Shopping for a new dishwasher isn’t a frequent occurrence for most people, so navigating the ins and outs of a new appliance purchase can be overwhelming. To help you get a handle on the process, here are some key elements to consider in order to set yourself up for success.
Know Your Space Constraints
Before you start looking at dishwasher brands, models, or features, it’s important to know what parameters you have to work with. How big is the space your dishwasher will occupy? Is it a standard or a specialty size? You don’t want to find the perfect appliance only to discover that it won’t fit in your kitchen!
One common space-related issue has to do with the floor around the dishwasher. If you’re replacing an existing machine, make sure you compare the height of the floor in front of the dishwasher to the height of the floor under the dishwasher.
Sometimes, during a remodeling process, the kitchen floor will be replaced or built up in the kitchen, but not underneath the appliance. This can cause your dishwasher to become “blocked in,” requiring special care to remove it.
This also means that you’ll need to purchase a new dishwasher that’s slightly shorter than the internal height of the space. Otherwise, you won’t be able to fit the dishwasher between the floor and the counter during installation.
Check Your Plumbing
Ideally, your plumbing will already be set up to accommodate a dishwasher with no issues. In some cases, though, especially if your dishwasher isn’t located directly next to your sink, it’s possible that you’ll need additional plumbing work to properly connect your dishwasher’s water supply and drainage hose.
If you’re not sure what kind of plumbing setup you have, you can contact your local appliance repair company for help. They’ll be able to assess the situation and advise how to move forward.
Identify Your Power Supply
In most cases, you can wire your dishwasher directly into your home’s electrical system. Some brands of dishwashers, however, require an outlet where they can be plugged in. If you select a corded dishwasher model but don’t have an outlet where you need it, you’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise when you try to install it!
Before you go shopping for a new dishwasher, make sure you know what kind of power connection your kitchen will support. That way, you can steer clear of models that won’t work for your space, or you can get any necessary electrical work done before you get to the installation stage.
Knowing the parameters and quirks of your kitchen is an essential first step before you buy a new dishwasher. Having a clear understanding of the space you’re working with as well as the nature of the water and power hookups can save you a lot of trouble down the line!
If you live in Wilmington, MA, or the surrounding area, call the team at All Brands Appliance Repair if you need help determining your dishwasher setup. Our family-owned company has been in the appliance repair business for over 46 years and we’ll be happy to assist. If you need appliance repairs down the line, we offer both regular and emergency service for your convenience. All Brands Appliance Repair—Reputation You Can Count On.
