Upgrading your kitchen with a sparkling new dishwasher is an exciting project! But proper planning and preparation are crucial to ensure the installation process goes as smoothly as possible. Follow this comprehensive guide to get your Melbourne kitchen fully ready for its sleek new appliance addition.
Confirm You Have Adequate Space
Before purchasing the dishwasher, carefully measure the intended installation location in your kitchen. Standard dishwashers require a space approximately 24 inches wide and 34.5 inches high to fit properly. If the spot you have in mind does not meet these minimum dimensions, some adjustments will be necessary. You may need to remove adjacent cabinets, relocate appliances like the fridge or stove, or even modify walls or flooring to create the required area. Doing these alterations is much simpler before the dishwasher arrives, so measure meticulously upfront.
Update Electrical and Plumbing Infrastructure as Needed
Modern dishwashers require a dedicated grounded electrical circuit with a capacity of at least 120 volts. Locate the outlet you plan to use and ensure it meets these energy needs while not overloading your electrical system. Hire an experienced electrician to install new wiring and a new dedicated outlet if needed.
You’ll also want a water hookup located close to where the appliance will be installed. Confirm the existing plumbing infrastructure provides adequate hot water pressure for optimal dishwasher performance. Make any necessary updates ahead of time.
Clear Out Storage Beneath the Sink
The space directly beneath the kitchen sink is prime real estate for installing the dishwasher’s drainage system. You’ll need totally clear access here. Remove everything stored under the sink, including cleaning supplies, garbage cans, pipes, etc. This clears the way for the installer to easily connect the drainage hoses underneath. Keep this area open going forward for maintenance access too.
Purchase Essential Installation Accessories and Tools
Installation kits containing essential parts like the drainage hose, water supply line, mounting brackets and hardware are available at home improvement stores. Purchase the kit indicated for your dishwasher model ahead of installation day so the parts are ready to go. You’ll also want basic tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and drill bits to handle the installation.
Thoroughly Clean the Installation Area
Clear away all dust, grease, food particles, and debris thoroughly from the intended dishwasher location. This allows for proper adhesion of any adhesive materials, secure fitness of drainage connections, and overall appliance stability. After installation, you also want to protect surrounding floors, countertops and cabinets from damage. Cover nearby surfaces with drop cloths.
Consult Kitchen Design Experts if Needed
If your current kitchen layout requires substantial changes to accommodate the dishwasher, consider consulting kitchen design specialists. They can help optimize the whole space including adjustments for dishwasher placement, improved storage, better traffic flow, and an overall organized design tailored to your needs. This small upfront investment prevents hassles down the road.
Verify Dishwasher Specifications
Carefully check the manufacturer’s specifications for height, width, clearance, electrical needs, plumbing, drainage requirements and more. Take exact measurements of your existing space including distance to plumbing and electrical connections. This ensures you select the properly sized dishwasher model for your kitchen’s unique layout.
Rearrange Cabinets and Drawers as Needed
To create an integrated look after installation, you may need to rearrange adjacent cabinetry and drawers to accommodate the appliance height. Having an cabinetmaker modify surrounding cabinets ahead of time creates a seamless custom look.
Examine Water Supply Shut off Valves
Examine the condition of the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water supply lines under the sink. Older corroded valves may need replacement so they don’t leak when connecting the dishwasher’s water supply. Upgrade old valves beforehand.
Following these tips will completely prep your Melbourne kitchen for smooth and successful dishwasher installation. Addressing adequate space, electrical, plumbing, storage, accessories, and cleaning needs upfront prevents problems down the road. With proper planning and preparation, your kitchen will be in prime condition for its exciting dishwasher upgrade!
