If it is hectic for you to clean your dishes after every meal manually, then a countertop dishwasher is an appropriate alternative. It always comes in a small form and installs quickly in a confined area. Although the primary purpose of its deigning to use as a countertop, it can go under the sink and to the ground.
Installing the countertop dishwasher seems relatively easy for those who have vast kitchens. But, it is always a considerable thought for those who do not have much room to fix both sinks and countertop dishwashers separately. For this reason, we have searched through different sources to give you clear and simple instructions that will help you to complete the installation of the countertop dishwasher under the sink.
Required Materials
- Dishwasher installation kit
- PTFE plumber tape
- Sealant
- Wrenches
- Tape measure
- Wall guard strips
Installing a Countertop Dishwasher under the Sink in 6 Simple Steps
A countertop dishwasher is the most convenient way to clean a range of dishes at once. These dishwashers are similar to traditional dishwashers and come with an intake and outtake hose. Unfortunately, you don’t have enough space to put the countertop dishwasher on your kitchen shelves. In such a situation, you would install a dishwasher under the sink. You only need the right equipment to fix them all at once. Follow these easy installation steps to complete this task:
Clean the region and disconnect the water supply:
Remove the previous dishwasher if it has to be replaced. Before removing the previous appliance, you must first empty the water. You must put a hose below the kitchen sink and attach one side to the dishwasher and the second to the faucet. Now turn on the supply lines for both hot and cold water. Confirm that the water is draining through the hose into an outdoor sewer. After that, remove those bolts that keep the machine in place by unscrewing them and carefully detach the dishwasher from its location.
Take safety measures with electrical plugs:
Before putting a new dishwasher under the sink, you should remove any built-in or older dishwashers with electrical lines. In this condition, you must first disconnect the electrical plug. For this purpose, disconnect the device, and remove the lids and screws. If there is any water, dry that first before continuing the process.
Install the proper plumbing systems:
You must ensure that the plumbing system under the sink is compatible with your new dishwasher because these come in various varieties. It usually connects to a drain line and a water inlet. Each device always has its fittings. But in some cases, you must buy special fittings made explicitly for this purpose when installing a device under the sink. Here you will also need some adhesives to mount the dishwasher brackets, either glue or construction adhesives, according to your cabinet.
Connect with Faucet:
The countertop dishwashers come with two loops at their back for joining with the hose pipes. The Inlet hose joins the dishwasher with the faucet. For attaching this to a faucet, you need a faucet adapter that already comes with the installation kit. You need to attach this adaptor to the already present sink faucet. It will also include hot and cold water lines that you can quickly fix within a cabinet. Similarly, connect the outlet loop to the outlet hose pipes.
Incorporate the dishwasher:
Bring the faucet adapter’s holes with the holes on your device and mark the necessary drilling locations. Drill the holes that are big enough to fit your water lines through but not too big. Carefully install the air gaps for the safety of the dishwasher. While mounting the dishwasher under the sink, you need to drill at a specific point. Install all the screws required to secure your countertop dishwasher. Then you may switch on the water, look for leaks, and check that your device is appropriately linked.
Put the dishwasher inside the cabinet and connect it to the electrical supply:
After checking everything, put your countertop dishwasher inside the cupboard, beneath the sink. After fixing it in place, connect your device with electrical lines. After turning on the power switch for the dishwasher, turn on both of the water valves under your sink. To check its working, add some plates and wash them according to its manual. After the dishwasher has been done operating, you can load your dishwasher by using the dresser above it.
FAQs
How can you buy the best countertop dishwasher?
Before buying the best dishwasher, you need to focus on different factors. The most important factor is its size. Take measurements of the desired place for fixing it so it can easily fit there. The second factor is capacity. Countertops and dishwashers come with different place settings (four to six). So before buying, think about your desired capacity. The noise level of dishwashers for smaller places must be low, so always go for those with noise levels of 55 decibels and less than this. Another important factor is its weight. Most dishwashers weigh between 10 to 50 pounds, and you can choose according to your space and usage.
How much space should the dishwasher have between the floor and countertop?
After installing the floors and countertops for dishwashers, you generally need a space of four and one-quarter inches. If you mistakenly finished work with less than that space, then there will be a need to raise the countertop by removing the tiles to create more space. However, it can be different for various types of dishwashers.
Is it possible to hook up a countertop dishwasher under the sink?
Yes, a countertop dishwasher can quickly hook up under the sink. But the first step is to check your sink’s compatibility with the particular unit. Sometimes you need to modify the area and dishwasher before setting it up.
Final Thoughts
Countertop dishwashers are a perfect and economical-friendly option instead of the traditional ones. You need to place the plates on the racks and switch on the electricity. Always try to fill your dishwasher with good-quality dishwashing soap, ensure it has sufficient water from the source, and ensure nothing is blocking the exit pipe. Now you can fit these appliances according to your need and space, like under the sink. You have to consider some factors before installing it under the sinks. Check that your sink is compatible with the specific countertop dishwasher model and gather all the proper tools for fitting this. You can easily install your countertop dishwasher by following the above steps.