A dishwasher is a crucial appliance in any kitchen, often representing a significant investment that is not frequently replaced. Properly securing your dishwasher, whether attached to the countertop or cabinet, is essential for ensuring its stability and optimal performance.
An unsecured dishwasher can lead to various issues, including impaired performance, hindered drainage, and potential water leakage.
This appliance is typically secured by mounting screws to the bottom of a countertop or the cabinet – the latter option being more common for kitchens with granite countertops. The following guides will show you how to secure a dishwasher.
How to Secure a Loose Dishwasher
If your dishwasher seems loosely placed and leaning or tipping in a specific direction, you might not consider it a big deal. A slightly out-of-level dishwasher may not seem like a significant problem, but it can cause some issues in the kitchen, such as:
- Performance issue: The appliance cannot spin its arm correctly and the machine cannot clean optimally.
- Hindered drainage: The water cannot flow smoothly into the drain and instead, pools in some areas or drain faster than it usually would.
- Water leakage: You may not notice a leak if it’s minor enough, but a bigger issue will lead into leaking water pools around the appliance, especially underneath the dishwasher’s door.
A loose dishwasher that “tilts” forward is more likely to be an issue of installed ones to a granite countertop. It is because granite, along with other similar materials such as stone marble, is susceptible to split when drilled with screws. This condition may cause the dishwasher not to be held securely.
Installing the mounting kit, where the upper part of the dishwasher is secured to the counter, is the sole permanent solution for this problem. You need to consider and note your dishwasher’s manufacturer, model, or series number before purchasing a compatible mounting kit from a nearby home improvement store.
From there, you only need to follow the provided instructions. Most kits include a dishwasher mounting bracket that is supposed to sit at the upper part and can be secured using a screwdriver and drill.
How to Secure Dishwasher to Cabinet
If your dishwasher model, such as certain front-load washers, comes with side anchors provided by the manufacturer, these can be used to attach the appliance to the cabinets securely.
This method is beneficial for dishwashers installed under granite countertops, where drilling into the stone may not be feasible. The side anchors help to keep the dishwasher stable and prevent it from tipping forward when the door is opened.
The anchors prevent the dishwasher from tipping forward when you pull the drawers out and open the door because they are attached at its edge.
Read also: Preventing the Water Heater Blow Up
Here is a guide on how to secure a dishwasher by using side brackets to the cabinet:
- Drill two 1/2” deep holes onto the upper outside edge of the tub frame of your dishwasher to install one side of the anchor.
- Secure the anchors to their place by pushing through two pan head screws into the dishwasher tub frame. These screws are typically included within the anchor kit. The upper part of the anchor must extend and form a flat surface with the back part of your dishwasher door. Do the same for the other anchor.
- Put the dishwasher into the designated place, then open its door and set a level throughout this appliance’s upper edge area. Make the dishwasher level by raising or lowering each front foot and place it as close as possible to the countertop.
- Create another 1/2” deep hole by the upper hole part of the anchor into your kitchen cabinet. Push a screw into the cabinet through the anchor. Do the same for the other side of the anchor.
Read also: Crack in a Fiberglass Tub and Shower Pan
Fixing the position or securing a kitchen dishwasher by yourself is highly feasible if you follow the steps carefully and adequately.
Securing Different Countertops
For dishwashers installed under more traditional countertops, securing them directly to the underside of the countertop is usually the best approach. This can be done using mounting brackets or screws that attach directly to the dishwasher and then to the countertop.
It’s essential to ensure that these connections are tight and secure to prevent any movement of the dishwasher during its operation.
To perform the guides on securing a dishwasher above, ensure you prepare the required tool beforehand so the process won’t take long, even if it’s tackled only by one individual.
