I want to buy a dishwasher, but I think the only place I can put it could be too far from the sink and the water pipes.
Here is a photo of my old and unpleasant kitchen. There’s only one place I can put an appliance without spending a fortune installing extra pipes, and that’s where that wooden shelf is. It’s about 1.50m to 2m away from my sink - which is next to the washing machine, under the window.
The shop I want to buy it from (John Lewis, for you UK based dopers) offers an installation service, so I tried asking them, but they don’t want to commit one way or another, not even to say no. I understand why, of course, but well, if it had been simple I would have installed the thing myself.
Searching online has been hit and miss. I find lots of disagreement on the maximum distance that a dishwasher can be away from the water pipes. I certainly would need extra long hoses, that’s for sure.
So, here are my questions: did anyone ever have to install a dishwasher slightly too far? How did it work out? If there is anyone that did any such plumbing, what is my best option?
I suppose another possibility could be to install the dishwasher where the washing machine is, and put the washing machine further away. Which appliance could cope with distance better, in your opinion?
You need water supply and drain for it. There’s no too far for the water supply. The dishwasher has a pump that should have no problem pumping the water up to it’s own height, which is higher than the drain. You just need longer hoses and space to rout them. If you can’t extend the supply hoses and need to add pipe the cost could jump.
Sure. Part of my problem is that I cannot find data on the thin line between should and won’t have no problem. Basically, not many manufacturers give out the max distance the pump can cope with. Usually they just hide between vague language, I expect to cover their backs, and say “Better if it’s as close as possible”.
Another thing; where does the sink drain to? If it’s a drainpipe in the basement, it might be simpler to run the dishwasher drain directly down to it, rather than the conventional connection at the kitchen drain.
The primary issue is that the pump be strong enough to push the water UP and over a trap/drainback point, and I believe all new DWs are. Once the water has been pushed up to that point, which should be around the top of the unit itself, the drain down and out can be fifty feet long if necessary.
That is, the drain hose should go up from the drain port to a spot near the top line of the dishwasher and more or less within its outline, then take a 45-degree turn and go to the drain. The latter leg of the drain can be any length, within reason.
Your layout looks roughly like a mirror of ours and our dishwasher sits where your shelves are. We ran the drain line under the corner cabinet, but since we have a basement, the supply line came straight up.
That is nowhere near too far for a dishwasher, but the spot you want it in isn’t even close to ready to install. You’d have to drill holes and route the pipes in the back of your existing cabinets, and also get new countertop or something and a piece for the right side of an in-place dishwasher.
Easier to just buy a so called “portable” dishwasher. You just change out the faucet aerator, and when you want to use the dishwasher you wheel the dishwasher over to the sink and connect a hose to your faucet. Then you stash it where your shelf is when finished/not in use.
Which is pretty much exactly what the previous post said, so ditto.
Pipes, yes, that goes without saying, but countertop and sides? Errr… No need… I’d just get a free standing appliance, and stick it next to my last cabinet. Lots of people do that.
Never, ever, ever saw one here in the UK. As fascinating a solution as it is, it’s just not available.
Unfortunately the bathroom is way too small, and anywhere else suitable needs new pipes, and that needs the concrete slab to be dug, and that needs all the floors in the way to come out and be replaced. Way too much hassle. I’ll just see if I can get the extra long hoses.
For the last 40 years, I’ve used a portable dishwasher that I roll over to the sink and attach to the faucet when I use it. The cycle takes about 40 minutes. It has gone with me to many, many homes and apartments. I’ve never had a built-in dishwasher.
Full disclosure: the one I got in 1973 finally gave up the ghost in 2006 and I replaced it. Also, I didn’t read the whole thread.
I’ve never seen a “free standing” dishwasher that’s not a portable one. Standard dishwashers don’t generally come with finished sides. They are just all “innards” covered/surrounded with insulation to muffle the sound. They’re meant to be surrounded by cabinetry and countertop. They are ready to install, not free standing. The only finished side is the front.
From perusing the John Lewis website it looks like what is referred to as portable is roughly comparable to your freestanding (less the wheels), unlike the integrated washers.
But I see they also sell dish drawers, you may be able to get the best of both worlds by getting one installed in an existing cabinet.
Though the slimline dishwasher they have could do the same.
Good luck w/ your decision!