suitable tools in the form of a pipe wrench and cordless screwdriver should already be at hand.

Step 2: Tightening the main water connection

The first step is to close the main water connection. To test whether this is really closed, you can simply turn on the water at the faucet. If no more water flows, the supply has been successfully interrupted.

Step 3: Connect the water supply pipe

Now you will need the pipe wrench. Under the sink is usually a valve that connects the faucet to the supply line, because otherwise the dishwasher can not draw water. At the valve is also at the same time the connection for the water supply hose of the dishwasher. This is connected quite simply by screwing on the connection with the pipe wrench. Since water may well escape during this process, a bucket should be placed under the connection beforehand to catch the excess water. Finally, simply screw the cap back on with the pipe wrench.

Step 4: Connect the waste water hose

Now the waste water hose of the dishwasher is connected to the waste water drain. A so-called plug connection is usually used here, so that the slip-on connection only has to be plugged on. Then everything is fixed with a hose clamp.

Step 5: Connecting the power supply

Then it’s on to the power connection. In the immediate vicinity of the connections, there is usually also a socket. Simply insert the plug of the dishwasher into the socket. Done. If there is no socket, a professional should lay a new cable. Extension cords are not an option here, as they are a source of danger and can cause a short circuit or scorching.

Step 6: Test run

Before continuing with the test run, all connections should be checked again.

• Does the display light up?
• Is the main water tap turned on again?
• Are all connections tight?

If everything is in order, the test run continues. This can be carried out either with or without dirty dishes. Select a normal dishwasher program without special features. During the rinsing process, you should always take a look at the connections to make sure that everything is tight and that no water is leaking out.

Step 7: Final installation

If the test run could be completed without any incidents, it goes on with the final installation. After all the connections have been connected, then the dishwasher can be moved to its final place.

When aligning the dishwasher, it depends on what type of device it is. This has already been explained earlier in the text. In this connection, it is also important that the dishwasher is properly adjusted. Floor-standing appliances usually have rotating feet, which can be used to adjust the height of the appliance accordingly. You should use a spirit level to ensure that the machine is stable and straight.