Updated July 2024 by Joe Rantino
Installing a dishwasher yourself may seem like a fantastic way to reduce costs, but there are important reasons why you should always use a professional Sydney plumber for the job. Avoiding the cost of minor plumbing jobs might be very appealing, but it can end up costing you much more in the long run. You need to understand the implications of DIY dishwasher installation before getting stuck in and doing the job yourself.
If you’re simply replacing an old dishwasher with a new one, the installation can be quite an easy process. However, there are some hazards to be aware of before you connect a dishwasher in your kitchen. In many cases, engaging a plumber for your appliance installation in Sydney is the simplest way to protect your investment and avoid DIY dramas.
Here’s what you need to know.
Installing a Dishwasher for the First Time
Your new dishwasher will likely come with everything it needs to connect to the appropriate household plumbing and electrical fittings. However, this assumes that you already have the correct set-up in your kitchen.
Modern life without a dishwasher seems unthinkable – and most new kitchens are built with a dishwasher cavity and the plumbing and power points necessary for installation. However, if you live in an older home with an unrenovated kitchen, there may be no existing set-up for a dishwasher.
To connect dishwasher appliances in your kitchen, you need:
- A power point to plug the appliance in
- A water line
- A drainage line
If these are not currently present in your kitchen, you’re legally required to use licensed tradespeople to carry out the installations. The power point requires an electrician and the water and drainage lines must be installed by a licensed Sydney plumber.
Still thinking about giving these installations a go? Not only will you be risking a huge fine, but the combination of water and electricity means if you make a mistake, the consequences can be life-threatening – literally.
Specific Dishwasher Fittings for Optimal Performance
Before you connect a dishwasher in your kitchen, you want to ensure that the necessary fittings and valves are all present.
These include:
- Mini stop tap: allows for easy connection of the water hose, without turning the water off at the main.
- Pressure limiting valve: ensures that the correct pressure of water is fed into the dishwasher. Most appliances have a maximum pressure that they can handle, and a pressure-limiting valve prevents water pressure fluctuations that can cause a blowout. Without this valve, the appliance may work less efficiently and have a shorter lifespan. In addition, installation of this valve is typically a mandatory requirement for retaining the warranty.
While some dishwashers will have these valves automatically fitted within the water hose, some don’t. A plumber will know either way and make any necessary installations to guarantee longevity and safe use of the appliance.
How Installing a Dishwasher Yourself Can Affect the Warranty
When investing in a costly new appliance, it’s reassuring to know that if anything goes wrong, you’re covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. But what many people don’t realise is that dishwasher warranties often include a clause about proper installation.
For most dishwasher manufacturers, installation by a licensed tradesperson will be a condition of the warranty. This little detail in the fine print has been known to catch out unsuspecting homeowners who run into DIY dishwasher installation mishaps. A voided warranty leaves you with two choices; fork out for a new dishwasher (installed by a licensed plumber this time!) or return to the good old days of handwashing the dishes.
For ultimate peace of mind, book in professional dishwasher installation with the plumbers Ryde residents count on for skilled workmanship and efficient service. Just call Joe!
DIY Dishwasher Installation and Home Insurance
Calling a plumber for small jobs like dishwasher installation might seem like an unnecessary expense, but if things go wrong with your DIY installation, the consequences could cost you much more.
Improperly installing a dishwasher can lead to the dishwasher not draining, small leaks, burst pipes, and even a flooded kitchen. If your property and home contents are damaged in the process, your insurer may find you’re at fault for the damage and deny your claim.
Don’t underestimate how common it is to make small dishwasher plumbing mistakes that lead to outsized consequences. For those that aren’t familiar with dishwasher installation, it’s easy for a cross thread to occur when connecting the cold water hose to the water point, or under-tightening the waste hose onto the tit of a trap on a sink waste.
A plumber will triple-check their work and get the dishwasher installed right the first time. And in the event of a problem, they carry professional insurance to cover it.
Repair and Replacement Headaches
Installing a new dishwasher is an easy kitchen renovation that immediately adds function and aesthetic appeal to the space. However, if the installation ends horribly, for example, with a flood that damages floors and cabinetry, this can lead to a big financial outlay. In addition, you might struggle to find similar materials to match your existing kitchen, leaving you up for a much bigger renovation than you first expected. Alternatively, you may have to settle for a kitchen with mismatched cabinetry.
Other Things to Consider When Installing a Dishwasher
The best DIY dishwasher installation scenario is when you’re swapping out old for new. But beware! There are still things that can go wrong.
Don’t forget to:
- Adjust the dishwasher feet to make sure it’s stable and level.
- Position the drain hose correctly – it should be elevated in a high loop to prevent wastewater from running back into your dishwasher.
- Anchor your dishwasher securely to the cabinetry to prevent it from tipping forward.
- Do a test run of the dishwasher and check for leaks.
Ditch the Stress and Book in Professional Dishwasher Installation
Get your dishwasher installed correctly the first time! We provide professional plumbing services Sydney residents can rely on, no matter the size of the job.
