How to install a dishwasher

Step 2: Remove the current dishwasher (if applicable)

Before you uninstall your current dishwasher, turn off the electrical power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker and cut the water supply to the appliance. Once water and electricity have been successfully shut off, unplug the dishwasher from the outlet and disconnect the water supply lines and drain hose. Use a towel, shallow pan or bucket to catch any excess water that may be leaking out of the drain hose.

Next, remove the screws that anchor the dishwasher to your cabinets and countertop. Using a screwdriver, remove the front access panel below the dishwasher door and adjust the leveling legs in each corner to make removal of the dishwasher easier. To protect your floors from scuffs and scratches, place a bath towel or a large piece of cardboard in front of the dishwasher before you begin to pull out the appliance from the cabinet opening. Slide the old machine onto the towel or cardboard and move it out of the way before installing the new dishwasher.

Step 3: Prepare the new dishwasher for installation

Open the cardboard box that your appliance arrived in and remove shipping materials. Save a large piece of the cardboard for the installation process. Open the dishwasher door to remove any styrofoam or wrap from the interior. Set aside any parts or tools packaged separately inside the box. 

With the help of at least one other person, tilt the dishwasher on its back. Then, remove the front access panel. If your model has a drip tray, disconnect the tray sensors. Route the power cord through the terminal box and connect remaining wires per product manual instructions. Attach the drain hose to the drain port, then route the drain hose and power cord underneath the rear legs of the dishwasher.

Step 4: Attach water supply to dishwasher

Attach the 90 degree elbow fitting onto the water supply line and connect the fill hose to the valve located on the bottom of the dishwasher and tighten by hand, then tighten an additional ¼ to ½ turn with pliers. Do not apply Teflon tape or thread sealer to the water valve threads. Make sure the rubber washer is present inside the water hose fitting. Route the water supply line towards the rear of the dishwasher.

Step 5: Level and adjust the height of the appliance

Measure your cabinet opening height and adjust your dishwasher’s rear leveling legs to match. Use a level to ensure leveling legs are even, as dishwashers require level placement for proper water drainage.

Step 6: Move the dishwasher into place

With the help of at least one other person, tilt the dishwasher upright onto a large piece of cardboard and move it towards the desired location. Route the power cord, drain hose and water supply line through the sink cabinet. Avoid backwash from the sink’s drain by securing slack in the drain hose to the backside of the cabinet under the sink. Make sure the hose arches higher than the drain inlet. Slide the dishwasher into the cabinet opening.

Step 7: Secure the dishwasher to your cabinets and countertops

Attach anchor brackets to the top of the dishwasher collar on the left and ride side, then slide the dishwasher back until the exterior is flush with the surrounding cabinet doors. Check the levelness along the top edge of the dishwasher with a level and adjust the front level legs as needed to ensure legs are firmly against the floor. Once level, screw in the anchor brackets to secure the dishwasher in place.

Step 8: Connect hoses and power to dishwasher

Following your product manual’s instructions, attach the water supply line to the hot water line and turn on the water at the shut-off valve. Connect the drain hose to the drain port, then plug in the power cord. If the dishwasher has a drip tray, reconnect it.

Step 9: Run a dishwasher test cycle

To check for leaks or other performance issues, run a test cycle on your new dishwasher. Test cycle instructions vary by model, so be sure to consult the testing instructions provided in your product manual. Once your dishwasher has passed its test cycle, attach the front access panel, making sure the side with printing on it faces the dishwasher, and peel off the protective plastic lining from the exterior.

Dishwasher installation FAQs

Before you get started on your dishwasher installation, discover the answers to some frequently asked installation questions.

How hard is it to install a dishwasher? How much experience do I need?

It is recommended to have a moderate level of experience working with plumbing and electricity to install a dishwasher without professional help. You may want to consider hiring a professional if you have never installed a large appliance before or if you don’t have direct access to your desired installation location.

How much does it cost to install a dishwasher?

Depending on what needs to be done to install your dishwasher, installation can cost anywhere between $200–$500. Installation prices increase if you need to modify plumbing, wiring or countertops to successfully install the dishwasher, as these modifications require professional assistance. Keep in mind that installation costs can also vary depending on your location.

What hookups do I need for a dishwasher?

New dishwashers require water supply, drain line and power cord connections for installation.

Do dishwashers come with a water supply line?

Most dishwashers come with a water supply line, but this can vary by make and model.

Can I get help with installing a dishwasher?

If you’re not comfortable installing your dishwasher yourself, Whirlpool offers professional delivery and installation services for most major appliances that can be scheduled upon checkout.