Dishwasher connection

A freestanding or slot-in dishwasher without a furniture door needs three things: a water valve, a drain and a socket. The usual problems after a DIY job are water backing up from the sink trap into the tub and a kinked hose that stops the machine filling. Connecting a dishwasher covers the feed and drain, levelling and the first cycle.

The price is per appliance. A new valve, a trap with spigot or a socket are separate items.

What connection covers

• connecting the fill hose to a valve, often via a tee at the tap;
• connecting the drain to the trap with an anti-siphon loop;
• levelling so the door closes evenly;
• checking the joints for leaks;
• the first cycle and a drain check.

A drain without backflow

The drain hose is run upwards first and only then to the trap, so dirty sink water cannot flow into the machine. The manual gives the minimum and maximum loop height. If the hose runs too low, the machine can also empty itself mid-wash.

What to prepare

A space by the sink, access to the cupboard under it, a valve on the cold supply and an earthed socket. Say in the request whether the trap already has a spigot. If the machine will sit behind a furniture door, choose the integrated dishwasher service instead.

Common questions