Connecting a dishwasher to your water supply involves linking the appliance's intake valve to your home's hot water line, typically near the sink plumbing. As highlighted in installation guides, a water supply is a fundamental requirement for a dishwasher to function, alongside drainage and power.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Essential Components
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary parts and tools:
- Hot Water Supply Line: A flexible braided stainless steel hose specifically designed for dishwashers.
- Angle Stop Valve: A shut-off valve (usually 3/8-inch) on the hot water line under the sink. If none exists, you'll need to install one using a saddle valve (less recommended) or by replacing part of the existing pipe with a valve.
- Fittings: Compression fittings or pipe thread fittings depending on your specific valve and hose connections. Often, a 3/8-inch compression to 3/4-inch garden hose adapter fitting is needed at the dishwasher end.
- Teflon Tape or Pipe Dope: To seal threaded connections.
- Adjustable Wrench and Basin Wrench (if needed): For tightening fittings.
- Bucket and Towels: For catching residual water.
Step-by-Step Connection Process
Follow these steps carefully to connect your dishwasher to the water supply:
- Turn Off Water Supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve for your home and turn it off. Alternatively, if you have an existing hot water shut-off valve under the sink for the dishwasher, turn only that one off. Turn on the hot water faucet to drain any remaining water and confirm the water is off.
- Locate Connection Point: The water connection point on the dishwasher is usually at the front bottom of the unit, often requiring removal of the lower access panel. The connection port is typically a 3/4-inch male fitting.
- Connect Supply Line to Dishwasher: Apply Teflon tape clockwise onto the threads of the dishwasher's water inlet port. Thread the dishwasher supply hose connector (often 3/4-inch female garden hose fitting) onto this port. Hand-tighten first, then use a wrench to tighten another half to full turn, being careful not to overtighten.
- Prepare the Angle Stop Valve: If you have an existing valve, ensure it's the correct size (usually 3/8-inch). If installing a new valve, follow instructions for cutting the pipe and installing the valve securely.
- Connect Supply Line to Water Source: Route the flexible supply line from the dishwasher towards the angle stop valve under the sink. Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the angle stop valve's outlet. Connect the other end of the supply hose (usually a 3/8-inch compression fitting) to the valve. Hand-tighten, then use a wrench to tighten the compression nut, ensuring a secure, leak-free connection.
- Check for Leaks: Slowly turn the hot water supply back on (either the main valve or the under-sink valve). Inspect all connections carefully for any drips or leaks. Tighten fittings slightly if necessary.
- Practical Tip: Place a towel or small bucket under connections while turning the water back on to easily spot leaks.
Connecting the water supply is a critical step in dishwasher installation, ensuring the appliance receives the necessary water to operate cleaning cycles.
