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Common dishwasher installation concerns

 

Raised kitchen floor: hardwood floors, linoleum or tile has been placed in front of the old dishwasher.  These floors are usually installed on top of the old floor and thus stand higher than the old floor on which the dishwasher stands.  Due to cabinet height restrictions and the new floor, the old dishwasher may have to be cut out.

Damaged subfloors: A floor or subfloor that is warped or decomposed due to a previous water leak may prevent the new dishwasher to be properly leveled and stabilized.  It is recommended that the old floor be cut out and replaced.

Electrical:  If electrical does not reach the new dishwasher’s electrical box or does not have a ground, we are required by local codes to either run a ground or extend the electrical by placing a separate junction box.

Plumbing:  If the old dishwasher had been hard plumbed, we need to cut the old plumbing and replace it with flexible water lines as the old fittings will most likely not line up to the water intake of the new dishwasher.  If the old dishwasher does not have a separate shut off valve we need to install a valve under the sink (we usually make this an option).  If the old water line is kinked or looks somewhat deteriorated it needs to be replaced.  If the old drain hose is hard and the new dishwasher does not come with a new drain hose, replacement is at additional cost.

Metal cabinets:  If the old dishwasher is part of an old metal cabinet kitchen set-up, it may prove quite difficult to remove it.  It is not unusual to find the old dishwasher bolted or welded to the metal cabinets.  Normally the nuts holding the dishwasher to the cabinets cannot be reached and are rusted, somehow we must make access to these nuts and then either remove or cut them, depending on the extent of rust.  If a welding process had been used to fasten the dishwasher to the cabinets, then we have to cut them out.

Portable dishwasher: If the old dishwasher is a portable dishwasher it may need to be cut out, especially if the original side panels have been left in place.  Plumbing and electrical connections will most likely have to be modified.

Dishwasher Dimensions

A dishwasher’s cutout dimension delineate minimum and maximum opening size requirements; it is the empty cabinet cavity housing the dishwasher.  The overall dimension is the dishwasher’s measurement from side to side and top to bottom. When the cutout is larger than the overall, the dishwasher will have gaps and when the cutout is smaller than the overall then the dishwasher will not fit.  Generally, the cutout opening must be at least 24” deep, 24” wide and 34” high from top of floor to underside of the countertop. Refer to the manufacturer’s actual specs.

Although most dishwashers have standard dimensions, it is important to measure your existing cabinet opening to ensure your new dishwasher will fit.  Cabinet openings will vary, especially if you have had floor and/or countertop remodeling done.  If you do not have the necessary clearance, please contact your local retailer or us to discuss options.

A service call will be assessed if an appliance cannot be installed due to insufficient clearance.  Please measure your cabinet opening before our technician is dispatched to your home.  Thank you!