Step 8: Screw the dishwasher in place

man fixing the dishwasher under the cabinet
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Reach down and adjust the feet on the front of the dishwasher until the mounting brackets touch the underside of the counter.

Open the dishwasher door. Holding a torpedo level against the inside top of the dishwasher, adjust the feet until it's level side to side.
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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.