We need to replace our dishwasher. I have picked one out, but the installation price was sooo high (we have to pull permits for plumbing and electrical in the city we live in). The salesperson at Lowes told us it is very easy to do when following the instructions. Has anyone done this?? Can we really do it ourselves? My husband is only somewhat handy and I'm clueless. Thoughts?
It is very easy since you already have one. There is only a water supply hose and a drain hose. The water supply hose likely screws on like an outdoor hose and the drain is probably just a little clamp that you use a screwdriver to loosen and tighten. Go for it.
S., I worked as an interior designer for a builder for a couple of years and replacing a dishwasher is really quite simple. Just pull the old one out and the hook up of the new one should be exactly the same. Also, I have never heard of anybody requiring a permit unless you are ADDING more plumbing or CHINGING electrical. You are not doing any repairs that interfere with the lines coming into the house. If your city is requiring that then they should also require you to get a permit to plunge your toilet! Crazy if you ask me. Good luck!
Yup- very easy. We did it earlier this year. Just follow the directions. Make sure you turn off the water before you hook it up. As long as you don't have a tile floor that you have to pull it up over (like we did) then you should be able to slide it out pretty easily. Just slide it out enough to unhook, then it comes out the rest of the way. Weird that you have to have plumbing and electrical permits- you already have one installed, so what's the big deal? I'd ask the permit lady at their office to make sure. You shouldn't have to do that for appliances, just improvements/additions. Good luck!
We just bought a new dishwasher. I wasn't going to spend a $100 service call to install it so my husband and I installed it last night. It was not that hard. Just make sure you got the hose kit and which electrical way you want to go. I guess there is 2 different ways. (plug in or wire direct) I think your husband can figure it out. Just look at the book. The hardest part for us was trying to get it in so the door would shut right. Good luck. I would do it yourself and save the money.
My husband is not at all a handy guy and he replaced our dishwasher on his own a couple years ago without any problems (or calls to anyone for help :))
Is the city really going to know if you replace your dishwasher without a permit?
I dunno about you, but what happens in my house stays in my house.
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Totally! For the first 30 years of my life I always was "afraid" to try to do these little things around the house. Then my husband's job made him work a ton of over time, (great for money but he needed down time when he was home) and my father had several heart attacks (he is fine now) and I had noone to "save" me. So I figured if I wanted it done I had to do it myself. I have changed a dishwasher, ceiling light, ceiling fan and (my personal proudest moment) the toliet! Just follow the instructions and if you do get confused you can always go online for more help.
Go for it! Have fun!
If all the pipes and electrics match up so you do not move any pipes/wiring then it should realitvily easy, even if neither of you have done it before.
Advice, shut off water and electricity when installing the dishwasher (that is usually the #1 mistake of DIY projects). Then take your time installing and follow the instructions. After installed run it and make sure there are no water leaks which could lead to problems down the road. If there are leaks pull it out and see if you can figure it out (usually very easy to figure out what needs to be done to solve the issue).
Ask to see the installation instructions before you buy, ask questions if you have any about the instructions. If it simple to understand with clear pictures and instructions and seems that you can do it go for it, buy and install yourself. If you have family/friends that live near by ask if they have installed a dishwasher before and see if they can come over and help/oversee what you are doing. We do this all the time and learn so much from them.
Sorry I just read that you need a permit for replacing a dishwasher??? I can't even believe you would need one for a new installation but a replacement? I just think that is so ridiculous! Talk about BIG BROTHER, this is where our country has gone and people put up with it. Permits cost money and why sould you pay the city for your choice and freedom to put a dishwasher in your house? With Veterns Day just passing and thinking how my Father and Grandfather risks their lives for this? Ridiculous! Sorry I know this isn't advice but I am so blown away!
My husband installed a dishwasher, and he's only somewhat handy. You can do it! Just read the instructions and you'll be fine! :)
Yup, it is easy. My husband has done it 3x in the 14 years we've been married (over the course of 2 homes). Yes, every city is different regarding the whole permit issue so the best thing to do is to check your city hall.
