Step 2: Position the water and electrical lines

man positioning the water and electrical lines
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Find the two front-to-back clear paths on the underside of the dishwasher—these are meant to keep the copper tubing and electrical wiring away from the motor as they run from the back of the dishwasher bay to the front of the appliance. Measure the distance from these paths to the sides of the dishwasher. Transfer the measurements to the floor inside the bay. Note which side leads to the water hookup and which side is for the wiring.

Using an outside bending spring, shape the copper pipe so it wraps down the cabinet side and along the mark for the water-pipe channel. Twist the electrical wire so that it lies in the correct path as well. Use tape to secure both to the floor in position over their marked lines.
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    Tools List

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    • flathead screwdriver
      Screwdrivers
    • drill
      Drill/driver
      fitted with 1 1/4-inch and 2-inch hole saws
    • spade bit
      1-inch spade bit
    • needlenose pliers
      Pliers
    • adjustable wrench
      Adjustable wrench
    • Tube Bending Springs
      Tube Bending Springs
    • close quarter tubing cutter
      Close-quarter tubing cutter
    • torpedo level
      Torpedo level
    • wire strippers
      Wire Strippers

    Shopping List

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    1. DISHWASHER
    The majority of built-in dishwashers come in only two sizes: 24 inches wide and 18 inches wide, both sized to fit under a standard 25-inch-deep and 36-inch-high counter. (Be sure to get a built-in dishwasher, not a portable one, which uses temporary connections at a sink tap and outlet.) Look for the Energy Star label on any model you buy—the criteria for dishwashers became more stringent in January 2007.

    2. 3/8-TO-½-INCH BRASS ELBOW
    to make the turn from the dishwasher's inlet to the copper supply line. This is a standard part for dishwashers and may be included in a dishwasher installation kit.

    3. TEFLON TAPE

    4. ½-INCH SOFT COPPER TUBING
    to bring water to the dishwasher. (The measurement refers to the pipe's outside diameter.) A 10-foot coil should be plenty.

    5. TWO ½-INCH COMPRESSION FITTINGS
    The number also refers to outside diameter. Each includes a brass ferrule (or compression sleeve) and a compression nut.

    6. ELECTRICAL WIRE NUTS to connect wire ends.
    Get ones that will fit two 12-gauge wires—either yellow or red.

    7. CABLE CLAMP
    to secure the electrical cable to the junction box on the dishwasher.

    8. NO. 6 HOSE CLAMP
    to attach the dishwasher's 5⁄8-inch drain hose to the sink's drain tailpiece.

    9. PLUMBER'S STRAPPING
    to hang the drain hose on the cabinet wall.