How to Install a Dishwasher

If you've just purchased a new dishwasher but aren't sure how to install it in your home, don't worry. We're here to help. In this article, we'll run you through the dishwasher installation process step by step so you can get your new appliance up and running without delay.

Throughout this guide, we'll be showing you how to install an integrated dishwasher, but the process should be fairly similar for most makes and models of dishwashers. If you have a washing machine that needs installing instead, however, check out our washing machine installation guide.

Let's get started! To learn how to install a dishwasher step by step, either watch the video or read our dishwasher installation guide below.

Before diving right in, you'll first need to know how to prepare for your dishwasher installation. Clear the space in which your dishwasher is going to be fitted, and also make sure the cavity is large enough to actually fit your new appliance.

Then, there are three things you will need to install your new dishwasher; a power supply, a water supply and a drain. For the power supply, you will need to make sure a power socket is within reach for your new dishwasher. This could mean passing the cable into an adjacent cupboard or storage unit where there's a socket available.

You will most likely find the water supply beneath the sink. To connect your dishwasher, first, turn the water supply off, then screw one end of the cold water hose onto the water supply.

You will then need to pass the cold water hose out of the cupboard to connect it to your dishwasher. There will most likely be a hole in the cupboard beneath your sink to allow hoses to be fed in and out of the unit.

You can then screw the other end of the cold water hose onto the back of your dishwasher.

With the cold water hose connected, turn the water supply back on just to check that the hose is properly connected and there aren't any leaks.

You can now feed the drain hose from the back of the dishwasher through the same hole in the cupboard. Pull the hose through until you have a decent portion of it inside the sink cupboard.

Then slide the dishwasher back into the cavity, making sure you don't catch any of the pipes or hoses as you do so.

Now you can pull any of the remaining drain hose through into the cupboard and prepare to attach it to the drain spigot beneath your sink, as pictured below.

Let's unscrew the spigot and take a look. If you're installing your dishwasher for the first time, it's likely that the drain spigot will be blocked off at one end. It may be at the end which is conical, meaning you will need to cut it so that it's the right thickness for your drain hose.

It may also be blocked at the other end by some kind of cap, in which case you'll need to remove the cap.

Once the spigot is completely clear for water to pass through, you can screw the spigot back onto the drain connection.

We then recommend attaching a drain hose securing clip (also known as a jubilee clip) to the end of the drain hose. This will ensure it stays in place when you attach the drain hose to the spigot, as well as ensure it doesn't leak when you use your new dishwasher.

It's also important to position the drain hose as high as possible inside the sink cupboard. This will stop water from the sink from draining into the dishwasher. So, if you are getting this problem, just reposition the drain hose to a higher position.

Finally, to finish, don't forget to adjust the dishwasher's feet so that it's level with the rest of the cabinets... and then you're done! That's all there is to installing a new dishwasher in your home.

Now that you've got your new appliance ready to go, why not make sure you're using it as efficiently as possible too? Our dishwasher energy-saving tips will help you make the most out of your appliance in the most cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.

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