Owning a dishwasher is great because it saves you from having to wash dirty dishes by hand. But what happens when your dishwasher stops working? If you don't know how to repair it, you'll probably end up spending hours cleaning up a mess. Time which could be better spent on other
kitchen renovations. And even if you do know how to fix it, there are some things you should consider before doing so.
1. Think about why you need a change
First off, let's talk about why your dishwasher stopped working in the first place. There are several reasons why a dishwasher could stop running, including a clogged drain, water leaking into the unit or even power issues. To determine exactly what caused your dishwasher to break down, check inside the door and under the bottom panel where the racks sit. Look for signs of leaks or damage. Some common problems include broken seals around the pump, cracked plastic panels or loose wiring. If you're unsure, take it to a local appliance store. They'll be able to tell you what needs to be done without having to open up your kitchen.
2. Make sure you have enough space to work in
If everything checks out fine, it might just be time to replace your dishwasher. The process of installing a new dishwasher isn't difficult, but there are some things you'll want to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly. First, make sure you've got enough space to install the new appliance. You don't want to end up with a cramped kitchen because you didn't plan ahead. Also, take note of where the electrical outlets are located, so you know how to route the power cord.
3. Turn off the power as well as the water supply
If you want to disconnect a dishwasher without causing damage to the machine, there are a few things you need to know. First, make sure you're turning off the power, not just the hot water. You'll also need some tools, like pliers or a wrench and a blanking disc or cap. Start by unplugging the old dishwasher from the wall. Next, turn off the water supply valve. Finally, take everything apart. If you don't have access to a toolbox, you can use a screwdriver or even a butter knife. Once you've got everything out of the way, carefully place the old appliance on the floor. Then, flip over the sink. Now, put the plug into the drain. Remove the plug, and pull up on the cord. When you're done, wipe down the inside of the dishwasher with a clean towel.
4. Prepare the area properly
Once you've determined where the new dishwasher needs to go, start preparing the area. Replacing a free-standing dishwasher is a relatively simple process, but replacing one that's integrated will be rather more complex. Remove anything that could interfere with the installation, such as cabinets, appliances, flooring, etc. Then, disconnect the circuit breaker box from the wall, turn off the water valve and drain the pipes under the sink. Finally, cut out the hole for the dishwasher, if appropriate.
5. Think about your circuits
If you're connecting a dishwasher to an existing circuit, you'll need to ensure that there isn't another device already serving that circuit. If you find yourself dealing with multiple circuits, it might be worth having one of those circuits replaced with a single one feeding both the kitchen and the dishwasher.
6. Connect the wiring with care
Next, connect the wires. Start by turning off the electricity and opening the cabinet doors. Disconnect the existing wire bundle and pull out the individual wires. Next, attach one side of the new dishwasher to the receptacle, and use tape to secure it. Repeat the same steps on the opposite side. Once both sides are wired, reconnect the circuit breaker box, turn on the water supply, and test the connection. If there's no problem, you're ready to put the dishwasher into place.
7. Carefully mount the dishwasher in the correct position
Now it's time to mount the dishwasher. First, find the mounting holes on the bottom of the appliance, and drill pilot holes into the countertop. Attach the dishwasher to the wall with screws, and tighten each screw individually until the dishwasher is securely mounted. Finally, plug in the dishwasher, fill the reservoir with hot water, and enjoy clean dishes again.
For some people, installations can seem a little complicated, but with the right basic tools and the correct electrical hookups a freestanding dishwasher or built-in dishwasher installation can be achieved with a minimum of stress. Remember to use the correct plumbing connections and power cable, and in no time at all you'll have sparkling clean plates once again.