How to install a built-in dishwasher: recommendations from professionals

The dishwasher has long ceased to be a luxury and an object of envy, but has become an indispensable kitchen assistant for many housewives. In addition to its main purpose - washing dishes, it has many more advantages: saving time, water, as well as preserving a good mood for the owner of this wonderful equipment.

There are three types of dishwashers for home use - free-standing, built-in and partially built-in. In this article we will look at how to install a built-in dishwasher yourself, and what you need to consider when choosing and purchasing this type of equipment.

How to install a built-in dishwasher?

What to look for when choosing dishwashing equipment

The advantages of a built-in dishwasher over a free-standing one are that it significantly saves kitchen space and fits harmoniously into the finished design. All you have to do is decide what size machine you need and correlate the dimensions of the equipment with the location of its intended location.

Choosing a size

Built-in dishwashers come in several sizes, and, accordingly, can accommodate different amounts of dishes.

Table 1. Dimensions of dishwashers

Please note: different equipment manufacturers may vary in size by up to 5 cm.

How to plan the installation of installations of various sizes, drawing

Mini dishwashers are convenient because they can be built into a small kitchen, even under a sink or in a pencil case, since it is similar in size to a microwave oven and its location at eye level is quite convenient. Narrow units should only be purchased if you do not have a large family. It is advisable to choose full-size ones if you have a lot of relatives and the house is full of guests. But, you need to understand that such a machine will take up more space in the kitchen.

There are different types of machines, the body dimensions of which may vary.

Energy efficiency classes and labeling

Electricity consumption and energy efficiency are also important points to pay attention to when purchasing. Manufacturers are required to indicate the energy efficiency class for each product.

As a rule, it is indicated on a sticker that is pasted on the device itself or placed in a package with documents for the equipment. Classes are marked with Latin letters: A+++, A++, A+, A, B, C, D (until 2010, the markings were indicated by the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G), where, respectively, class A +++ – the most economical model in terms of electricity and water consumption.

How energy efficiency classes are marked for various types of dishwashers

But the price for such models will be significantly higher than for a product with a subsequent gradation of classes. The sticker should also indicate:

• product model and brand;
• water consumption in liters per cycle;
• electricity consumption per cycle (kWh);
• drying class (A - G);
• number of sets of dishes;
• class of noise produced in decibels.

Explanation of the symbols found on the sticker that is equipped with the dishwasher body

Necessary communications

So, we have decided on the model and dimensions of the equipment. Now you need to prepare a place where the kitchen assistant will stand. If you purchase equipment at the same time as furniture for an empty room, then you will need to carefully consider and calculate the location of all communications that will be required to connect the machine, namely:

• water pipe;
• sewerage;
• electrical outlets.

A little tip: consultants in furniture stores will help you quickly design your kitchen, taking into account all the sizes and placement of cabinets and appliances.

Approximate layout of the dishwasher and other kitchen appliances

When drawing up a project, keep in mind that it would be best to place the unit next to the sink, but away from heat sources, since elevated temperatures can negatively affect the operation of the equipment.

You can develop a project on a computer using one of the many design programs. A special article will tell you about the main nuances of making kitchen furniture drawings yourself.

Instructions for preparing and installing communications and connecting to them

Before installing the dishwasher, we need to prepare the communications to which we will connect the equipment. How to do this - read the instructions.

To connect the dishwasher, you need to prepare some tools

And before you start work, prepare the necessary tools and components that you will need:

• flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, pliers;
• level and tape measure (laser tape will be very convenient);
• screwdriver, hammer drill or drill, chisel, wall chaser;
• sewer tee;
• cold water hose (sold with the product);
• corrugation, clamps, adapter, three-way valve;
• filter (if not included in the machine);
• siphon;
• rubber gaskets;
• European standard socket (preferably with moisture protection) and socket box;
• three-core cable with a core cross-section of 1.5 mm;
• rubber cuff.

Be prepared for the fact that you may need many more little things, for example, self-tapping screws of different lengths, tape, which it is advisable to wrap around threaded parts.

Step No. 1 - connect to electricity

Appliances such as a dishwasher require a separate outlet, preferably grounded. To do this, from the junction box, which is usually located under the ceiling, you need to run a wire using hidden or surface (open) mounting, that is, in a groove or cable channel to the expected location of the outlet. It should be taken into account that the distance from the installation site of the machine to the socket should be no more than one and a half meters, since according to the standard, the cord length of the product is usually 1.5 meters.

It is mandatory to equip the dishwasher with a separate outlet.

Important! Before and during electrical installation work, it is necessary to de-energize live elements (turn off the circuit breaker in the panel). If you do not have the necessary experience, then electrical installation work must be entrusted to a qualified specialist.

The dishwasher requires a separate outlet, as safety rules dictate.

Hidden installation

Hidden installation is carried out in a room where the walls are not yet covered with a finishing decorative coating, for example, wallpaper or tiles. This type of work involves hiding the electrical cable in the wall. Using a wall chaser and a hammer drill, we select a groove and a niche for the socket box in the wall.

Work can be carried out on bare walls that have not yet been painted or even leveled

We install a socket box in a niche using construction adhesive (liquid nails, tile adhesive, gypsum mortar, etc. are suitable), and for a more durable fixation we tighten it to the wall with self-tapping screws.

We lay the copper cable in the groove, connect it on one side in the distribution box, and connect the socket to the other and secure it in the socket box. We fill the groove with a building mixture (gypsum, alabaster, putty, etc.). We level it and sand it after drying. During the final finishing of the walls, such wiring will be completely invisible.

So-called open installation can also be carried out, in which the installation of the machine will be carried out in a room with ready-made repairs

Outdoor installation

Open installation is used for finished repairs, so as not to spoil the appearance of the walls with grooves. With this type of work, a cable channel of the required cross-section and an external socket are mounted from the distribution box to the intended location of the socket to the wall. Next, the cable is connected in the same way as the hidden wiring option.

Installation of cable channel

After completing the installation of electrical wiring, you should turn on the current supply and perform a test run of household appliances.

Step No. 2 - connect the water supply

Before connecting the water supply to the machine, turn off the water supply valve to the house. This faucet is most often located in the bathroom. Next, at the connection point of one of the water consumers (washing machine, cold or hot water tap, filter), we install a tee with a three-way corner valve, restore the water supply to the existing consumer and connect the inlet hose of our washing equipment. Please note that if the threads or diameter of the tee and hose do not match, you will need an adapter.

At this stage the water supply will be connected

If you use rigid pipes instead of an inlet hose, you should install filters for rough water purification in front of the three-way tap in order to extend the correct operation of the dishwasher for a longer period.

It is better to use a flexible hose when connecting

There is a simpler connection option - this is a direct connection of the inlet hose directly to the faucet on the sink. But this method has a significant drawback - the inability to use water while the machine is running and the unattractive appearance of the hose.

The dishwasher must be connected directly to cold water

Many people have a question: what kind of water to connect the dishwasher to? It would be more correct to connect to a cold one, since each unit has several programs and corresponding temperature conditions, that is, the machine itself will heat the water to the required temperature.

But I must say that you can also connect to hot water. This is done in order to save energy consumption for heating water by the machine. Although here it is worth weighing the pros and cons of such savings, especially if you use central heating and water heating.

Step No. 3 - connect the sewer

The last important step in connecting the dishwasher to communication networks is drainage, or, in other words, connection to the sewerage system. There are two possible options for performing this operation.

1. Using a tee.
2. Install a siphon.

There are several options for arranging a drainage system

Let's consider each of the options. Installing a tee is not the most successful way, but it happens that there is no other option. It is used if the equipment is installed at some distance from the sink, and since the hose of the unit cannot be extended, the option of inserting an oblique tee into the sewer pipe as close as possible to the machine remains the only correct one.

This is not an easy job, so try to follow the recommendations of specialists related to the installation of this system

We insert a rubber sealing collar into the tee, which serves to seal the connection between the drainage hose and the sewer, as well as to prevent unpleasant odors from entering the kitchen from the pipe. We insert the dishwasher drain hose into the cuff, into which it will be securely fixed and water leakage during operation of the device is excluded.

To avoid unpleasant smells from the sewer getting into the dishwasher chamber, it is necessary to create a bend in the drain hose - a water seal, that is, lower part of the hose below the level of the insert into the tee.

The second option with installing a siphon is simpler and more reliable. To do this, you need to replace the regular siphon under the sink with a model with an additional pipe. We connect the hose, but straight, without kinks, to the siphon and, for reliability, secure the connection with a clamp.

You can simply and quickly install a siphon, and the system will work with a bang

Installation procedure for the built-in model

The dishwasher installation algorithm is described in the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Usually it consists of several stages, the first of which is preparatory.

In advance you need to purchase some parts for connecting to the pipes, take care of the socket arrangement, prepare a tool - a screwdriver, a screwdriver, a hammer, as well as flax or fume tape for plumbing connections, sealant, double tape.

Step 1 – checking the PMM equipment

In addition to the dishwasher, the kit usually contains templates for installing decorative trims, fastening tools, a protective rubber apron, gaskets, and hoses.

To make sure everything is in place, you need to find a list of components and check the presence of each of them. If something is missing, you will have to buy more.

The unpacking stage is often carried out in the presence of employees of the company selling the equipment. If problems arise with the packaging, they can be quickly resolved through additional delivery.

Be sure to check if there are installation instructions in Russian. Famous brands duplicate the description of the installation process on official websites in special sections.

Step 2 - installation in place

Before you begin installing the built-in model, you need to make sure that the cabinet is the right size and that there are holes in its walls for hoses.

Procedure:

• place the machine opposite the niche for embedding;
• pull the drain and inlet hoses through the holes to the connection points, and the power cord towards the outlet;
• carefully push the machine body into the place intended for it and make sure that the length of the hoses suits you;
• pull out the machine and prepare it for installation - carry out the manipulations described in the instructions: glue a vapor barrier film to the inside of the tabletop, attach sealing tapes to the edges, install a mounting plate, damping elements, etc.;
• adjust the height of the legs so that the body stands strictly vertical, check the distance to the walls of the niche with a tape measure;
• Attach noise protection to the bottom part , if included.

Next, you can begin installing decorative overlays. So that they do not differ from the kitchen facade, you can take the removed cabinet door and the panel from the drawer and fix them one by one on the car door, having previously processed and adjusted them to size.

Some tips for installing homemade trims.

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Keep your kitchen cabinet looking the same as it did before installing the machine. There is no need to order new parts or remove fittings - this way the door looks more natural

In order for the linings to “lay” perfectly evenly on the front panel of the machine, the screws or self-tapping screws for attaching the handles should be recessed by deepening the holes with a drill

Will wooden plastic overlays not move while tightening screws if they are first “planted” with double-sided tape?

The marking stage takes a lot of time, and to reduce it, you just need to use the installation templates offered by the manufacturer

Removing doors and drawers

Reinstallation of accessories for ease of use

Using double-sided tape to secure the pads

Using paper stencils and templates

Usually, to attach decorative overlays, the machine is equipped with long self-tapping screws - they need to be inserted in place of the short ones, which were screwed in initially.

When the dishwasher is completely installed, all that remains is to connect the communications and test.

Step 3 - connection to the sewer

This is the easiest and fastest stage. The connection is made in one of two ways:

• insert the drain hose directly into the cuff of the sewer pipe outlet;
• connect the hose to the sink drain system.

The first option is possible if the sewer pipe has a free additional hole, which is located under the sink or not far from it.

Option for integration into a system with a water seal. Regardless of the method, the dishwasher drain hose is equipped with an Aquastop device and a shut-off valve to prevent leaks

For tapping into a pipe, a ¾-inch tee is usually used. If the hose is installed in a siphon, it is better to purchase a special model with an outlet.

Step 4 - connection to the water supply

Even if the model involves connecting to hot and cold water, in Russia it is recommended to supply only cold water. This is due to the impossibility of adjusting the temperature of hot water and the lack of special filters.

Installing a filter for cold water supply is mandatory , otherwise the equipment will quickly fail.

The insertion takes place in the standard way: install a tee and, of course, a shut-off valve. Cutting off the water supply is useful during repairs or replacement of parts

It is better to leave the places of threaded connections detachable, but seal them with fum tape or linen thread. Sealant is used as a last resort; people usually do without it.

Step 5 - Connect to Power

The standard length of the dishwasher power cord is one and a half meters. Therefore, the distance to a separate outlet should be no more than 1.5 m.

It is not recommended to use a filter or extension cord - for the operation of powerful kitchen appliances, according to the rules, separate supply lines must be carefully laid.

It is not possible to lay the electrical cable inside the kitchen walls with a fully installed set, so it is laid in a box or inside the baseboard

To install a separate line, you will need a VVGng copper wire of 2-2.5 mm, a 16 A protection device and a grounded socket.

Electrical power must be disconnected during installation, repair or maintenance . To do this, a separate power line serving the kitchen is turned off at the electrical panel. And if there is no such thing, then they turn off the power to the entire apartment/house.

After installing the dishwasher, you need to check the operation - connect the power supply and run the machine in test mode.

Installing appliances in a finished kitchen is not fundamentally different from conventional installation, but difficulties may arise with connecting communications.

Built into furniture

So, the communications necessary to connect the dishwasher are prepared. Next, adjust the height of the unit using the legs, and to ensure that their height is the same, use a level.

Try to carry out a test wash before the product is installed, in case it turns out to be broken

Before the machine is built into the kitchen unit, you should run a test wash with detergent. This will help you figure out shortcomings in the connection, possible leaks at the joints and eliminate these minor troubles in a timely manner.

Install in the case

Provided that you purchased the equipment separately from the furniture and the dishwasher is not integrated into the set, and its installation is not the responsibility of the company that assembles and installs the furniture, then you should install the equipment yourself after assembling the kitchen cabinets.

It is better, of course, that the initial kitchen design includes a niche for a dishwasher

If the kitchen design included a niche for installing built-in appliances, this will make your task easier. And if the set has long been firmly established in your kitchen and you do not intend to change it, but you bought the dishwasher much later, you will only have to disassemble one of the cabinets.

Kitchen furniture usually has standard sizes of base cabinets, which in most cases coincide with the sizes of built-in household appliances. Therefore, in order to install the machine in a cabinet, it is necessary to dismantle the facades, remove the hinges, the back wall so that it does not interfere with the installation of hoses, and the bottom shelf. If the cabinet had drawers, then remove the drawers and unscrew the guides on which they were installed. As a result, only the side walls and the tabletop should remain.

Installation involves ordering an additional facade from a furniture company that will produce a kitchen set for you

Keep in mind that for built-in appliances you will have to order an additional façade according to the size of the unit from the furniture manufacturer.

Next, the inside of the furniture body must be covered with a vapor barrier material, since most modern furniture is made from chipboard (chipboard), which can swell and lose its shape - it does not tolerate steam and moisture entering the surface.

Another important point is the surface on which the machine will be installed. If you place it not on the floor, but on the kitchen plinth, make sure that it is level and strong enough.

It is better to install appliances at the stage of assembling the kitchen

Next, carefully and carefully, trying not to damage the cable and hoses, we push the dishwasher into its place. It is important to leave a gap for ventilation between the wall and the back of the machine of at least 5 cm.

The next step is to secure the machine so that it does not vibrate or move during operation. To do this, use the fasteners that are sold complete with the unit. Open the door of the machine and you will see plugs on the sides, remove them and, through the holes that appear, pull the machine with self-tapping screws to the adjacent sides of the cabinet, then return the plugs to their place.

Following the instructions, fix the machine inside the niche intended for it.

Insulating the tabletop

The machine is installed, now you need to hang the façade and take care of the countertop. The fact is that countertops are made from different materials, but most often from:

• stone;
• MDF;
• Chipboard.

It all depends on the wishes and financial capabilities of the customer. If the top covering of kitchen cabinets is made of natural or artificial stone, then the steam from the dishwasher will not harm it in any way.

A tabletop made of MDF - a medium-density fiberboard covered with laminated film or acrylic - is also not afraid of steam, since the material is moisture resistant.

The countertop must be insulated after installing the dishwasher.

But in the most budget-friendly kitchen options, the countertops are all made of the same chipboard of different thicknesses, and this material should be protected from steam in order to extend the life of the product. The dishwasher must come with a special metal plate designed specifically to protect the protruding edge of the countertop from moisture and steam.

We fix the facade

All that remains is to decorate the dishwasher with the facade panel. It is hung directly on the unit door and the manufacturers provide holes for self-tapping screws for installation work.

Lastly, the façade is strengthened

It is best to order the façade itself from the same manufacturer from whom the kitchen set was purchased. Or you can make it from the doors of the cabinet in which the typewriter was built.

A template on which the fastening points are marked will greatly facilitate the work of installing the façade. By the way, it should also be included with the documents for the equipment.

The facade must be hung carefully, otherwise it will fail over time.

To hang the façade correctly and neatly, use a few tips:

• The first step is to attach a handle to the facade; use the handles of neighboring cabinets as a guide;
• use a tape measure, check the positions of the door and the template to ultimately get a symmetrical, even look for your set;
• when using the template, it should be securely fastened so that it does not move;
• select the screws for fastening of the required length - they should not go out from the front side, but at the same time fit deeply and firmly into the panel.

The façade panel is fastened exclusively using self-tapping screws.

Keep in mind that the front part is attached only with self-tapping screws. It would be a big mistake to place this decorative element on double-sided tape or glue. There are two scenarios here: either the glue will very quickly lose its adhesive properties due to the constant temperature difference, or, on the contrary, it will glue the facade very tightly, which will also not be practical, especially if you want to change the kitchen furniture sooner or later, and with it a decorative element of the sink facade.

Upon completion of the installation of the facade, close the machine door, check for gaps, if necessary, tighten all the fasteners again and you can consider the installation of the built-in dishwasher complete.

A dishwasher is an indispensable unit in any kitchen.

Possible embedding options

A cabinet for embedding a PMM may look different. We suggest considering several popular options that are convenient for installation.

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The cabinet located near the sink fits all criteria. If there is extra space left, it can be used to store detergents

If space allows, and the location of the cabinets in the set needs to be left the same, then you can order a separate module and install it in the free space

Loading dishes into a compact model is much easier if it is at waist level - no need to bend over or squat

When the sink is located in a separately equipped central area of ​​the kitchen - the “island”, then the dishwasher can be installed nearby, since communications are provided

The dishwasher is traditionally located under the countertop

The machine is built into a separate module

Compact dishwasher integrated into the middle tier

Dishwasher in the middle of the kitchen - in the “island”

Each type of installation is associated with difficulties. To minimize them, it is important to comply with the above conditions and requirements specified by the manufacturer in the instructions. We offer several recommendations for installing a dishwasher in different places.

Solution #1 - built into a closet

If there is a cupboard with a width of more than 45 cm next to the sink, then it can be used to install a dishwasher.

The advantage of installation close to communications is the ability to integrate machine hoses into an already installed system under the sink.

Dishwasher connection option: extended cold water supply pipe with shut-off valve, drain hose outlet into the washing siphon, separate electrical outlet

You will have to remove the shelves and back wall from the cabinet, and, if necessary, the bottom panel. The built-in housing must be brought into a strictly vertical position; for this, adjustable legs are used.

Then you need to alternately connect the machine to the sewerage system, water supply and power supply. If necessary, an additional water seal with a drain pipe should be installed.

The decorative front panel, which is attached to the machine door, is usually assembled from removed cabinet doors or ordered additionally. Partially built-in models do not need to be decorated, so their installation is a little easier.

Solution #2 - installation in a separate module

If there are no free cabinets for new equipment, but there is enough space in the kitchen, you can order a separate module, but you need to install it near communications.

A cabinet for additionally purchased equipment – ​​a compact washing machine and dishwasher. The module is installed as close as possible to the sink, which facilitates connection

It is important to level and secure the unit so that it does not vibrate during operation or move the cabinet . Hoses and pipes are laid along the wall, but they are easier to access.

To get to the communications, you don’t have to dismantle the car, but simply move the cabinet away from the wall.

When the dishwasher is installed under a common kitchen countertop, it has to be removed for maintenance, since otherwise the hose connections cannot be reached.

Solution #3 - installation in a niche

If the kitchen has a niche for installing a microwave, oven or other small equipment, it can also be used to install a dishwasher.

Dimensions of the compact model along with drawings can be found in the installation instructions.

If the niche is located far from communications, you will have to stock up on long flexible hoses to supply cold water and drain used water

Built-in compact models should not be confused with free-standing ones. The latter do not have to be placed in a niche - any horizontal surface is suitable for their installation.

So that the dishwasher is not conspicuous and is hidden like the rest of the equipment, the front part is covered with a decorative overlay in the style of a facade.

Developers usually think through various options for installing equipment, so the installation instructions include drawings and diagrams with dimensions, useful tips, and technical recommendations.

It’s easier to find a place for a compact model, but don’t forget that a mini-machine is not able to serve a large family.

Solution #4 - if embedding is not suitable

What to do if there is absolutely no space in the kitchen to install a built-in model? It remains to consider free-standing options, the design of which does not require special installation.

They can simply be installed on the floor, countertop or niche, leveled, and then connected.

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The small-sized device will save time usually spent on washing, but will process no more than 6 sets

An open niche in the kitchen set is suitable for installing any equipment that does not require decorative finishing

A full-size machine will not fit under the sink, but there is enough space for a compact model, and the connection step is noticeably simplified

In the kitchen work area, in any free area, you can install a full-sized freestanding model, but a narrow one will take up less space

Compact dishwasher on the table

Freestanding dishwasher in open module

The dishwasher is conveniently located under the sink

Small area for a narrow machine

There is another way to fulfill your own dream of installing a built-in dishwasher - a complete reconstruction of the kitchen unit, with possible repairs or relocation of communications.

It is more expensive and requires not only financial investments, but also time.

Neighborhood: dangerous and not very

Correct installation of any household appliance guarantees its long and uninterrupted operation. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the advice of manufacturers and specialists so that your mechanical assistants work efficiently and for a long time. Let's look at a few of the recommendations.

Tip 1. It is not recommended to install a built-in dishwasher from the very edge of the kitchen unit as its extension, otherwise you will have to additionally order cabinet parts and countertops from furniture makers.

Tip 2. The dishwasher should be placed away from any heat sources, be it a radiator, oven or hob. The recommended distance from the oven should be at least 40 cm; some manufacturers even indicate this in the installation instructions. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the service center refusing warranty repairs.

The dishwasher must be installed in a specific place in the kitchen, taking into account the location of other built-in units

In addition, excessive heat will cause the machine to overheat, which will affect the quality of the seals, which will dry out very quickly and become unusable. If, nevertheless, the dimensions of your kitchen do not allow you to install the appliances at the required distance from each other, then lay a sheet of foil polyethylene between the appliances.

Tip 3. It is not advisable to place dishwashing equipment close to the washing machine. During the wash and spin cycle, the washing machine vibrates quite strongly and hits neighboring objects, which is quite destructive for them.

It's only worse if you turn on two devices at the same time. The vibration of one device, transmitted to another, can break fragile dishes located inside the washing chamber.

The dishwasher should not stand next to the machine, the latter can cause serious damage to it.

Tip 4. The seemingly harmless microwave oven does not have a good effect on household appliances. The electromagnetic waves it emits can have a negative effect on the electronics of washing machines and dishwashers. Ideally, it is generally better to hang the stove on special brackets that are attached to the wall or place it at a distance of at least 50 cm from any household appliances, but this is not always possible.

Tip 5. The dishwasher will easily tolerate proximity to the freezer and refrigerator. It does not heat up very much and vibrates very slightly, which does not in any way affect the operation of nearby equipment.

But we can place the device we are interested in next to the refrigerator, since it will be a completely safe neighborhood for it