Did you get a new Frigidaire dishwasher but don’t want to pay an additional installation fee? Now you are finding it hard to hook it up yourself? Can’t figure out how to install a Frigidaire dishwasher like a pro?
Installing any machinery is not an easy DIY undertaking. However, with the right tools and some guidance, anyone can install a dishwasher.
Frigidaire is one of the best-rated American appliance brands in the market, offering the most affordable, durable, and user-friendly dishwashing machines.
Therefore, many people buy Frigidaire dishwashers to get more bang for their buck. Being here reading these words means that you probably just got one too.
Don’t worry if you can’t install a Frigidaire dishwasher because we are here to help you. In this article we have mentioned a detailed step-by-step guide on how to install a Frigidaire dishwasher yourself.
Before we proceed, you will need to prepare the space where you hook the dishwasher. Make sure your water supply, power supply, and drain are all installed.
Without wasting any more time, let us tell you how to install a Frigidaire dishwasher.
How To Install A Frigidaire Dishwasher?
Tools And Materials You Will Need:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- 6″ Adjustable wrench
- 5/16″ and 1/4″ nut-driver
- Level ¨ Carpenters square
- Measuring tape
- Flashlight
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Bucket
- 3 UL listed Wire nuts
- Ferrule, compression nut
- Thread seal tape
Parts Supplied By The Manufacturer:
Note: These supplies are usually provided in the literature package.
- Two #8 Phillips flat head wood screws
- 5/8″ long to secure the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop
- Two Phillips head, color-matched toe kick screws
Follow the instructions below carefully, and don’t skip any steps to ensure the appliance is installed correctly.
Step 1: Check The Door
First, you must check if the door is balanced correctly.
Here is what you have to do:
- Hold the handle of the dishwasher door and slowly open it.
- If the door drops quickly as you release it, increase the spring tension. On the other hand, if the door closes back up, you will decrease the spring tension.
- Pull out the pinout to adjust the spring and insert it in the next higher or lower hole. Then test the door again. Repeat the process until the door is balanced.
Step 2: Level Up The Legs
Level the legs and adjust the height of the dishwasher according to the available space so it can properly fit into the counter.
For you need to follow these steps:
- Place the dishwasher on its back, close to the installation area.
- Measure the height of the installation space and the dishwasher.
- Change the height of the legs of the dishwasher to make sure the dishwasher height is 0.75 inches less than the height of the installation space.
Step 3: Remove Toe kick
The toe kick is the recessed space or raised strip of wood that runs at the bottom of the lower cabinets to offer room for your toes. We remove the toe kick so we can adjust the kickplate grille instead.
A kickplate is a rubber panel placed under the dishwasher. It covers up the space at the bottom of the dishwasher and is removed for access for service under the dishwasher.
- To remove the toe kick, remove the four screws on each corner of the piece of wood.
- Lift off the toe kick.
Step 5: Position Wiring and Waterline
Ensure the water supply line and house wiring are on the cabinet’s floor to avoid contact with the components under the dishwasher.
Step 6: Insert Drain Hose Through Cabinet
A new Frigidaire dishwasher comes with a new drain hose. After removing the old dishwasher drain hose, insert the new one into the cabinet wall hole.
Step 7: Slide Dishwasher Into Cabinet
- Place the dishwasher into the installation space just a few inches to make all the necessary connections.
- Pull the drain hose from beneath the sink and ensure it is not twisted. Avoid any interface between the hose and waterline or wiring.
- Now secure the hose at the top of the sink cabinet with a plumber’s tape in a U-shape to prevent backflow into the dishwasher.
- Join the other opening of the hose to the drain inlet of the dishwasher.
Step 8: Place The Dishwasher
To place the dishwasher into the installation space, slightly keep pushing it a few inches at a time. Check and remove any wires that might be in contact with the base of the dishwasher. Carefully remove any wires that are pinched with the door springs or any other component of the dishwasher.
Note: Do not push the dishwasher with your knees as it might damage the dishwasher and dent the door. If you want to reposition the dishwasher, grab it by both sides and move it slowly to adjust to the new position.
Step 9: Level Frigidaire Dishwasher
Your dishwasher must be leveled appropriately for optimal wash performance and rack operation.
- Use a level to see if the rack tray and door are correctly leveled. Check the levels on all four sides, i.e., front, back, left, and right.
- If the dishwasher is not leveled properly, adjust the four leveling legs one by one until the desired balance is achieved.
Note: The most effective way to see if the dishwasher is leveled is to check the door. If the door hits the tub, adjust the legs, so the door is aligned to the tub. Similarly, pull out the dish rack. If it falls back or forward, the dishwasher needs to be leveled.
Step 10: Secure Frigidaire Dishwasher To The Cabinet or Countertop
Once you have placed the dishrack properly and leveled it up, secure it in position. For this, you will use the 2 Phillips special head screws.
Follow these methods to secure the dishwasher to different types of countertops:
Method 1: For Wood Countertops
Simply fasten the dishwasher using the Phillip special head screws.
Note: To avoid scratching the control panel, drive the screws straight through instead of pushing through.
Method 2: For Granite and Other Countertops
Use side-mounting brackets to secure a dishwasher to countertops with hard surfaces, like stone, granite, or marble dishwashers.
To do so, just follow these steps:
- Remove the plug buttons from both sides.
- Through the side mounts, screw in the dishwasher to the adjacent cabinet on each side. Now, install the plug buttons again.
Note: Ensure the gap between the countertop and dishwasher door is at least 0.5 to 1 inch.
Step 11: Connect Water Supply
- Simply connect the tubing to the water supply line.
- Insert the water line into the 90° elbow and secure it with compression nuts.
Note: The door spring should not contact or rub against the water supply line or the fill hose. Re-route the supply lines if there is any interference or if you hear a rubbing noise.
Step 12: Connect Drain Line
- The drain hose molded end will fit air gap, disposer, or waste tee connections of 5/8″, 3/4″, or 1″ diameter. Simply cut the marked line suitable to your installation needs.
- You can add additional length to the factory-installed hose for a longer drain hose. Use a coupler to connect both ends of the two hoses.
- Use a hose clamp to secure the connection.
- Now, secure the drain hose with clamps.
Note: In any case, the drain hose length must not be longer than 10 feet.
Step 13: Connect Power Supply
You can skip this step if your dishwasher is equipped with a power cord.
Otherwise, follow the steps below:
- Turn off the power at the source.
- Locate the white, black, and green dishwasher wires and insert them through the hole in the junction box.
- Secure the wiring with strain relief at the bottom of the junction box.
- Using wire nuts, connect the incoming ground to the green wire, black to black, and white to white.
- Now, cover the junction box and make sure no wires are punching under the cover.
Step 14: Pre-Test Checklist
- Check and ensure the power is turned off.
- Remove paper packaging and foams.
- Get the user manual and read it carefully.
- Check the door opens and closes smoothly. If not, adjust the door springs.
- Check all wirings and remove any pinched wires.
- Check door and dish rack alignment.
- Check door adjustment with countertop.
- Check the water supply, and drain lines are not kinked.
- Turn on hot water and make sure the temperature lies between 120°F and 150°F.
- Add 2 quarts of water to the dishwasher’s bottom for the pump seal.
- Once you have turned on the water supply, tighten connections in case of any leakages.
- Remove the protective film from the door and control panel.
- Remove the air gap plug and disposer plug.
Step 15: Frigidaire Dishwasher Wet Test
- Now turn on the power supply.
- Select ‘Normal Wash’ by turning the dial.
- Close the door of the dishwasher.
- Check that the water enters the dishwater.
- Check leakages under the door and the dishwasher.
- The dishwasher should drain after the first fill (5-7 mins). Ensure the drain pipe does not leak, and all the water in the dishwasher should be drained.
- Run another fill and drain cycle for a thorough check.
- Turn the dial off.
Now that you know how to install a Frigidaire dishwasher, let’s answer a few common queries many users often have.
FAQs | How To Install A Frigidaire Dishwasher?
Can I Install A Dishwasher Myself?
Whether buying a new dishwasher or replacing an existing one, installing a dishwasher is not that tricky. If you have the infrastructure and correct measurements, you can install a dishwasher yourself.
Your new dishwasher should fit in the cabinet space under your kitchen counter or island. Also, ensure the water, power, and drain are already in place and ready to use.
Does The Frigidaire Dishwasher Need Air Gap?
An air gap is a dishwasher fitting to prevent drain water from returning to the dishwasher. Clogged pipes and stopped-up sinks can cause the dirty drain water to flow back into the dishwasher. Therefore, air gaps are mounted to the kitchen cabinet or sink to avoid backflows. So, it is recommended to install an air gap with your Frigidaire dishwasher.
How Do You Hook Up A Dishwasher For The First Time?
Installing a dishwasher for the first time, especially in a kitchen that never had one, requires proper planning. Apart from power, water and drainage, you must consider kitchen layout and functionality. For example, you need to make sure that the measurements match correctly so your dishwasher can fit without any issues.
Once you have sorted out these details. Follow these instructions to hook up your dishwasher:
- Turn off the water and power supply
- Clean the placement area
- Read the instructions manual carefully
- Prepare the required tools
- Now connect the drain line and water line
- Secure the power connections
- Make sure you have secured the drain hose
- Turn on the water and power supply
- Place a dirty dish or plate in the dishwasher
- Turn on the dishwasher and test it
For detailed guidelines, follow the step-by-step guide mentioned above in this article.
Wrap Up | How To Install A Frigidaire Dishwasher?
How To Install A Frigidaire Dishwasher? Be it a dishwasher or a washing machine, installing any new machinery can seem like a daunting task. But if you follow the instructions and the process mentioned in this article, you can install a Frigidaire dishwasher without any hassle.
So, no need to call a professional installation team for a job you can simply do yourself. Plus, it will save you hundreds of dollars of your hard-earned money.
Just follow our guide on “How To Install A Frigidaire Dishwasher?“, and you’re good to go!
