Dishwasher installation checklist

The dishwasher should be leveled, supported, secured with the approved brackets, and installed with required clearances so the door and racks operate normally.

Open the door and racks, check side and top gaps, inspect mounting brackets, and verify the unit does not tip or shift. Confirm fasteners do not damage stone, cabinets, or adjacent appliances.

- Unit tips when racks are extended

- Door rubs cabinet or will not stay positioned

- Improvised anchorage into unsuitable countertop

- Dishwasher pinched against supply or wiring

Cord-and-plug or hardwired connection, grounding, disconnect access, branch circuit, enclosure, strain relief, and GFCI protection should comply with the adopted code and appliance instructions.

Confirm the connection method allowed by the model, visible strain relief and enclosure where accessible, grounding, receptacle access, and operation of required protective devices.

- Cord passes through a sharp cabinet hole

- Missing strain relief or junction-box cover

- Receptacle or disconnect inaccessible

- Improvised extension cord or adapter

The connector, shutoff, adapters, routing, and hot-water connection should match the appliance and plumbing requirements without kinks, abrasion, or concealed leakage.

Inspect the shutoff and every accessible joint before, during, and after a test cycle. Confirm the connector does not rub on sharp cabinet edges or hot components.

- Slow leak at valve or inlet fitting

- Connector kinked behind unit

- No accessible appliance shutoff where required

- Old connector reused contrary to the agreed scope or instructions

Drain routing, backflow protection, air gap where required, high loop where allowed, hose support, and disposal or branch-tailpiece connection should follow local code and manufacturer instructions.

Trace the hose from the unit to its connection. Confirm required elevation or air gap, secure clamps, no kinks, and removal of any disposal inlet plug. Observe a drain cycle.

- Disposal knockout plug left in place

- Drain hose lies low and allows backflow

- Air gap leaks because hose is kinked or blocked

- Hose connection loose or unsupported

The appliance should fill, wash, drain, heat, latch, and display normally without leakage, unusual vibration, error codes, or damage to surrounding finishes.

Run the manufacturer-recommended initial cycle. Inspect the toe-kick area, sink cabinet, floor, ceiling below where accessible, door seal, controls, and drainage. Recheck after the cycle ends.

- Leak appears only during drain or heat stage

- Door seal folded or damaged

- Error code ignored at handover

- Toe kick installed before leak inspection