February 17, 2013

How NOT to install a dishwasher

We FINALLY replaced our 13-year-old, leaky, rusty-rack, yucky dishwasher yesterday with a sleek, black one that won't flood our kitchen floor every time we run it (at least that is what the salesman told us, still waiting to try it out).  This was a huge day for us as I've waited patiently to get one for almost 2 years!   Well, I think Nick was a little too excited to kick the old one to the curb because the installation process quickly became a series of unfortunate events.  Thus, I created a list of tips that will make things run a little smoother should any of you ever install a dishwasher. 

Tip 1 - Don't start making an involved dinner before installation. Beef stroganoff was on the menu and I was under the impression Nick would have the dishwasher installed within 30 minutes.  The cooked meat ended up sitting on the stove for almost 2 hours.

Tip 2 - Don't forget to shut off the water before disconnecting old dishwasher. 

Tip 3 - Don't forget to wash every towel in the home before dishwasher installation.  You will need all of them to soak up water in the event you didn't shut off the water before you disconnected the dishwasher.

Tip 4 - Don't install dishwasher right before you go to work because you might feel rushed and drill into your fingernail leaving you with: half a fingernail.


Tip 5 - Don't let your 4-year-old play with the hose in the backyard on day of installation.  You might put your dog outside while installing dishwasher and get a fun, muddy mess to clean up.



Tip 6 - Don't forget to read the instruction manual or you might just have to reinstall your dishwasher the next day...or day after that.

Tip 7 - In the event you didn't read the instruction manual and have to reinstall your dishwasher, please read Tip 6 before installation process. :)


Later Nick called and apologized for the crazy evening.  I just laughed. It makes a good story for the blog, right?  And now all of you have been prepped and forewarned if/when you install a dishwasher. It's a win-win really.



Left: Old D Right: New D
However, I would like to try out the new dishwasher someday soon...isn't it pretty?

2 comments:

Colleen said...

Ha ha! Gotta love DIY projects. Congrats on your new dishwasher! I got mine about a year ago. Here's my only tip: if the manual tells you to use Jet Dry, believe it. I decided to try vinegar instead because it's cheap! And natural! It just resulted in a very stinky dishwasher for some reason. After I started using Jet Dry, it worked like a charm, no offensive smells. Love new appliances!

Jessie said...

Yeah, gotta read the instructions, dude. SO FUNNY.
I'm envious of your pretty, new dishwasher. Isn't it funny what gets grown-ups excited?