How to Install a Maytag® Dishwasher
You don’t always need a professional to install a new dishwasher in place of an old one. As long as you have the appropriate plumbing and electrical, it’s a task you can tackle on your own, but make sure to use the written dishwasher installation instructions that came with your dishwasher. If you don’t have access in your desired location, contact a professional to help get your dishwasher up and running.
Watch this video and learn how to install a dishwasher from Maytag® appliance experts.
How to Install a Dishwasher in 6 Steps
You’ll need a variety of tools and supplies on hand to start your dishwasher installation project.
Tools for a successful installation:
- Parts included with your dishwasher
- Cordless drill
- Screwdrivers
- Socket wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Additional tools or supplies as listed in installation instructions
Accessories needed for Maytag® dishwashers:
- Water line installation kit
- Power cord (straight cord kit or right-angle cord kit)
Other useful supplies:
- Shallow pan or bucket
- Utility knife
- Bath towel or large piece of cardboard
- Flashlight
- Pliers
Step 1: Remove the Current Dishwasher
Turn off electricity and water
Before you start the steps for how to remove a dishwasher, turn off the electrical power to the dishwasher at the fuse box or circuit breaker, then turn off the water supply. Once you’ve turned off the water and electricity, unplug the dishwasher and disconnect the drain hose and water supply lines. Use a towel, bucket or shallow pan to catch any water when you disconnect the drain hose.
If you’re installing the dishwasher in a new location, be sure you have the right cabinet opening dimensions.
How to uninstall a dishwasher
Remove the screws that anchor the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop or left and right cabinets. Use a screwdriver to remove the toe panel below the dishwasher door, then unscrew the leveling legs from each corner of the base. Place a bath towel or piece of cardboard in front of the dishwasher and pull the old dishwasher onto it from the cabinet opening. Slide the old dishwasher out of the way.
Step 2: Prepare the New Dishwasher for Installation
Remove packaging
Cut the box along the dotted line all around the dishwasher base. Remove shipping materials from inside the box, setting aside any boards included in the box for use as shims inside the cabinet if needed. Open the dishwasher door and remove styrofoam pieces from the interior. With the help of a friend, tilt the dishwasher on its back and remove the shipping base.
Prepare the dishwasher for installation
Remove the toe panel and, on newer Maytag® dishwashers, remove the drip tray, disconnect the drip sensor and set aside for later. Then, route the power cord through the terminal box and connect the remaining wires as detailed in your installation instructions. Attach the drain hose to the drain port, then route it and the power cord underneath the rear legs of the dishwasher.
Save wood runners from packaging
If you need to build up floors underneath the dishwasher or fit it in a slightly wider cabinet, use the included wood runners as shims for a proper fit.
Step 3: Connect to the Water Supply and Adjust Height
Attach the elbow hose fitting to the water supply line, then connect the fill hose to the valve on the bottom of the dishwasher and route toward the rear of the dishwasher. Tighten by hand, then tighten an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn using pliers.
Measure your cabinet opening from the floor to the underside of the countertop and adjust the rear leveling legs to match the height of your opening.
Step 4: Move the Dishwasher into Place
Have a friend help you stand the dishwasher upright and move it close to the cabinet opening. Route the power cord, water supply and drain hose through the hole on the side of the cabinet opening. Slide the dishwasher into the opening until it’s approximately 6 inches from the back.
Step 5: Secure Your Dishwasher to the Countertop and Cabinets
Insert anchor brackets into the open slots on the left- and right-hand top of the dishwasher collar or into slots on each side of the dishwasher, then slide the dishwasher back until the door is flush with the front of the surrounding cabinet doors. Adjust the front leveling legs until the dishwasher is level, checking for levelness up and down the door and along the top edge. Then, screw in the anchor brackets.
Step 6: Connect Hoses and Power and Test the Dishwasher
Connect hoses
Attach the water supply line to the hot water line, then turn the manual shut-off valve to the on position. Connect the drain hose to the drain port. If connecting to a new drain disposal, make sure to knock out the disposal drain plug and remove it before connecting the dishwasher drain. If you have a Maytag® dishwasher, reconnect and return the drip tray toward the bottom of the dishwasher. Plug in the power cord.
Run a test cycle and attach toe panel
See the dishwasher installation instructions for details on how to run a test cycle to check for leaks. Add insulation underneath the door, then reinstall the access panel and toe panel. Don’t forget to remove the protective film from the door and interior racks to properly show off your new, hardworking dishwasher.
Help keep water from backing up
Avoid backwash from the sink’s drain by securing slack in the drain hose to the backside of the cabinet under the sink, making sure it arches higher than the drain inlet.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Dishwasher from Start to Finish?
If you’re comfortable tackling home projects yourself, you can likely replace your current dishwasher with a new one in 2–4 hours. For first-time dishwasher installation or hard-wiring, it’s recommended that electrical connections be made by a licensed electrical installer.
Browse all Maytag® dishwashers
Tackle stubborn food, grime and grit on your dishes with the help of Maytag® dishwashers. Explore dishwashers with features on select models like Dual Power Filtration that puts an end to pre-rinsing and scraping or the 3rd Level Rack for more space to wash small glasses, bowls and plates.
MORE INFO ON YOUR NEW DISHWASHER
-
Parts of a Dishwasher: Diagram & Guide Learn about different parts of a dishwasher, where they are inside the dishwasher and how to find replacement dishwasher parts. -
How to Unclog a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain Learn how to unclog a dishwasher in this step-by-step guide. Find out why your dishwasher isn’t draining and how to get rid of standing water in a dishwasher. -
How Does a Dishwasher Actually Work? Discover what’s going on inside your dishwasher during a cycle. Find out how long most dishwashers run, how they drain and how it beats handwashing.
