How to Install Countertop Dishwasher Permanently [A Complete Guide]


How to Install Countertop Dishwasher Permanently

Cleaning stacks of dirty dishes, plates, glasses, and knives are pretty strenuous at times, right? Well, it is, especially after a long night’s party or thanksgiving family dinner. But there is a good solution to hand washing all this dirty stuff manually. Want to know more about it? Well, here is the kicker.

A countertop dishwasher is a perfect device to clean your dishes automatically and save time and energy. But if you have bought a countertop dishwasher just now, the installation process might seem difficult. So, in this article, I’m going to share 5 easy steps to install a dishwasher in 10 minutes and stay hooked.

5 Easy Steps to Install A Countertop Dishwasher :

Before you start installing the countertop dishwasher, let’s talk about the machine in short. Generally, the countertop dishwasher has an inlet and outlet hose at the back. Also a rinse aid and detergent box in the cleaning chamber. Now let’s go back to the process of installing the machine :

1. Place The CounterTop Dishwasher Near A Faucet And Sink :

One thing you need to make sure that the machine should be placed in such a place where the inlet hose can be connected with the water source such as faucet easily and the outlet hose can reach the drainage system to clear dirty water. Keep these things in mind :

  • The electric line should be unplugged during the time of installation.
  • The area should be spacious and clean where you’re going to place the countertop dishwasher.

2. Connect Inlet And Outlet Hose Pipes With Source And Drainer :

If you look closely at the back of the dishwasher you’ll find two threads for connecting hose pipes. One is smaller in size which is the inlet hose. The Inlet hose connects the dishwasher with the water source. And the large thread is for the outlet hose which passes the cleaned waste from the dishwasher. Let’s follow the process to install both pipes :

  • First, you need to line up the two intake threads, the dishwasher and the thread coming out of the inlet hose pipe. Connect them and start hooking up with your hand in a clockwise motion. Once tightly screwed, it is done.
  • Now follow the same procedure to connect the outlet thread of the dishwasher and the thread of the outlet hose pipe. Attach both threads tightly.
  • Put the ending part of the outlet hose in a drainage source such as a sink. One thing you need to make sure of is that the exhaust or outlet pipe is placed on the surface. If you hang it up in a high place, the dirty water may go backward and damage the dishwasher.
  • To connect the inlet pipe with a faucet or other water source, you can either install a manual thread at the back of the water source. Or you can use an additional thread to connect the top of the water source with an inlet hose pipe.

3. Fill Up The Detergent And Rinsing Box of Countertop Dishwasher:

Once your water pipes are threaded perfectly it’s time for the cleaning process. If you open the door of the main cleaning chamber of the dishwasher, you’ll likely see two boxes at the lower bottom. The Left one is generally for the main cleaner or dishwashing soap. The right one is for the rinse aid and it carries an indicator over it most of the time. Things you need to remember about cleaner boxes are :

  • Don’t overfill any of the cleaning boxes, check the indicator light to fill up the boxes again with liquid.

In some countries, the countertop dishwashers come with an additional saltbox. The salt helps reduce the hardness of rustiness of water. So if your dishwasher has a salt chamber, fill it up with salt to minimize water damage.

4. Place Dishes In Cleaning Rack And Close The Chamber Door :

Place all your dirty plates, forks, glasses, and knives in the cleaning chamber. Don’t overcrowd the cleaning chamber, separate the dishes in two batches if they are more in quantity. When you place the dishes inside, follow these things as I say :

  • Big dishes like plates should be placed vertically so that they get washed thoroughly.
  • Forks and knives should be put in separate batches. In most dishwashers, there are also spaces to keep spatulas on the sides.
  • Don’t put too many dishes in the cleaner at the same time. This will barre the water from reaching the dirt.

5. Finish Countertop Dishwasher Installation And Start Cleaning :

Once you have plugged in the hose pipes, filled all the cleaner boxes, and placed dishes on the rack,  your installation process is complete. Now it’s time for the main cleaning procedure. Plug your dishwasher with an electricity source. Then follow these steps :

  • Turn on the main power switch of the dishwasher. An LED light will indicate that the power is on. 
  • Now find the program buttons. There are different modes for cleaning different dishes. Press the program button according to your cleaning needs and press the start button.
  • Before you start the cleaning process, make sure the inlet is getting enough liquid supply from water sources such as faucets or motors. Otherwise, the machine may get damaged.
  • When your cleaning cycle is complete, open the door and let the dishes cool for a while. This process will vaporize the remaining steams of the chamber and help to dry the dishes.

That’s it. You have successfully installed your first countertop dishwasher and cleaned all the dirty and messed up dishes by now if you followed all the instructions as I said. Now your dishes are cleaned till the next dinner time.

Related Questions :

Can I Install A Countertop Dishwasher Under Kitchen Sink?

Technically, you can install a countertop dishwasher under a sink, but it is not recommended. Countertop dishwashers are designed to be connected with water sources such as faucets. If you keep it under the sink, it will be hard to reach the machine. Also, your machine may need additional plumbing.

How Do I Install A Dishwasher That Is Not Near A Water Source?

If you don’t have a separate sink to connect the faucet with the dishwasher or the drainage system is far away, you can try methods such as manual plumbing. A plumber will set up all your components according to safety standards. Many landlords provide floating dishwashers too which are attached to the sink and drainage system.

Can I Connect the Countertop Dishwasher to A Bathroom Single Drain Sink?

One thing you should keep in mind if you want to connect a countertop dishwasher with a bathroom sink, the inlet or water supply won’t create any major problem. It’s the water drainage system that can overflow your bathroom sink. Bathroom sinks are usually smaller in size compared to kitchen sinks. So A drainage of water can cause overflow.

Why Does My Sink Drain Into My Countertop Dishwasher?

The reason why discharged water from the countertop dishwasher heads back to the dishwasher is the installation of an exhaust pipe. It is either placed wrongly, such as in a  hanging position. Or it has been clogged by dirt which is not letting the water pass out from the machine.

Final Words :

Countertop dishwashers are an effective and time saver solution for your stained and smeary dishes. All you need to do is throw them in the cleaning rack, turn on the power, that’s it. Always use good quality dishwashing soaps for your machine and make sure it’s getting enough water supply from the source and passing dirt through the outlet pipe.

You may also want to read.

Homemade Dishwasher Cleaner: Know The Best Technique

Shifat Hossen

Hey guys, This is Shifat Hossen. I'm a professional chef. I have been cooking for the last 10 years. I have a restaurant business as well. If you love cooking, be with me.

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