Is this the first time you’re trying to install Whirlpool dishwasher? Are you find it difficult to install a dishwasher? And don’t you want to call a professional that will charge a lot of cash? And you don’t know where to start and which tools and parts you use?
This guide is for you we’ll explain how to install Whirlpool dishwasher step-by-step from a to z.
Whirlpool is one of the most popular American appliance brands, and its dishwashers give you a lot of bang for your buck.
Whirlpool makes dozens of dishwashers, and it doesn’t divide them into different series the way other manufacturers do. To make the assortment easier to wrap your head around.
So please follow the steps and instructions and don’t skip any step because if you do that you’ll miss something and your dishwasher will not operate.
Discover a dishwasher that does more. With the most powerful motor on the market and sturdy stainless steel interiors, whirlpool dishwashers will stand up to years of wiping grime and grit from your dishes.
What are the tools and parts you will need to install whirlpool dishwasher?
Tools needed:
- Pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- ⁵⁄₁₆” y ¹⁄₄” nut drivers or hex sockets
- Measuring tape or ruler
- 10″ adjustable wrench that opens to 1¹⁄₈” (2.9 cm)
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Small level
- Shallow pan
- ⁵⁄₈” open-end wrench
- Bath towell
- Wood block
- 2 twist-on wire connectors which are the proper size to connect your household wiring to 16-gauge wiring in dishwasher
Parts needed:
- Shims (if installed with built-up floor)
- ³⁄₈” Compr x ³⁄₄” hose fitting.
- Copper tubing (³⁄₈” recommended) or flexible stainless steel braided fill line
- Clamp connector or conduit connector to fit a ⁷⁄₈” (2.2 cm) diameter hole
Part supplied:
- Drain hose clamps, 1 large and 1 small
- # 10 x ¹⁄₂” Phillips-head screws
- Drain hose
Where should Whirlpool dishwasher be installed?
Do not run drain lines, water lines, or electrical wiring where they can interfere with or contact dishwasher motor or legs.
The location where the dishwasher will be installed must provide clearance between the motor and flooring. The motor should not touch the floor. Do not install dishwasher over carpeted flooring.
Shelter dishwasher and water lines leading to dishwasher against freezing.
1. easy access to water, electricity, and drain.
2. convenient access for loading and unloading dishes. Corner locations require a 2″ (5.1 cm) minimum clearance between the side of the dishwasher door and the wall or cabinet.
3. square opening for proper operation and appearance.
4. cabinet front perpendicular to the floor.
5. level floor. (If the floor in front of the opening is not level with the floor at the rear of the opening, shims may be needed to level the dishwasher.)
NOTE: To avoid shifting during dishwasher operation, shims must be securely attached to the floor.
If dishwasher will be left unused for some time or in a location where it may be subject to freezing, have it winterized by authorized service personnel. Make sure pipes, wires, and drain hoses are within the shaded area.
If the floor in the dishwasher opening is uneven (for example tile flooring only partway into the opening), you will need to be exact in measuring dimensions and in leveling the dishwasher.
How to install whirlpool dishwasher step-by-step
Step1.
1. Disconnect power.
2. Turn off the water supply.
Step2. install whirlpool dishwasher drain hose
Always use a new drain hose when installing a new replacement dishwasher.
1. Drill a 1¹⁄₂” (3.8 cm) diameter hole in the cabinet wall or floor on the side of the opening closest to the sink.
2. Connect drain hose to waste tee or waste disposer using one of the following methods:
- Option 1, Waste disposer – with air gap
- Option 2, No waste disposer – with air gap
- Option 3, Waste disposer – no air gap*
- Option 4, No waste disposer – no air gap
*An air gap is recommended.
To reduce the vibration of the hose, keep the hose away from the floor and the edge of the hole where it passes through the cabinet.
Option 1, Waste disposer – with air gap:
1. Remove the disposer knockout plug. Cut the end of the drain hose if needed (do not cut ribbed section).
2. Attach drain hose to air gap with the large spring-type clamp. If the drain hose was cut, use a 1¹⁄₂” to 2″ (3.8 to 5 cm) screw-type clamp*.
3. Use a rubber hose connector* with spring- or screw-type clamps* to connect the air gap to the disposer inlet.
This connection must be before the drain trap and at least 20″ (50.8 cm) above the floor where the dishwasher will be installed.
4. Insert drain hose through a hole cut in the cabinet to the front center of the opening where drain connection will be made.
Option 2, No waste disposer – with air gap:
1. Cut the end of the drain hose if needed (do not cut the ribbed section).
2. Attach drain hose to air gap with a large spring-type clamp. If the drain hose was cut, use a 1¹⁄₂” to 2″ (3.8 to 5 cm) screw-type clamp*.
3. Use a rubber hose connector* with spring- or screw-type clamps* to connect air gap to waste tee.
This connection must be before the drain trap and at least 20″ (50.8 cm) above the floor where the dishwasher will be installed.
4. Insert drain hose through a hole cut in the cabinet to the front center of the opening where drain connection will be made.
Option 3, Waste disposer – no air gap:
1. Remove the disposer knockout plug. Do not cut the end of the drain hose.
2. Attach drain hose to disposer inlet with the large spring-type clamp.
This connection must be before the drain trap and at least 20″ (50.8 cm) above the floor where the dishwasher will be installed.
It is recommended that the drain hose be looped up and securely fastened to the underside of the counter.
3. Insert drain hose through the hole cut in the cabinet to the front center of the opening where drain connection will be made.
Option 4, No waste disposer – no air gap:
1. Cut the end of the drain hose if needed (do not cut the ribbed section).
2. Attach drain hose to waste tee with 1¹⁄₂” to 2″ (3.8 to 5 cm) screw-type clamp*.
This connection must be before the drain trap and at least 20″ (50.8 cm) above the floor where the dishwasher will be installed.
It is recommended that the drain hose be looped up and securely fastened to the underside of the counter.
Insert drain hose through the hole cut-in cabinet to the front center of the opening where drain connection will be made.
Step3. Install whirlpool dishwasher water line
Tip: Routing the waterline through the left side of the cabinet opening will make water connection easier.
1. Drill a minimum ¹⁄₂” (1.3 cm) hole in the cabinet side, rear, or floor.
2. Measure the overall length of copper tubing required.
3. Attach copper tubing to the waterline with a manual shutoff valve.
4. Slowly feed copper tubing through the hole in the cabinet.
Copper tubing will bend and kink easily, so be gentle. The copper tubing should be far enough into the cabinet opening to connect it to the dishwasher inlet on the front left of the dishwasher.
5. Turn the water shutoff valve to the “ON” position. Flush water into a shallow pan to get rid of particles that may clog the inlet valve.
6. Turn shutoff valve to “OFF” position.
Step4. Prepare whirlpool dishwasher
Tip: Put cardboard under dishwasher until it is installed in cabinet opening. The cardboard will help avoid damage to floor covering during installation.
1. Using 2 or more people, grasp the sides of the dishwasher door frame and put the dishwasher on its back, resting on top of the corner posts.
2. Remove the 2 top screws and the 2 bottom screws attaching the access panel and lower panel to the dishwasher using a ¹⁄₄” hex socket, nut driver, or Phillips screwdriver.
3. Remove panels and set panels aside on a covered surface.
4. Check that the grounding clip is attached to the lower panel.
5. Slide nut and ferrule onto the tubing.
- Copper tubing only: Slide nut, then ferrule, about 1″ (2.5 cm) onto copper tubing.
NOTE: To avoid vibration during operation, route the water supply line so that it does not touch the dishwasher base, frame or motor.
6. Add 90° elbow fitting to the water supply line.
- Connect the ³⁄₈” compression fitting to the water supply line prior installing the unit into the cabinet opening.
- Attach such that the ³⁄₄” connection is facing upward.
- Copper tubing only: Put the tubing into the 90° elbow fitting as far as it will go (the copper tubing bends and kinks easily).
- Slide the nut and ferrule forward and start the nut onto the elbow threads.
- Flexible braided connection: Secure nut to elbow using ⁵⁄₈” open-ended wrench or adjustable wrench.
NOTE: Do not use Teflon®† tape with compression fittings.
7. Remove terminal box cover.
8. measure the height of the cabinet opening for the underside of the countertop to the floor where the dishwasher will be installed (you need the lowest point).
- Check chart for that height opening.
- Put wheels in the required position.
9. Turn both front leveler legs to the same height.
If the minimum cutout height is less than 34″ (86.4 cm), the rear wheels can be removed for additional clearance. This will allow the dishwasher to fit into a 33⁷⁄₈” (86 cm) high cutout, but the dishwasher will be more difficult to move into position.
If the wheels are removed, cover the floor when moving the dishwasher.
10. Using 2 or more people, stand the dishwasher up.
NOTE: Do not attach the dishwasher. This will be done later.
Step5. Check door spring tension
With another person holding the dishwasher to keep it from tipping, open and close the door a few times. If the door closes or falls open under its own weight, the door tension will need to be adjusted.
- If the door closes too quickly, decrease the spring tension by moving the spring end toward the front of the dishwasher.
- If the door falls open, increase the spring tension by moving the spring end toward the back of the dishwasher.
- Springs should be in the same notches on left and right sides.
Step6. Move whirlpool dishwasher into cabinet opening
1. Using two or more people, stand the dishwasher up.
2. Grasp the sides of the dishwasher at the edges of the door panel.
3. Tilt dishwasher backward on wheels and move dishwasher close to cabinet opening. Do not push on the front of the panel or on the console, they may dent.
4. If the dishwasher has a power supply cord, insert the power supply cord into the hole cut into the cabinet. If using direct wire, check that it is on the right front side of the opening.
5. Check that the water line is on the left side of the opening and the drain hose is near the center of the hole in the cabinet.
6. Slowly move the dishwasher completely into the cabinet opening.
- Do not kink or pinch copper tubing, drain hose, power supply cord or direct wire between dishwasher and cabinet.
Helpful Tip: Once the dishwasher is in position, you may have to support the front of the dishwasher by raising, lowering, or shimming the front feet.
7. Remove the cardboard from under the dishwasher.
8. Using the precut slots in the insulation, attach the insulation to the sides of the tub using the molded hooks on each side of the tub.
NOTE: It is all right if the dishwasher fits tightly into the cabinet opening.
- Do not remove insulation blanket, the blanket reduces the sound level.
Step7. Level whirlpool dishwasher
1. Align the front of the dishwasher door panel with cabinet doors. You may need to adjust the alignment to be even with your cabinets.
Helpful Tip: Prop up one side of the frame to hold dishwasher up off the floor when adjusting front legs.
With some installations, it may be easier to adjust the front leg using the ³⁄₁₆” hex head.
2. Check that leveling legs are firmly against the floor.
3. Close and latch the door.
4. Place the level against the front of the dishwasher to check that it is vertically aligned. If needed, adjust leveling leg or add shims under the rear wheel until the dishwasher.
5. Repeat for another side of the dishwasher.
NOTE: Shims must be securely attached to the floor to prohibit their movement when the dishwasher is operated.
6. Place level against top front opening of tub.
7. Check that dishwasher is level from side to side.
- If dishwasher is not level, adjust front legs up or down until dishwasher is level.
Step8. Make Electrical Connection
Option 1, Direct wire method 1.
1. Route direct wire so that it does not touch the dishwasher motor or lower part of the dishwasher tub.
2. Pull direct wire through the hole in the terminal box.
Helpful Tip:
- Select the proper size twist-on connectors to connect your household wiring to 16-gauge dishwasher wiring.
- Insert wire ends into twist-on connector. Do not pre-twist bare wire.
- Twist connector.
- Gently tug on wires to be sure both are secured.
3. Connect the wires as follows using twist-on connectors sized to connect direct wire to 16-gauge dishwasher wire:
| Power supply wire: | Terminal box wire |
| White | White |
| Black | Black |
| Ground | Green ground connector |
4. Form the bare ground wire into a U-shaped hook. Wrap ground wire hooks clockwise around the ground connector and under the washer.
5. Securely tighten the ground connector.
6. Tighten clamp connector or conduit connector screws.
7. Reinstall terminal box cover with wires inside the terminal box.
The cover must be outside the box on the left side.
8. Make sure no wires are pinched by the cover.
Option 2, Power supply cord method
1. Route the power supply cord so that it does not touch the dishwasher motor or lower part of the dishwasher tub.
2. Pull the direct wire through the hole in the terminal box.
Helpful Tip:
- Select the proper size twist-on connectors to connect your household wiring to 16-gauge dishwasher wiring.
- Insert wire ends into UL Listed/CSA Approved twist-on connector. Do not pre-twist bare wire.
- Twist connector.
- Gently tug on wires to be sure both are secured.
3. Connect the wires as follows using twist-on connectors sized to connect power supply cord to 16-gauge dishwasher wire:
| Power supply wire: | Terminal box wire |
| White | White |
| Black | Black |
| Ground | Green ground connector |
4. Form the bare ground wire into a U-shaped hook. Wrap ground wire hooks clockwise around the ground connector and under the washer.
5. Securely tighten the ground connector.
6. Tighten clamp connector or conduit connector screws.
7. Reinstall terminal box cover with wires inside the terminal box. The cover must be outside the box on the left side.
8. Make sure no wires are pinched by the cover.
9. Do not plug the dishwasher cord into the outlet until instructed to do so.
10. Check that the power supply cord does not touch the dishwasher motor or lower part of the dishwasher tub.
Step9. Connect whirlpool dishwasher to water supply
1. Tighten 90° elbow fitting to the valve.
- Be sure rubber washer is properly seated in fitting. Slide the ³⁄₄” fitting up to the valve and hand tighten to avoid unintentional cross-threading. Hand tighten until the coupling is tight.
- Using pliers, check the tightness of the coupling. An additional ¹⁄₄ to ¹⁄₂ turn may be required to seal the rubber gasket.
2. Check for leaks
- Place paper towel under 90° elbow fitting.
- Turn on water supply and check for leaks.
If the leak occurs, repeat the previous step.
Step10. Connect whirlpool dishwasher to drain hose
1. To help minimize vibration, route drain hose to avoid contact with motor, door springs, water line, cabinet, flooring, or the edge of the hole where it passes through the cabinet.
2. Place a shallow pan under the end of the drain hose connector. Pan will collect any water in the drain hose.
3. Remove the drain hose connector cap.
4. Put the drain hose clamp onto the drain hose connector.
NOTE: Depending on the model, the drain connector may be located near the back or front of the dishwasher. For either location, connect the drain hose to the drain hose connector as follows:
5. Put the spring-type drain hose clamp over the drain hose connector.
6. Push the drain hose onto the drain hose connector.
7. Use pliers to open the clamp over the drain hose and drain hose connector.
8. Push the drain hose onto the connector as far as it will go.
Release the clamp. Check that the drain hose is secure.
NOTE: If a screw-type clamp is used instead of the spring-type clamp, use a ⁵⁄₁₆” nut driver to tighten the drain hose securely to the drain hose connector.
Step11. Secure whirlpool dishwasher in cabinet opening
1. If you have not already done so, open the dishwasher door and place the towel over the pump assembly and spray arm of the dishwasher.
This will keep screws from falling into the pump area if you unintentionally drop them when securing the dishwasher to the countertop.
2. Check that dishwasher is still level and centered side to side in the opening.
3. Secure dishwasher to countertop or sides of the cabinet with two, #10 x ¹⁄₂” Phillips-head screws. The dishwasher must be secured to keep it from tipping when the door is opened.
4. Open the door about 3″ (7.6 cm) and check that space between the inner door and tub is equal on both sides. If the spacing is not equal, loosen bracket screws and shift the tub. Tighten bracket screws.
5. Check that top of the door does not contact screws, brackets, or countertop. If it does, the dishwasher must be lowered and releveled.
6. Remove towel from the dishwasher.
7. Reinstall the lower dish rack.
Step12. Complete installation
1. Check that the grounding clip is attached to the access panel.
2. Start the screws in the lower panel holes on the dishwasher. Do not tighten.
3. Place the lower panel behind the access panel.
4. Slide the lower panel over and down onto the screws.
5. Hold the 2 panels together and place them against the dishwasher leg.
6. Reattach the access panel to the dishwasher.
7. Reinstall the screws through the holes in the access panel and the slots in the lower panel. Install the right side screw first.
8. Check that the lower edge of the lower panel contacts the floor.
9. Tighten the screws.
10. Reconnect power or plugin dishwasher.
Read also:
- How To Use Whirlpool Dishwasher Step-By-Step
- How To Install LG Dishwasher Step-By-Step
- How To Clean LG Dishwasher Step-By-Step
- How To Use LG Dishwasher Step-By-Step
- How To Use GE Dishwasher Step-By-Step
Final tough
Using this guide on how to install a whirlpool dishwasher will help you to install your dishwasher easily without calling a professional which will cost you a lot of cash, using the steps above without skipping any steps will help you to install the dishwasher the right way and your dishwasher will operate correctly do please read the guide and don’t skip any step.
