How to Install an Integrated Dishwasher

Open Bosch dishwasher in white kitchen.

Installing an integrated dishwasher isn’t too different to fitting a freestanding dishwasher, there’s just some extra things to do like drilling and some special attention needs to be paid to measuring and so on. 

Before we run through the process of installing your integrated dishwasher, you need to check that certain things are in place. You should have a cabinet space set aside for your new integrated model already.

You should also have holes drilled through the side of it for electric wires, your water supply and drainage tube if it’s not going directly under your sink. Switch off the electricity supply to your kitchen as you’ll be working with wires and plan out your steps before you do them.

For instance, most models will be connected to at the bottom front of the dishwasher. So you’ll need to get your dishwasher firmly in place before you connect, but if your dishwasher is connected by the rear you have to do it the other way around. Just little things that you need to consider so you don’t get any nasty surprises or have to re-do anything. 

So, how do you install your integrated dishwasher?

How Do You Remove an Integrated Dishwasher?

If there is no existing integrated dishwasher, you can skip this section. For those that are replacing their existing integrated dishwasher with a newer model, you’ll need to remove it safely before installing the new one. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Shut off the power and water supply to your dishwasher.
  2. Unscrew any screws attaching it to the counter top.
  3. Remove any part of the cabinet that is ‘boxing’ it in.
  4. Using furniture rollers or any other mechanism which will allow you to, pull your dishwasher out from the cabinetry, it may have rollers installed to the bottom already.
  5. Remove the ‘junction-box cover’ at the back. This is where all the wiring will be. Carefully remove any wiring, tubes and so on. You’ll be disconnecting the water supply, drainage tube and any compression fittings. You may want a bucket at this stage, especially with the water supply and drainage tubes, to catch any remaining water. 

You should have a completely disconnected integrated dishwasher for you to roll away and move to wherever you want. If it was still working, consider donating it to a charity shop. If it’s not worth donating, then look into recycling it. We offer our own recycling service when you buy a new appliance from us!

How Do I Install My New Fully Integrated Dishwasher?

Before installing, ensure the water and power supplies are turned off, and you have dual outlet valve installed on the hot water supply. Provided you had dishwasher prior to this, there should already be one. If not, you’ll have to install one. Here’s our step by step guide to installing your integrated dishwasher:

  1. Connect the water supply line to your hot water supply. There should be a fixture on your valve which allows you to hand-tighten it. Don’t attach the other end just yet. 
  2. Secure the drain line to your sink’s tailpiece. If you don’t have a tailpiece already, you’ll need to install one. Ensure your drain pipe is secured above the tailpiece.
  3. Get your utility lines in place, ready for connection. 
  4. Adjust the height of the dishwasher at its feet so it’s almost level with the counter top. A small gap is recommended,a s it makes it easier to attach and leaves a gap for ventilation.
  5. Move your dishwasher into place under the counter. Try and use rollers, or put down some old towels on the floor if your kitchen floor can be scratched.
  6. Connect the other end of the water supply line to the dishwasher. 
  7. Connect the drain line to the dishwasher and secure it.
  8. Connect all your electrical wires. These tend to be colour coded.
  9. Your appliance will come with clips for you to attach to the cabinetry to secure it. You may have to drill some holes for this, or you may be able to just drive them into the cabinetry with a screwdriver.
  10. Turn your power and water supplies back on and you’re good to go!

Remember that if your dishwasher connects at the rear, you’ll have to step 5 after steps 6, 7 and 8. 

If you plan on having a door panel on the front of the dishwasher to conceal it completely, this panel is attached with screws and clips instead of the regular hinges.  

Shop our range of Dishwashers with integrated, freestanding and semi-integrated models included. With a great spread of prices, there’s options to suit any budget and interior. Free delivery in the UK when you buy online today!

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