How to level a dishwasher

Getting your dishwasher level might not be the most exciting part of setting up your kitchen, but it’s really important. If it’s not done right, you might find yourself with dishes that aren’t quite clean, or worse, water where it shouldn’t be. Luckily, leveling your dishwasher isn’t hard, and it’s something you can handle with a little guidance.

Let’s unpack everything you need to know to make sure your dishwasher is sitting perfectly in its space, which will help it run better and last longer.

If you need any replacement parts for your dishwasher, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the installation instructions for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Screwdriver
• Level
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Allen wrench

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Surprising Things That Can & Can’t Go in the Dishwasher

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before working on your appliance.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.

Read more: How to Install a Dishwasher

How to adjust & level a dishwasher

Follow these steps to adjust and level your dishwasher yourself.

Step 1: Position the dishwasher

1. Place the unit near the cabinet cavity where it’ll be installed.
2. Measure the height from the floor to the underside of the countertop. The dishwasher usually comes preset to a standard height, but adjust the rear legs accordingly. You can usually do this by extending them out by an inch to match your countertop height before sliding the dishwasher into the cabinet.

IMPORTANT: You can’t adjust the rear legs once the dishwasher is inside the cutout space.

Step 2: Prepare connections

1. Make sure the water supply and power are off.
2. Route the utilities (drain hose, water supply, electrical cord) through the designated opening in the cabinet – typically at the bottom rear  – toward where the connections will be made.
3. Carefully slide the dishwasher into the cabinet cavity. As you do so, manage the slack of the utility lines and insulation to prevent anything from pinching or bunching up behind the dishwasher.

Step 3: Level the dishwasher

1. Once the dishwasher is partially slid into place, place a level on top of the unit and its sides. Adjust the front legs as needed to get it level.
2. Slide the dishwasher into its final position and make sure it’s flush with the cabinetry and countertops.
3. Adjust the front legs again if needed. Use a wrench at the bottom of the legs or an Allen wrench at the top, depending on which is more accessible or preferred. You might need to slightly lift the dishwasher to adjust it.
4. Use the level to check from the front to the back and then side to side so the dishwasher sits flush with cabinetry and the door gap is even.

Step 4: Secure the dishwasher

1. Secure the dishwasher to the countertop or sides of the cabinetry using the provided mounting brackets and screws. For countertops that can’t be drilled into (like stone or marble), use side-mounting options if available.
2. If additional anchor points are needed or if the existing ones are stripped, utilize alternative slots provided by the manufacturer to secure the top of the dishwasher.
3. Secure the water supply, electrical, and drain hose connections. Make sure there aren’t any leaks or loose connections.
4. Turn on the water supply to the dishwasher.
5. Plug the dishwasher in and turn it on.
6. Run a test cycle to make sure everything is working correctly.

Read more: How to Clean a Dishwasher

Additional information

Thanks for stopping by! We hope this guide helped you level your dishwasher.

If you run into any issues, just give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or start a chat with a pro on our website so we can help you through it. We’ve got many more troubleshooting and repair guides on our DIY blog and YouTube channel and all the parts you need to do it yourself at AppliancePartsPros.com. We can also help you troubleshoot common dishwasher problems here.

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