Plumbing Tips When Replacing Your Dishwasher

Replacing your dishwasher is a relatively simple kitchen repair project that takes just a few hours of your time. Many handy homeowners can do the job themselves, but if you have any doubts about your plumbing abilities, it’s worth hiring an experienced plumber to do the job right.

First, measure both your existing and replacing dishwashers to make sure that the new appliance will fit in your cabinet space without alteration. You may have difficulty getting that old dishwasher out of the cabinet space if the floor in front of it has been built up over time. If you find this is the case, you will either have to remove some flooring or loosen the countertop.

Make sure to turn the electric power off, either at the main panel or unplug the old appliance, and turn off the water at the nearest shut off valve. Disconnect the electrical cable and water line underneath and behind the front panel of the dishwasher.

When removing the 90-degree fitting on the water supply line, remember to put it on the new machine in exactly the same manner so that the water feeds correctly. Remove the drain line under the sink and slide the old machine out of the cabinet. You may need to lower the feet, or hacksaw them off, to get the old machine out of the cabinet.

Reconnect the 90-degree fitting. Be sure to loop the new drain line all the way up to the countertop to avoid backup of sink clogs into the dishwasher. You will need to consult with your local plumbing professional as to possible code requirements of a special air gap fitting in the drain line. Slide the new dishwasher into the cabinet and adjust the feet for proper fit. Reconnect the water supply line and electrical cable; turn the water and power back on, checking for leaks.

 

Fixing Dishwasher Leaks

If water is discovered on the floor under or in front of your dishwasher, the first question that needs to be asked is: Where is the water coming from – inside the appliance or from the plumbing attached to the appliance?

If water is leaking out of the dishwasher door seal while the appliance is in operation, then you may have a problem with the appliance. It may be that the door isn’t latching properly or that the seal has been compromised in some way. Liquid dish soap intended for use in a sink can affect the seal of a dishwasher if it somehow gets inside. Dish soap should not be used when rinsing dishes to place them into your dishwasher, for this reason. An appliance repairman may be needed to determine if the dishwasher is repairable or should be replaced.

If the water is coming from underneath your dishwasher, it is likely to be coming from hoses attached to your dishwasher or the water supply line or water inlet valve for your dishwasher. The seals or connections may have become corrupted and in need of repair or replacement. To determine the source of the problem, the dishwasher will need to be pulled out of its placement underneath the countertop to examine these water connections. This needs to be done carefully so as not to damage the plumbing or wiring connections for your dishwasher.

When the water appears to be coming from underneath the dishwasher, a call to a professional plumber would be in order. If repairs are needed to the connecting hoses, they will be able to handle these with ease and ensure that the leak will not be reappearing the next time you run the dishwasher.

Save Money and Energy Washing Dishes

According to the Department of Energy, the largest cost involved in washing dishes comes from the energy used to heat the water.  You can save energy and money on dishwashing by reducing your hot water usage.

Many people prefer to wash dishes by hand to save hot water.  However, dishwashing by hand can waste hot water, especially if you let the hot water run while washing and rinsing the dishes and wash dishes several times a day.

The most energy efficient way to wash dishes is to use an energy efficient dishwasher and running it only when it is fully loaded.  When choosing a new energy efficient dishwasher, be sure to compare capacity as well as energy usage ratings.  A lower capacity dishwasher may have a better energy efficiency rating, but if you have to run it more often you will end up using more water and energy than you would with a  larger capacity dishwasher.

A booster heater can make your dishwasher more energy efficient.  Booster heaters heat up the water entering the dishwasher to the recommended temperature for cleaning.  Dishwashers equipped with booster heaters are a little more expensive than standard water heaters, but they allow you to turn down the temperature on your water heater without sacrificing the performance of your dishwasher.  The added cost of a dishwasher equipped with a booster heater is typically offset by your energy savings in about a year.

For additional energy savings, look for a dishwasher that allows you to choose shorter cycles for less heavily soiled dishes and look for the Energy Star label.  For best results, your new dishwasher should be installed by a reputable kitchen repair plumber.