Are you ready to install your brand, spanking new countertop dishwasher? Then you’ll find all the steps you need to do so in this article.
Here’s how to install a countertop dishwasher
- Put the dishwasher on a countertop
- Connect the water inlet to the faucet
- Put the drainage hose into the sink
- Open the water faucet
- Plug the dishwasher in
- Turn a cycle on
All set to put your first load of dishes on to wash? Then there are more details about how to install your tabletop dishwasher coming up next.
Contents show
6 Steps to Installing Your Countertop Dishwasher
Installing your countertop dishwasher is as easy as one, two, three…four, five, six. That’s right, you’re just six steps away from putting your first load of dishes to wash in your brand new dishwasher.
Countertop dishwashers are simple to install and even simpler to use. Follow along with these steps:
Step #1 Put the Dishwasher on a Countertop
Step one is as easy as it sounds. Put the dishwasher on a countertop.
But here’s something to bear in mind. Your countertop dishwasher will need access to a sink for water supply and drainage. So, it’s best to install it right next to your kitchen sink.
You will also need a power outlet nearby. So try to find the perfect home for your dishwasher that is close to a power outlet and the sink.
Tabletop dishwashers have a little height on them. They average about 50 cm or 20 inches tall. So if you’ve only got an 18-inch gap between your work surface and your cupboard units, you might have to rethink where you are going to put it.
Step #2 Connect the Water Inlet to the Faucet
Once you’ve found the ideal home for your unit, you can start connecting it up. In this step, you’ll need to connect the water inlet to your kitchen faucet. You can identify this hose as the one with the threaded connection around it. It is also typically the bigger of the two.
Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure that you have the water faucet turned off
- Check that the water inlet is connected to the back of the dishwasher. If it isn’t, connect it by screwing the hose to the dishwasher. Use pliers to tighten the connection between the dishwasher and the inlet hose.
- Thread the water inlet to the kitchen faucet. If you have a modern faucet with a hose, you might need to use a faucet adapter. If your faucet has a secondary outlet behind it, you could connect your water inlet to it. This way, you would still be able to use the faucet while the dishwasher is running. Make sure that you’ve got the secondary faucet in the “off” position before you attempt to connect the hose to it.
NOTE: If you are connecting your hose to a faucet that is lower than the dishwasher, you will need a pump. This will keep the water flowing. If you cannot connect the hose to your kitchen sink faucet, you could connect it to a water tank.
Step #3 Put the Drainage Hose Into the Sink
The drainage hose is the smaller of the two hoses. This is used to drain the dirty water away from the dishwasher and into your sink.
Here’s how it should be set up.
- Check that this hose is connected to the back of the dishwasher. If it isn’t, connect it by screwing it to the back of the dishwasher. Use pliers to tighten the connection between the dishwasher and the drainage hose.
- Put the hose face down into the sink
Here are a couple of things to bear in mind when installing the drainage hose:
- The drainage hose needs to flow downwards from the dishwasher. If it doesn’t dirty dishwater could drain back into the dishwasher. This could cause the dishwasher to leak if it were to overfill. The introduction of dirty water into the dishwasher would also affect the dishwasher’s ability to clean the dishes. They could even end up dirtier than they were before they went in.
- Keep the drainage hose out of the plughole. Keep it a couple of inches from the plughole but still in the sink. This is to stop it from becoming submerged when the sink begins to fill with water. With the hose in the right position, dirty dishwater will not back up into the unit when it drains.
Step #4 Open the Water Faucet
The next thing to do is to open the water faucet. There are a couple of checks to do at this point. Here’s a walkthrough of them.
- Open the water faucet before you plug in the dishwasher. This is so that you can make sure that you have connected the inlet hose properly and that it does not have any leaks.
- If you see a leak, turn off the water immediately. Then unscrew the hose and try to connect it again. If necessary, use pliers to tighten the connections. Then open the faucet again to check that the connection is watertight. If it is, move on to step 5.
Step #5 Plug the Dishwasher In
Once you have checked everything over, it’s time for you to start the dishwasher up.
Do the following:
- Plug it in using the mains cable behind the unit
- You can also now fill the dishwasher with dishes so that you can give it a whirl in the next step
Step #6 Turn a Cycle On
It’s now time for you to turn a cycle on.
Here’s how:
- Fill the soap tray with dishwasher soap
- Fill the dishwasher with salt. (You should be able to find the salt tray under the rack).
- Turn a dishwasher cycle on using the controls on the front of the dishwasher. Keep an eye on the first wash to make sure that everything is working as it should.
Finding Your Installation Manual
I get it. Every countertop dishwasher is unique. They’re all slightly different heights, shapes, and sizes. Their installation is also distinct. Some come with their hoses detached from the dishwasher. Others come with various options for connecting the water inlet to the faucet.
If general installation instructions aren’t cutting it, you might have to dig a little deeper. So, what you need is the instruction manual for your specific countertop dishwasher.
Ok, but we all know what instructions manuals are like. They are so easily misplaced. And sorting through your waste paper basket looking for a manual is not something you want to be doing right now. So you’re stuck. Or are you?
Luckily, you should be able to find your instruction manual online. You’ll then be able to download it as a PDF file. Once downloaded you can follow the exact instructions for your countertop dishwasher. It should even have helpful step-by-step photos for you to follow.
To find your instruction manual, do the following:
- Open a Google search bar
- Type in your brand of countertop dishwasher. For example “Danby” or “Farberware”
- Type in the model number of your dishwasher. For example “DDW631SDB” or “FDW05ASBWHA”
- Type in “Manual PDF” into the search bar
- Click “Search”. You should then be able to see an installation manual for your specific dishwasher.
- Click on the link to download the PDF file
If you still cannot find your instruction manual, you will have to contact the manufacturer. They will be able to provide you with specific instructions so that you can set up your dishwasher.
Conclusion
You just brought a brand new countertop dishwasher. But how can you go about installing it? I’m sure the 6 steps in this article have helped you to get your dishwasher up and running. It has no doubt also helped you on the road to finding your specific instruction manual should you need it.
Has this article been helpful to you? Then make sure you check out some of our other articles and free guides. You could even sign up to our email list.
Have a great day!
-Craig
FAQs
How do you install a countertop dishwasher? ›
Hooking up a countertop dishwasher is easy. All you have to do is attach the inlet hose and the drain hose, plug the dishwasher in, turn on the hot water and start the wash cycle. No tools are required for hookup, and the hoses connect quickly and easily.
Do countertop dishwashers need water line? ›Your potential kitchen friend is going to need a water source. Portable or countertop dishwashers have a hose that attaches temporarily to the faucet of your kitchen sink.
How do you connect a countertop dishwasher to a sink? ›- Loosen the aerator from the spout of the kitchen sink. ...
- Screw the special faucet adapter that was included with your portable dishwasher onto the threaded faucet spout.
- Turn on the hot water at the kitchen faucet, and allow the water to run until it is hot to the touch.
Do Tabletop Dishwashers Need to Be Plumbed In? Dishwashers need a fresh water supply and a route by which wastewater can be drained away. While tabletop dishwashers do need both a water supply and a drainage route, they don't require the same type of plumbing as full-size versions.
Can you permanently hook up a countertop dishwasher? ›Any portable dishwasher can be connected permanently to a water source and drain. Some can be permanently installed as an undercounter dishwasher, depending on whether the unit is a top-loading or front-loading unit and where the controls are located – top, front or side.
How do you support a countertop dishwasher? ›Install a dishwasher brace. Call the installer to measure and determine what support is needed, if any. The installer will place the granite, glue/caulk it to the cabinets. The DIYer can install the under-mount or drop-in sink, silicone the counter edges, tile the backsplash etc..
Can you hook up a portable dishwasher to any faucet? ›Never connect a portable dishwasher to pull-out or pull-down kitchen faucets, as potential pressure fluctuations during dishwasher operation may result in the hose rupturing.
Does dishwasher have to be screwed to counter? ›Warning. Dishwashers need anchoring to prevent them from tipping onto the floor and causing physical injury. If you can't anchor the dishwasher to the underside of the counter and the manufacturer didn't provide side mount brackets, you will need to purchase them.
Can I put a countertop dishwasher under the sink? ›Although it is possible to install a dishwasher under the sink, it is not recommended. Placing the dishwasher under a sink can be inconvenient if it's not installed correctly. You may want to avoid putting the drain hose higher than 15 inches as this will prevent water from draining properly and cause flooding.
Do countertop dishwashers heat the water? ›Most countertop dishwashers come with water heaters of varying power. Those dishwashers that have water heaters also usually have two or more settings to vary the power of the heater.
Do countertop dishwashers use a lot of electricity? ›
Since they're so small compared to many of the other major household appliances, countertop dishwashers don't use up that much electricity. You can expect these units to consume anywhere from 120–250 kilowatt hours per year.
Why get a countertop dishwasher? ›If you're concerned about the environment, a countertop dishwasher uses less water than hand washing, while typically being more energy efficient than built-in washers. This makes it an especially attractive option for an RV or somewhere else where you don't have the space for a fully-installed or portable dishwasher.
What is the difference between a built-in dishwasher and a countertop dishwasher? ›A built-in dishwasher is designed to be installed under kitchen countertops and connected to your home's plumbing. Whereas a portable dishwasher, also known as freestanding, does not require these plumbing connections and can be wheeled into your kitchen and connected to your sink with a hose.
Can a dishwasher not be next to sink? ›A dishwasher should be in close proximity to a sink and cabinets where dishes are stored with proper access to water hookups. Ideally, it should also be distanced from areas where cooking and food preparation take place to help maximize your creative potential through a thoughtful kitchen design.
How long does a countertop dishwasher take? ›As good as dishwashers three times its size
The Normal cycle takes an hour and 15 minutes. After the Normal cycle, dishes emerged relatively clean.
Energy Efficiency and Water Use
Countertop dishwashers only use 2 to 3 gallons of water per cycle, compared to the 4 to 6 gallons full-sized models use. Countertop dishwashers also run off about half the amount of electricity as full-sized units, which use 1800 watts of electricity per load, on average.
Appliances Should Be Installed First
If possible, appliances such as the stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator should be installed before the countertops. Having them in place will ensure that they're taken into account for the measurements of your counters.
If your quartz counter does not have a plywood support and your dishwasher has some room between its top and the counter, consider installing a wood strip to the counter for the dishwasher to attach to. Cut a strip of hardwood, such as a one-by-two, to the length of the dishwasher opening.
How do you install an air gap under a dishwasher countertop? ›- Locate the air gap hole on your counter. ...
- Connect the air gap to the dishwasher drain hose. ...
- Connect the air gap to the drain hose or garbage disposal. ...
- Push the air gap up through the hole on the counter. ...
- Run your dishwasher on a fill cycle.
The best thing about a freestanding dishwasher is that it can be placed just about anywhere you want it. If you have a drainage point and a water connection, the how-to of hooking up a freestanding dishwasher is simple - there is no direct plumbing is needed for these nifty units.
Do portable dishwashers need plumbing? ›
A built-in dishwasher is typically installed using a permanent connection to your home's plumbing, while a portable dishwasher has a faucet adapter that connects to your sink.
Can I drill a hole in my quartz countertop for soap dispenser? ›Drilling quartz with a metal drill will dull it rapidly. Aside from that, the heat generated by friction can crack the quartz crystal. Drilling quartz countertops usually require a diamond hole drill bit because it is not as likely to chip or damage the top due to heat.
Can you screw a dishwasher into a granite countertop? ›Dishwashers are installed using screws and brackets on typical countertops. Granite, marble or stone countertops, however, can't be drilled or tapped with screws. Adhesives must be used.
Does granite countertop need support over dishwasher? ›Dishwashers. Not all kitchens have dishwashers, but if you do, your granite countertops will probably go right over it. This means a little over 24 inches of countertop space with no cabinet underneath that will need additional support.
What holds a dishwasher in place? ›Modern-day dishwashers are typically sold with installation kits that consist of brackets and screws. The screws run from the top of the unit up through the bracket and into the cabinet; thus, holding the dishwasher in place and preventing it from moving when opened.
How do I close the gap between my dishwasher and countertop? ›Fasten an L-bracket in the gap using a screwdriver and wood screws. Remove the dishwasher and place the bracket 1 inch down from the bottom of the counter, with one end of the L-bracket against the adjacent cabinetry and the face spanning across the gap. Install the bracket 1/2 inch back from the front of the cabinet.
Does the dishwasher have to be to the left or right of sink? ›The answer is entirely personal and depends on which of your hands is dominant. 'If you are right-handed, you should place your dishwasher on the left,' says Daniel P. Craig, the founder of Kitchen Deets.
Can you leave a portable dishwasher running overnight? ›Can you leave a portable dishwasher unattended during a wash cycle? A. These appliances do not necessarily need constant supervision, but if your dishwasher is connected to the kitchen sink, it's not recommended to let it run overnight or while you're not at home.
Should I use hot or cold water for my portable dishwasher? ›CAN YOU RUN A PORTABLE DISHWASHER WITH COLD WATER? Both cold water and hot water with a minimum of 122 °F can work for the countertop dishwasher.
Do I use hot or cold water with countertop dishwasher? ›Cold water will not wash dishes properly and could leave behind food and soap residue. The dishwasher will attempt to compensate for the cold water and achieve good wash and dry performance, but the cycle times may be very long. Water should be 120°F as it enters the dishwasher to achieve the best results.
Does dishwasher get installed before countertop? ›
Appliances Should Be Installed First
If possible, appliances such as the stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator should be installed before the countertops. Having them in place will ensure that they're taken into account for the measurements of your counters.
A built-in dishwasher is typically installed using a permanent connection to your home's plumbing, while a portable dishwasher has a faucet adapter that connects to your sink.
Can you screw dishwasher into quartz countertop? ›The dishwasher must be mounted to either the cabinets around it or to the counter's underside to prevent it from tipping while it is in use. If you have a quartz counter, the dishwasher cannot be screwed directly to the top; use an alternative method instead.
Can a countertop dishwasher go under the sink? ›Although it is possible to install a dishwasher under the sink, it is not recommended. Placing the dishwasher under a sink can be inconvenient if it's not installed correctly. You may want to avoid putting the drain hose higher than 15 inches as this will prevent water from draining properly and cause flooding.
Can a beginner install a dishwasher? ›The project doesn't require any advanced plumbing or electrical skills. Installing a dishwasher successfully does require the proper know-how and equipment, including a dishwasher installation kit that has a 90-degree fitting and water supply line.
What needs to be done before countertop installation? ›Things such as coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, or utensils, should all be set aside out of the way. You'll also want to remove anything around the countertops such as decorative items or tables and chairs. The cabinets located at the sink base should be completely emptied, with the top set of drawers removed.