Comments on: How to Install a Dishwasher

by: Mike

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:12:23 +0000

I just had a new Dishwasher delivered. The old supply line would not connect to the new 3/8 inch elbow joint under the dishwasher. I went to Lowes and bought a new braided 3/8 inch supply line that connects to the elbow piece but it would not connect to the water supply valve. I even tried a 1/2 inch connector but that was too large. Any suggestions?

by: Brad Davis

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:55:27 +0000

Doug,
IMO;
If you are finding “white particles” in the aerators of your faucets you should probably first consider calling a Licensed Professional Plumbing Contractor whom KNOWS how to propery service this device / knows what I suggest herein and after you tell him the symptoms he need be able to recite what I speak of here before you allow him in for repairs! The Contractor should be skilled in looking at the “DOWN TUBE” on the cold water inlet to the water heater which is a good 4′ or so long. Doug there were hundreds of thousands of DEFECTIVE down tubes installed in MANY water heaters some time ago. The defective down tubes basically disintegrate into tiny white particles and must be replaced, a tell tale sign this is, but not the ONLY diagnosis as well, certainly the most plausable.
If your water heater is older than 5 years old I would suggest just replacing it Vs. fixing it Doug if the down tube is found defective. Water heaters simply do not last as long as they used to and if your get 5 years out of a water heater anymore your doing GOOD. BELIEVE IT.
The down tube in question delivers cold water to the bottom of the water heater and w/o it your water heater will not function correctly Doug and this condition could COST YOU MONEY and heartache. Remember hot water rises so it only makes sense to deliver the cold water coming into the tank to the bottom, yes? YES! Check it, the down tube out, and fix as necessary and SAVE FUEL COSTS Doug.
DO not expect to be able to re-use the flexible water connector (2) you may see up there, get anew BEFORE you touch them Doug. The’re only designed to be used one time and reuse is asking for trouble. Your licensed professional plumbing contractor will NEVER re-use items such as these.

Regards and Good Luck Sir;
BRAD DAVIS
Master Plumbing Contractor

by: Karl

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:55:11 +0000

Doug,
June 20th, 2008 at 12:14 am

Perhaps you turned the water temperature up on your water heater. I think these white pieces are coming from the water heater. I have seen some white plastic pieces in the aerators which ended up being the cold water dip tube inside the water heater. It was breaking up. Dishwasher soap cannot get into the water supply. Hope this is useful. Karl

by: Doug

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:14:48 +0000

Here’s an odd thing: I had a new dishwasher professionally installed a few months ago and we had a drain problem almost immediatly (cleared with Drano) and now I’m finding what looks like white particles in all the faucet screens everywhere in the house. They look and smell like dishwasher soap. Any idea what is happening here?

by: Ben Erickson

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:22:02 +0000

Hi Ed,
Since dishwashers use a pump to drain, gravity is not needed. As noted in the article above, the drain hose should either have an air gap mounted on the kitchen counter or loop up near the top of the base cabinet to prevent backflow from the kitchen sink. Also, be sure to attach the dishwasher drain line above the sink trap to keep sewer gases from coming through the drain line.

by: Barb asks

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:27:35 +0000

After my dishwasher was installed, I noticed that the faceplate was protruding beyond the cabinet. Is this correct? Should the dishwasher be pushed in to the cabinet further and then reintall the faceplate?

by: ed smith

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:06:59 +0000

I’m installing a new dishwasher and someone told me that you must have the drain up high above the sink trap, is this correct. Someone else said that it’s allright to just let it drain by gravity into an existing drain line running along the joists in the basement. I would appreciate your info on this.. thanks , ED

by: Jesse Orbe

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:56:57 +0000

I am trying to replace my dishwasher. When I took the old one out I notice the electrical wire was plugged into an oulet that just laying on the floor, under the dishwasher. The drain hose was also laying on the floor. Is this common practice? Can the elecrical outlet be placed behind the diswasher? Or does it have to go in the cabinet next to the dishwasher openning. What about the drain?

by: Lor

Fri, 23 May 2008 03:14:15 +0000

I’m trying to take out my dishwasher from the sink to see where is the smell of cigratte is coming from because I have neighbor that smokes and I could smell it through the sink where my dishwasher is place so if there is any tips on where or what I could do to prevent this smell please help.

Thanks

by: Ben Erickson

Thu, 22 May 2008 17:52:25 +0000

The maximum distance the dishwasher can be from the sink drain will vary depending on the make and model, but should be spelled out in your manual. Usually they range from 5′ to 10′.