What do you need to connect a dishwasher?

Immediately after purchasing their first dishwasher, newbies often think they can forget about dirty dishes forever. However, this isn't true, as first you need to properly connect and install the appliance, which requires more than just the contents of the dishwasher kit. Connecting the dishwasher to the water supply and sewer system requires a whole host of additional tools and consumables, which we'll cover today so you're prepared for all the preparatory work.

How many tools are needed?

A very common misconception is that to install a dishwasher you only need to buy the dishwasher itself. In fact, for installation you will need at least an adjustable wrench, although not for working with the plastic nuts on the hoses, which can simply be damaged by the wrench. The key is also needed in a situation where you have to organize a place for your "home assistant" with your own hands:

• or connect a tee tap with a ¾ inch thread;
• or arrange an outlet for the inlet hose.

You'll also need a flathead and Phillips-head screwdriver, which you'll need to remove the fasteners for the inlet and drain hoses, as well as to securely tighten the clamps. A screwdriver will also come in handy if you've purchased a special drain trap with a drain outlet for your dishwasher, which you'll need to install in place of the old trap under the sink.

Consumables

While the list of necessary tools for DIY dishwasher installation is straightforward, consumables are much more complex. The fact is that even for the most basic dishwasher installation, you'll need:

• ¾ inch tee tap;
• plumbing FUM tape;
• mounting tape for plumbing;
• clamps.

If the machine is located far from a water supply, you will need to purchase either new long hoses or tools to extend the hoses – a coupling and an extension. And if there is no power supply connection point near the dishwasher, then it must be installed according to all the rules, that is, using a moisture-resistant socket, a circuit breaker, and a wire of the appropriate cross-section, most often 2.5.

Finally, you must have access to the sewer system, which requires a separate tee for installation in the sewer pipe branch. A rubber seal must be inserted into this tee before connecting the drain hose to prevent the hose from slipping out during drainage.

If you're not completely confident in your abilities, it's best to call a service center specialist with professional training and experience installing any household appliances, who will help you connect to all utilities.

Thus, installing a dishwasher is truly a simple process, easily handled by yourself without calling a professional. However, this only applies if all the necessary conditions for installation and initial setup have been prepared in advance—including properly arranged water, sewer, and electrical connections. The same applies to the list of tools and consumables—if you already have everything on the list at home, there won't be any problems. Otherwise, you'll have to rush to the hardware store with an extensive shopping list.

   

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