The dishwasher is installed and you’re ready to start washing dishes, right? Not so fast! While you may be eager to load up that first round of dirty plates and glasses, it’s crucial to run through a final checklist first. Verifying proper installation will help your dishwasher function at peak performance for years to come.
Follow this closing list to confirm your dishwasher is correctly and securely installed before regular use. Investing these final minutes upfront can prevent problems or malfunctions down the road.
Confirm Dishwasher is Level
An unlevel dishwasher can lead to uneven cleaning and noisy operation. Get out your spirit level and place it on the front opening and rack track inside the tub. Check side to side and front to back.
If needed, adjust the leveling feet at the base of the dishwasher until it reads perfectly level. You want the bubble right in the middle of the lines. Close the door and double check!
Door Opens and Closes Correctly
Inspect the door alignment and function. Open and close the door to confirm it raises and lowers smoothly, without rubbing or catching. If needed, adjust the spring tension to achieve a controlled motion.
Make sure the door seal is tight against the tub when latched closed. If there are any gaps, you may need to realign the door. Refer to the manual for proper adjustment technique. The seal keeps water from leaking out.
Wash Arms Spin Freely
It’s important to verify nothing is obstructing rotation of the upper and lower spray arms. Open the door and manually spin each arm, top and bottom. Rotation should feel smooth.
If arms catch or rub, adjust rack placement as needed. Make sure tall items won’t interfere with arm movement. Proper spin is key for complete dish coverage during wash cycles.
Confirm Proper Drainage
Run a short test cycle and watch to make sure the dishwasher drains completely. Check beneath and around the unit for any dripping or standing water. If you notice any leaks, double check connections and the drain hose installation.
Listen for any gurgling sounds, which may indicate an improperly secured drain hose. Drainage issues can lead to water overflow and water damage.
Check for Leaks on Plumbing Lines
Take a flashlight and inspect behind and beneath the dishwasher to make sure no water supply lines are leaking. Even minor drips can eventually lead to big problems. Tighten connections or rewrap leaky fittings with plumber’s tape.
Check inside the cabinet under the sink for any moisture that could indicate drain hose seepage. Small leaks may not be immediately visible but can still cause odor and deterioration over time.
Inspect All Electrical Connections
Remove the junction box cover and visually inspect dishwasher wiring connections. Make sure wire nuts are tightly secured and no copper wire is exposed. Also check the power cord connections to the dishwasher itself.
Loose electrical connections can cause short circuits, fires and shock hazards. If you’re unsure about electrical safety, schedule inspection by a professional. Proper wiring is not worth taking risks with.
Confirm No Rattling, Shaking or Vibrating
Run a wash cycle and listen closely for any noises like banging, rattling or shaking coming from the dishwasher. Vibrations are often a sign that installation is loose. Go back and check mounting brackets, leveling and door adjustments.
Uneven or unbalanced loads can also cause rattling. Adjust rinse aid levels and make sure loads are properly loaded for smooth operation.
Test Appliance Functionality
The real proof is in the performance! Run a test cycle with the dishwasher empty to verify proper washing action, adequate water temperatures, and drying completion. Check that detergent dispensers open appropriately and seals don’t leak.
Monitor the entire test run to confirm your newly installed dishwasher cleans and operates as expected. If any issues pop up, address them promptly to get your dishwasher running its best.
Running through this final checklist gives you peace of mind that your new dishwasher is correctly configured for smooth operation and years of reliable service. While it may be tempting to hurry up and start washing dishes, taking these extra preventative steps now pays off over your appliance lifetime. Use this list each time you install a dishwasher to ensure success!
