How to install plumbing for a dishwasher for the first time?

JoeG

Hi

Ive attached a picture of my current undersink plumbing. Could you please advise what additonal items are required to incude the dishwasher plumbing. Does the water supply come from the cold or hot water tap?

thanks

Joe

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @JoeG. It's splendid to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about connecting a dishwasher.

To install plumbing for a dishwasher for the first time, you're already in a good position with the waste connection. The dishwasher waste hose connects to the spigot on your existing S-bend trap under the sink. If that spigot is capped, you’ll need to drill it out and secure the hose with a clamp. Make sure the hose loops upwards before connecting to prevent backflow.

For the water supply, most modern dishwashers in Australia require only a cold water connection, though you should confirm this with your specific model. Assuming it’s cold only, you’ll need a dual mini stop (a mini cistern cock with two outlets) to allow both the sink tap and the dishwasher to be connected at the same time. Your current setup has a single outlet, so this part needs to be replaced.

Keep in mind that changing a mini cistern cock is considered plumbing work and legally needs to be carried out by a licensed plumber. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to connect the dishwasher hose to the new fitting and complete the installation. 

Here's a helpful guide: How to connect a dishwasher.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell