How Hard Is It to Replace a Dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is getting on in years, you’re probably thinking about purchasing a replacement. As well as the cost of the new appliance, there’s also the cost of hiring someone to install it—unless you do it yourself, that is! But just how hard is it to replace a dishwasher? We break down the method, the pros and cons of doing it yourself, and when to get a professional. Let’s get started. 

When Does a Dishwasher Need to Be Replaced? 

Before we start with how to replace your dishwasher, let’s take a quick look at how to tell if it needs to be replaced. The average lifespan of a dishwasher is between 8 and 10 years, making it the shortest-lived of the large appliances. Age isn’t everything, however. Some dishwashers will last far longer than 10 years, while some will wear out earlier due to malfunction or wear and tear. Some good signs your dishwasher needs to be replaced are:

Frequent repairs

If your dishwasher has had a few things go wrong with it recently, it’s a good sign it might be reaching the end of its lifespan. 

Expensive repairs

A good rule of thumb is that if the repair is more than half the cost of replacement, it’s more sensible to buy a new appliance. This is particularly important if your dishwasher is near the 8-year mark. 

Performance

If your dishwasher isn’t performing sufficiently to meet your needs, that’s a good sign you need a new one. 

Age

While age isn’t everything, a dishwasher that’s older than around 10 years will likely wear out soon, so it makes sense to start thinking about a replacement. 

Choosing the Best Replacement for Your Needs

Choosing a replacement dishwasher can seem overwhelming, with a huge range of factors to consider before making your choice. Here are some of our top tips for ensuring your new purchase meets all your needs:

Consider the space

This is probably the most important factor, particularly if you’re installing the dishwasher yourself! Make sure your replacement fits the space you have available as you want to avoid having to remodel your kitchen when installing it. 

Look at reviews

Check out user reviews before making your choice to ensure there aren’t any nasty surprises. 

Look at energy ratings

If energy efficiency and low power bills are important to you, look for dishwashers that have earned the ENERGY Star rating. This rating means that the appliance has met stringent criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Removing Your Old Dishwasher – A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you remove your old dishwasher, make sure you have the following items on hand:

• Wrench
• Old towels and a pan to catch water. 
• Screwdriver
• Furniture dolly

To remove your old dishwasher:

• Disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply by unplugging it. 
• Turn off the water supply that connects to your dishwasher. This is usually under your kitchen sink. 
• Once the water supply has been turned off, disconnect the water supply hose. Depending on the model, this might require a wrench or simply undoing a clip. Use a towel to catch any water. 
• Disconnect the drain hose from the drain pipe or sink drain. Use another towel and a shallow pan to catch residual water. 
• Remove any screws attaching the dishwasher to the cabinet. 
• Slide the dishwasher out carefully. Use a furniture dolly to help you move it as dishwashers can be heavy. Be prepared for more water to come out of the drainage hose as the dishwasher is moved. 

Installing Your New Dishwasher

Once the old dishwasher is gone, it’s time for the installation. You should have already checked to ensure that your new dishwasher will fit in the place of the old one. To install:

• Thoroughly clean the area where the old dishwasher was, ensuring all dust and debris are gone. 
• Connect your dishwasher’s inlet valve to the water supply line. Use plumber’s tape on the connections to ensure they’re tight and won’t leak. 
• Put the drain hose in place, either connecting it to the sink drain or drain pipe, depending on your dishwasher’s setup. Make sure the other end is attached to the dishwasher with a clamp. 
• Using the furniture dolly, slide the dishwasher into place and then position it under your kitchen counter, ensuring that you don’t pinch or kink the hoses while doing so. 
• Level your dishwasher using its adjustable feet and check with a bubble level to ensure it sits flat from left to right and front to back. 
• If your old dishwasher was secured with mounting brackets, reattach them to keep your new dishwasher in place. 
• Plug the dishwasher in and turn the water supply back on. 
• Run a test cycle to make sure your new dishwasher is properly functioning. 

Pros and Cons of Doing It Yourself

While it’s certainly possible to install a dishwasher yourself, there are some risks and issues you need to consider. Take a look at this list of pros and cons before you decide whether to attempt it yourself:

Pros

• Cost: Self-installation is far cheaper than hiring a professional. 
• Quick installation: You can install the dishwasher as soon as you get it, without having to wait for a professional. 
• Improve your skills: Self-installation lets you practice your DIY skills and become confident in your abilities. 

Cons

• Possibly difficult: In some circumstances, installation can be difficult, particularly if it involves dismantling any cabinets. 
• Risk of damage: If you make mistakes on the installation, it can damage your new appliance. And if the damage results in leaks, your home can be damaged.
• Improper installation; If you don’t install the dishwasher correctly, your warranty might be voided. 

When To Call a Professional

While it’s fine to install your own dishwasher in most circumstances, there are times when calling a professional is recommended. 

• If your dishwasher is hardwired, you’ll need to get someone with electrical experience to install it. The vast majority of modern dishwashers simply plug into an outlet, however. 
• If your dishwasher is built into the cabinets, you may need a carpenter to ensure you don’t do any damage to the appliance or the cabinets. 
• If you’re unsure about your skill or are unable to move the dishwasher yourself, you may need to source professional help.