How to fit an Integrated Dishwasher
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How to Fit an Integrated Dishwasher: Step-by-Step Guide
Installing an integrated dishwasher may look daunting, but with the right tools and careful steps, you can do it safely and achieve a flush, professional finish.
1. Prepare the Cabinet Space
- Remove Cupboard Carcass: If replacing a cupboard, take out the carcass, ensuring a 600mm-wide gap (for standard models) with a bit of extra space (1mm) for ease of fitting.
- Check Connections: Ensure you have a cold water feed with an isolating valve, a power socket, and a nearby waste pipe—usually under the sink.
- Drill Holes: If not already in place, drill holes in the sides or back of the cabinet for water, waste, and power cables.
2. Slide in the Dishwasher
- Adjust the Feet: Level the dishwasher using adjustable front feet and a rear adjustment (reached from the front on many models). The machine’s height should align with adjacent cupboards, leaving a 5–10mm gap to the worktop for uneven surfaces.
- Align the Edges: Make the dishwasher front completely flush with surrounding cabinets for seamless aesthetics.
3. Connect Plumbing and Power
- Feed Water and Waste Pipes: Pull the flexible pipes through the holes—helpful to use straps or tape for guidance if space is tight.
- Connect Drain Hose & Water Inlet: Attach the drain hose to the sink’s waste outlet; link the water supply hose to the cold feed. Ensure there are no kinks or sharp bends in the hoses.
- Plug in the Power: Plug the dishwasher into a switched socket, ideally with an accessible isolator above the counter for safety.
4. Secure the Dishwasher
- Fix to Cabinets/Worktop: Use the fixing brackets provided to secure the dishwasher to the sides of the cabinet or the underside of the worktop. This prevents movement and tipping during use.
- Check the Plinth: The baseboard (plinth) below the units may need notching to fit around the dishwasher’s base.
5. Attach the Décor Door
- Match Cabinet Doors: Fit the supplied template to your décor door to mark and drill pilot holes for the mounting brackets (take extra care here for a flawless look).
- Fix Door in Place: Attach the door panel to the dishwasher, checking the height is level with adjacent unit doors and aligns at the top and bottom.
- Adjust for Perfection: Make any small height or side adjustments now; most dishwashers offer after-mounting tweak ability.
6. Final Checks
- Test Operation: Turn the water/power back on and run a short dishwasher cycle to check for leaks or connection issues.
- Install Remaining Trim: Refit the kitchen plinth and any edging for a seamless look.
Quick Tips
- Leave a slight 5–10mm vertical gap from the dishwasher’s top to the worktop.
- When fixing the cabinet door, pilot drill holes and double-check alignment to avoid errors.
- For safety and warranty, professional fitting is recommended if you’re not confident with plumbing or electrics.
By following these steps, your integrated dishwasher will be securely and stylishly installed, ready for years of reliable service. If you have any doubts, a kitchen fitter or plumber can help with trickier parts of the process.
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