How to install a freestanding dishwasher

There are plenty of benefits to installing a freestanding dishwasher in your kitchen. Aside from saving you time on washing up, they’re portable and easier to take with you if you move house. In this complete guide, we discuss what a freestanding dishwasher is, the pros and cons of buying one, and how to install a freestanding dishwasher.

What is a freestanding dishwasher?

A freestanding dishwasher is a dishwasher that can be placed almost anywhere that there is a water connection and a drainage point. You don’t need to build in a freestanding unit, and it comes with sides and a top cover so that it can be placed wherever it will fit.
This is different from built-in dishwashers that have exposed externals that are covered by the benchtop and cabinets.

Why choose a freestanding dishwasher?

There are many reasons to choose a freestanding dishwasher. As mentioned above, they are more portable than built-in alternatives, making them a more convenient option for renters and people who move house often.
The other major advantage is that you have more freedom over where it will sit within your kitchen. Furthermore, if you’re wondering how to install a freestanding dishwasher, it’s much less complicated than installing a built-in dishwasher. Freestanding dishwashers also typically cost less.

Furthermore, the top of your freestanding dishwasher may be covered in cutting boards or other countertop materials, which gives you additional food prep and cutting space.

Freestanding vs built-in dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers sit beneath the countertop, flush with the kitchen cabinets, so it could be argued that freestanding dishwashers offer a less neat, less streamlined look. However, if this is an issue, you can find one with customised cabinetry facing to blend in with your kitchen cabinets.

Freestanding dishwashers also typically have fewer features compared to built-in options, which often have multiple spray arms, specialised wash cycles, and targeted sprays. However, freestanding dishwashers can come with convenient features like digital timers, multiple cycles, and load-sensing technology.

The standard size of a freestanding dishwasher is about 18 inches wide, 6 inches smaller than the standard 24-inch built-in dishwashers. They hold about eight place settings, making them ideal for smaller households, and less spacious kitchens. However, if this is an issue there are larger and smaller sizes available if you look for them.
It’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of all options; however, the best option will depend on your personal circumstances and priorities.

How to install a freestanding dishwasher

You can install a freestanding dishwasher yourself with some simple guidance. Read on to find out how to install a freestanding dishwasher.
Begin by turning off the water. Now it’s time to connect the cold water pipe and waste pipe. Use your installation instructions to identify the correct pipes.

The cold water pipe needs to be connected to a cold water supply, which is usually marked blue. This is how water is supplied to the dishwasher. Once you have identified the cold water tap, turn the valve to pause the water supply, before connecting the tap to the cold water pipe and tightening it fully by hand. Now you can turn the valve back on.
There are two options for the waste pipe, and this will depend on your home’s plumbing. You can opt to connect to a normal standpipe, however, it needs to be at least 30cm high to make sure that wastewater will not re-enter the dishwasher, whilst being lower than the height of the dishwasher.

Your dishwasher should come with one of two types of wastewater pipe holder. Use the holder to secure the waste pipe into position.
Alternatively, you could attach the waste pipe to a water connection beneath the sink. The waste connections underneath the sink are called traps. If this is the first time that you are connecting to the traps, you will need to remove a blanking cap, which acts as a stopper. With some types of tap, you may need to saw off the cap.

Check that the pipe doesn’t have any kinks, and connect the waste pipe securely to the trap. With some models, you will need to use the adaptor and clips provided. The dishwasher can now be plugged into a standard plug socket. You should then use a spirit level to check that the dishwasher is level and stable. The feet can be adjusted if required.
Complete the installation by switching on the appliance and running a rinse cycle, carefully checking for any leaks. If none are found, you can now move the dishwasher into its final position.

Watermark Plumbing

If you’re not comfortable installing your freestanding dishwasher yourself, or you don’t have the time, give us a call. We have plenty of experience installing dishwashers all over Brisbane, and we will have it up and running in no time.