Proper installation is important so you can properly use your dishwasher. In particular, you must ensure that the person installing your dishwasher knows what they’re doing. But who should you call to get the job done?
Dishwashers can be installed by expert installation professionals, electricians, or plumbers. They can also be installed by a homeowner with the right experience and technical skills.
The rest of this article will further explain who installs dishwashers and how to know what type of professional is the right choice for your installation. Keep reading so you can be ready to get your dishwasher installed in no time.
Who Installs a Dishwasher: Plumber or Electrician?
If you’re looking for a professional to install your dishwasher, you may have asked at some point: “Do I need a plumber or an electrician?” After all, dishwashers require both electric and plumbing work, so you may be wondering which is the better option.
Fortunately, both plumbers and electricians are qualified to install dishwashers. In most cases, a plumber alone can install your dishwasher. However, an electrician may be required if you need to get additional work done like installing a new connection or rearranging current electrical connections.
Hiring a Plumber to Install a Dishwasher
When installing a dishwasher, you should hire a plumber if you don’t have sufficient experience in plumbing and electrical work and if the electrical connection for the dishwasher is already set up correctly.
Hiring a plumber to install your dishwasher will help you to:
- Avoid future leaks or damage
- Maintain your warranty
- Ensure efficient and proper installation
Plumbers are well-versed in installing dishwashers. They also understand the ins and outs of the water systems they need to connect to get your dishwasher up and running.
Because they may already have extensive knowledge of the plumbing under your sink, you can be sure to avoid future leaks, damage, and other issues that may arise from the improper installation of your dishwasher.
Additionally, many appliance companies will void your warranty if you don’t have your dishwasher professionally installed. That alone is enough for a professional installation to be worth the cost.
Hiring an Electrician to Install a Dishwasher
In some cases, hiring an electrician over a plumber to install a dishwasher is the better choice, especially if you’re building a new home. For starters, the electrical work required may be much more extensive and could involve aspects that would be beyond a plumber’s expertise to execute.
You might want to consider hiring an electrician if:
- You require a new electrical panel, outlet, or connection installed.
- Your electrical connections need to be moved or modified prior to installation.
You can also hire an electrician to come in first to do the electrical work and then hire a plumber to install the dishwasher after the electrician is done.
While both plumbers and electricians are qualified to install a dishwasher, some aspects of the installation might be more suited to one than the other.
Who Else Can Install a Dishwasher?
In addition to electricians and plumbers, professionals that are often qualified to install a dishwasher include:
- Handymen
- Professional Installation Services
Most handyman services with electrical and plumbing experience can install a dishwasher. Various online services can connect you with handymen in your area that might be available for your job, and you can usually look them up online. Using a handyman service instead of a large company can usually save you money.
Many appliance companies or home improvement stores will offer discounted or complimentary installation services when you purchase an appliance through their company. Buying a dishwasher might come complete with professional delivery and installation services, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
When you have your dishwasher delivered and installed by a professional service, you can be sure they’ve been adequately trained and have the right plumbing and electrical skillset to get the job done correctly.
Often, these individuals will either be in training or are already licensed plumbing or electrical specialists. Of course, the licensed ones may have more skills and experience, but if you can’t get one of those, a decent apprentice (with the approval/supervision of a skilled mentor) will do.
If you purchase your dishwasher through a large home improvement store and take advantage of their installation services, the work, appliance, and any additional parts needed will usually be guaranteed for a specific amount of time. In other words, if something breaks a few years down the road, you have someone to help you out at little to no extra cost.
Can I Install a Dishwasher By Myself?
When installing your new dishwasher, it’s possible to install it yourself, but without the proper electrical and plumbing knowledge and experience, it’s not recommended.
Hiring a professional to install your dishwasher will ensure that:
- Your home or appliance warranty will not be voided. Many home and appliance warranties come with the caveat that they will be voided if you don’t use a professional service for installation, maintenance, and/or repairs. To keep your warranty valid, hire a professional and keep records of all services provided.
- Your appliance will be installed correctly. Instead of relying on guesswork, you should let someone with the proper experience install your dishwasher instead. If you attempt this project without being properly trained, you may end up installing your appliance incorrectly, which can lead to all kinds of problems.
- The work will be warranted. Most reputable plumbers, electricians, and professional installers will back up their work with some kind of warranty. That means you can avoid expensive repairs by hiring a professional you can call back the next day or month as soon as you notice an issue.
- You can avoid leaks, water damage, and other problems. An improperly installed dishwasher can lead to leaks, which can cause water damage to your home. Hiring a professional ensures that these types of problems can be avoided.
As much as you’d like to DIY your home to save money on expensive professionals and installations, a professional dishwasher installation is one service that’s absolutely worth the cost.
If you have the electrical and plumbing experience and the technical skill to install your dishwasher, you can save money on installation services and do it yourself. Even then, it’s a good idea to look into the warranty requirements for your appliance before you proceed with your project.
YouTube, How-To DIY books, and Google are great resources for learning how to install a new dishwasher on your own. Some appliance companies will even offer step-by-step instructions or comprehensive videos to walk you through the process.
For example, this simple yet descriptive video explains how to remove your old dishwasher and install a new one without professional help:
That being said, you should be aware of the risks of any kind of appliance installation without the assistance of a professional. Also, make sure you fully understand the process from start to finish before you begin.
To Sum Up
The installation of a dishwasher can be done by:
- An electrician
- A plumber
- A handyman
- An installation service professional
- An experienced and skilled homeowner
It’s important to understand the needs of your project before choosing what type of professional to hire for the job. An electrician should perform more complicated electrical issues, and a plumber should do plumbing work. It’s common to hire both to do different parts of the job.
If your dishwasher comes with a free professional installation, take advantage of that service and install your new appliance properly and efficiently.
