How to Install a Dishwasher After New Flooring

To install a dishwasher, you will need three basic things. That includes water, drain, and power, as well as considering the type of flooring in your home.

A floating floor can be attached without the subfloor. This flooring installation is faster, less expensive, and very DIY-friendly. 

Unlike the nail or glue-down installation, floated floors act like one entire unit since each plank is linked to its neighbor. Not secured to the subfloor.

Therefore, including the right expansion space. As well as tea molds which are essentials. 

According to the wood flooring association, most of the wood is used in flooring. For example, bamboo and eucalyptus are hygroscopic.

This is to mean they tend to absorb moisture from the air. Hence expand with an increase in moisture. And contract with any decrease, which happens naturally with the changing seasons.

When these changes occur with the floated floor, they compound through the entire run. The expansion occurs outward towards the perimeter of the room. While the contraction occurs inwards towards the center of the room.

This flooring requires half an inch of expansion space between the flooring and the dishwasher. In case the installation exceeds 30 feet. More expansion space is required. Approximately one-sixteenth of an inch for any additional ten feet.

How much expansion space you include depends not only on the size of your installation. But also unexpected seasonal changes. Without the expansion space, the floor can turn into a buckle.

In addition, the space between the dishwasher and the floor comes in handy while leveling it. 

Dishwashers are usually installed in an opening between the kitchen cabinets. You always have to pay attention to the height of the opening since the flooring has to be installed under the legs of the dishwasher.

Otherwise, you may have a hard time removing it. Or not being able to remove it at all. 

However, removing the dishwasher when installing the new flooring is unnecessary since this would involve disconnecting the water feed line, the water drains, and the electrical wiring.

Most dishwashers have adjustable legs in the front. Ensure to pay attention to the top of the door while installing. If it is lifted too high, the door may hit on the edge of the countertop.

In the case of installing a dishwasher, begin by removing the front plate from the bottom of the dishwasher. There are usually two parts of the front plate. Remember how they came off to make it easy to put them back on.

Allow enough room to work in the recess. Measure one side of the dishwasher from front to back. Then add 2 inches. Note the measurement.

Set up a power drill with a one-inch flat wood bit. Then measure the front of the recess at the side of the sink cabinet. 

For the dishwasher drain hose location. Measure up 16 inches from the floor. 6 inches below this, drill another one-inch hole, which will be used for connection at the water supply valve under the sink.

Deduct half an inch from the measurement between the flooring and the underside of the countertop for clearance. You can also adjust the legs of the dishwasher to achieve the same.

The legs allow you to lower the dishwasher before sliding it into place. As well as raise it to align the face of it to the lower edge of the countertop.

Once the front plate is removed, look at the legs of the dishwasher. Most of them are the type to screw in and out. Turn clockwise to screw in and counter-clockwise to screw out.

Put something like scrap flooring underneath the dishwasher’s frame behind the legs. This holds it up so you can get to adjusting. 

The scrap flooring could be helpful as well while installing the flooring. Ensure to lay the flooring far enough back. However, it may not be needed if a tile or hardwood floor is planned.

Now plug the power cord for the dishwasher into the electrical outlet. Insert the end of the drain hose and the end copper tubing water line through the appropriate holes at the end of the cabinet.

Align the attachment tubs at the dishwasher’s outer side with the cabinet’s face frame at each side of the dishwasher recess. 

Then install the screw tip attachment in the drill. Use it to attach tabs to the face frame on each side.

Now close the dishwasher door and reattach the panel at the front by hand. Then slide a hose clamp onto the drain hose under the sink. As well as the end of the copper tubing water line onto the hot water supply valve.

Typically, vinyl floors are installed in a dishwasher recess. On the other hand, built-up flooring such as tile and hardwood.  Usually terminate along the front edge of the recess.

Installing a dishwasher on an uneven floor is not advisable. This will be the case if tipping to the front or the back. Other times leaking might occur at the bottom of the door.

The unlevel dishwashers may affect the performance of the dishwasher. The arms may not be able to spin properly. Hence affecting the cleaning process. 

Uneven flooring may cause water to pool in certain areas. For example, the gasket that closes the dishwasher door might eventually damage it.

A dishwasher leaning in one direction can cause water to leak, for example, underneath the door.

To check if the dishwasher is on level ground. Simply open the door and observe what happens with the rack. 

If it rolls out on its own, the front of the appliance is likely lower than the back.

Moreover, if you pull the rack out, it rolls back on its own. The back is likely lower than the front. 

Use a small level to check. Do it from side to side and front to back to ensure its level in both directions.

If you are installing a dishwasher on an uneven floor. You will need to adjust the leveling head to compensate for the floor. As mentioned earlier, some dishwashers come with adjustable legs.

While making adjustments, always check the door to ensure it opens and closes freely. Such that it doesn’t hit the countertop or other structures.

Always refer to the dishwasher’s manual to know more about its adjustments. As well as its installation process. 

All dishwasher models have a toe kick that will need to be removed before leveling can occur.

Keep in mind that safety comes first. Therefore, switch off the power supply before leveling and wear protective gloves.

On other occasions, the solution to leveling up the dishwasher may include replacing the hardwood with plywood. 

Which might make up for the difference. This will only apply if you have had several layers of floor applied.

Another option would be to cut the countertop out. Then raised the dishwasher on a pedestal.

Or taking off the adjustable legs. Then slide the dishwasher on a sheet of Formica to protect the floor.

To conclude, the cabinets include where the dishwasher will be placed. Come first before flooring.

 Therefore always consider leaving room for expansion and any leveling that might be required.