Dishwashers that install below a countertop have flexible legs feet, very similar to a lot of refrigerators. The legs enable you to lower the unit before sliding it into position and increase it to align the face of the unit in the lower edge of the countertop. Typically, vinyl floors are set up in a dishwasher recess, while built-up flooring, like tile and hardwood, terminate along the front edge of the recess. Installing a dishwasher takes a bit of preparation and knowledge of plumbing connections. A novice should have the assistance of an experienced installer.
Preparation
Place the dishwasher on a bit of cardboard in the front of the recess in the cupboards, with its back facing the recess. The cardboard is not needed if a tile or hardwood floor are intended but not yet installed. Allow enough room to function in the recess. Remove the access panel below the door in the front of the dishwasher with a screwdriver.
Step one side of the dishwasher from front to rear and add two inches. Notice the dimension. Set up a power drill with a 1-inch flat wood piece. Step from the front of the recess in the side of the sink cabinet and mark the side of the recess in the dimension. Step up from the ground and produce a corresponding mark in 16 inches. Drill the hole to get the dishwasher drain hose in this location.
Drill another 1-inch hole 6 inches below the hole for the hose to feed the copper tubing water-supply line in the rear of the dishwasher through the side of the recess for connection in the water supply valve under the sink.
Step up from the subfloor or flooring into the bottom of the countertop in the front of the recess and bend 1/2 inch to get clearance. Utilize an open-end wrench to adjust the legs on the dishwasher up or down as necessary for the 1/2-inch clearance.
Plug in the power cord to your dishwasher into the electrical outlet at the rear wall of the recess. Insert the end of the drain hose and the end of the copper tubing water through the appropriate holes in the side of the cupboard recess. Ask a helper to pull the tube and hose into the sink cupboard since you push the dishwasher into the recess.
Installation
Open the dishwasher door. Align the attachment tabs in the outer sides of the dishwasher with the face frame of the cabinet at every side of the dishwasher recess. Utilize the open-end wrench to adjust the legs in the front so the cover of the doorway is 1/4-inch from the bottom of the countertop.
Put in a screw-tip attachment in the drill. Attach the tabs into the face frame at each side with a 1-inch wood screw in the machined hole in every tab. Close the dishwasher door and reattach the panel in the front by hand.
Slide a hose clamp on the end of the drain hose below the sink cupboard. Fit the hose on the round nozzle in the side of the trash disposal and tighten the clamp with a screwdriver. If the disposal is not set up, secure the clamp on the hose for the time being.
Expand the fitting in the end of the copper tubing water onto the smaller threaded nozzle in the hot water supply valve. The supply line for the sink faucet thrives at the larger nozzle of this dual supply valve. Tighten the fitting with an open-end wrench.