How To Install Whirlpool Dishwasher Side Mount Kit

Installing a Whirlpool Dishwasher Side Mount Kit

Mounting a dishwasher correctly ensures it operates without issues. A Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit provides a secure way to anchor your appliance. This guide helps you understand each step. We cover everything from gathering your tools to final checks.

Introduction to Side Mounting Dishwashers

Installing a new dishwasher can feel like a big job. A crucial step is securing the appliance properly. Many dishwashers come with top-mount brackets. These brackets attach to the underside of your countertop. However, some countertop materials, like granite or quartz, do not allow for top mounting. Here is where a Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit becomes essential.

This kit allows you to attach your dishwasher to the side cabinets. It provides a strong, stable anchor. This prevents the dishwasher from tipping forward when you pull out racks. I often hear from people struggling with this specific mounting challenge. This article will walk you through the entire process. We will cover the tools you need, how to prepare your space, and the detailed steps for installation. You will feel confident completing this task yourself.

Takeaway

Gather all necessary tools and safety gear before starting.
Turn off power and water supply to the dishwasher area.
Attach side mount brackets firmly to the dishwasher frame.
Carefully slide the dishwasher into its final position, aligning the brackets.
Secure the dishwasher to the cabinet sides with screws.
Reconnect utilities and test the dishwasher thoroughly.

Clear and Concise Answer

Installing a Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit involves attaching special brackets to the dishwasher’s sides. You then slide the dishwasher into its cabinet opening. Finally, you screw these brackets into the adjacent kitchen cabinets. This method secures the dishwasher when top mounting is not possible or practical.

Understanding Whirlpool Dishwasher Side Mount Kits

A Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit solves a common installation problem. Many dishwashers secure to the underside of the countertop. This works well for laminate or wood countertops. However, new countertop materials like granite, quartz, or solid surface do not allow screws from the top. Drilling into these surfaces can cause damage.

The side mount kit includes specific brackets and screws. These brackets attach to the sides of the dishwasher frame. Once attached, the dishwasher slides into the cabinet opening. The brackets then extend outwards, allowing you to screw them into the adjacent cabinet walls. This creates a stable and secure installation. It stops the dishwasher from moving or tipping during use. This method is often the only safe way to install a dishwasher with stone countertops.

I have seen many installations go wrong when people try to force top mounting on granite. Using the correct side mount kit protects your countertops. It also ensures your dishwasher stays in place for years. Knowing your specific Whirlpool model is helpful. Most kits are universal for Whirlpool, but checking your manual is always a good idea. Make sure the kit matches your appliance for the best fit.

Gathering Tools and Materials for Installation

Before you begin, gathering all your tools and materials makes the job smoother. Stopping halfway to find a missing item is frustrating. I always recommend laying everything out first. This ensures you have every piece you need.

Here is a list of common tools and materials you will likely need:

Whirlpool Dishwasher Side Mount Kit: This is crucial. It should come with brackets and screws.
Safety Glasses and Gloves: Always protect your eyes and hands.
Adjustable Wrench or Pliers: For disconnecting water lines.
Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead): You will use these for various screws.
Drill with Drill Bits: A drill helps create pilot holes for screws. Use a small bit, like 1/16-inch or 3/32-inch.
Level: To ensure the dishwasher is perfectly level.
Tape Measure: For checking dimensions and alignment.
Utility Knife: For cutting tape or packaging.
Bucket and Towels: To catch any water when disconnecting lines.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Kitchen cabinet spaces can be dark.
Wood Shims: Sometimes needed to level the dishwasher or fill gaps.
Pencil: For marking screw locations.

Having these items ready saves time. It prevents unnecessary trips to the hardware store. Double-check your side mount kit contents against the parts list. This ensures nothing is missing before you start. Consider how much space you have to work in. A comfortable setup makes the installation easier.

Preparing Your Kitchen for Dishwasher Mounting

Proper preparation is vital for a smooth dishwasher installation. This step involves safety and making sure the space is ready. Rushing through this part can lead to problems later. I always emphasize safety first.

Follow these important preparation steps:

Turn Off Power: Locate your home’s circuit breaker panel. Find the breaker that controls power to your kitchen or dishwasher outlet. Flip it to the “OFF” position. I recommend double-checking with a voltage tester at the outlet. This ensures no electricity flows to the area. Safety around electricity is paramount.
Turn Off Water Supply: Find the water shut-off valve for the dishwasher. This valve is usually under the sink. Turn it clockwise until the water flow stops completely. If you cannot find a specific valve, turn off the main water supply to your house. You will also need to disconnect the drain line. This usually connects to your sink’s garbage disposal or drain pipe. Prepare a bucket and towels for any residual water.
Clear the Space: Remove any old dishwasher if one is present. Clean out the cabinet opening. Ensure there are no debris or old screws. Measure the opening to confirm it matches your new Whirlpool dishwasher’s dimensions. You should also check the height of the opening. Confirm it can accommodate the dishwasher plus any side mount brackets.
Inspect Connections: Look at the water supply line, drain line, and electrical outlet. Ensure they are in good condition. Replace any old or worn-out parts. Check the floor for levelness. Use shims if the floor is uneven. A level dishwasher operates more efficiently. Do you install a dishwasher before or after the countertop? This is a good question to consider during planning. The answer typically depends on your specific countertop and cabinet setup, but often the dishwasher is installed after countertops are in place.

Proper preparation saves you from unexpected issues. It ensures a safe and effective installation. This careful setup prevents leaks or electrical hazards.

Attaching the Side Mount Brackets to the Dishwasher

This is where you directly engage with the Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit. The brackets need proper placement for a secure installation. Take your time with this step. Incorrect placement can make securing the dishwasher difficult.

Here’s how to attach the brackets:

Locate Mounting Slots: Your Whirlpool dishwasher has specific slots on its side frame. These slots are usually near the top corners. They are designed to accept the side mount brackets. Refer to your dishwasher’s installation manual. The manual shows the exact location for your model.
Identify Brackets: The side mount kit usually contains two brackets. They might look slightly different than top-mount brackets. Ensure you are using the correct ones. Sometimes, the brackets are reversible. Check for an “L” and “R” marking for left and right sides.
Attach Brackets:
- Method 1 (Screws): Some Whirlpool models use screws to attach the brackets. Align the bracket with the mounting slot. Insert the provided screw and tighten it firmly. Do not overtighten, as you could strip the threads.
- Method 2 (Tabs/Clips): Other models have brackets that slide into the slots and lock into place with tabs. Push the bracket into the slot until it clicks. You might hear a small sound, indicating it is secure.
- Method 3 (Bendable Brackets): Some universal kits provide long, flat metal strips. You bend these strips at marked lines to form the side mount brackets. Bend them carefully and evenly. Then, attach them to the dishwasher as instructed.
Confirm Firm Attachment: Gently pull on each bracket. Make sure it does not wiggle or come loose. A stable attachment now means a secure dishwasher later. Ensure the part of the bracket that will attach to the cabinet extends outwards. It should be clear of the dishwasher’s main body.

Attaching these brackets correctly provides the anchor points for your dishwasher. This forms the foundation for its stability. I always double-check this step. A loose bracket means a loose dishwasher.

Positioning and Securing the Dishwasher to Cabinets

With the side mount brackets attached, you are ready to slide the dishwasher into its final home. This step requires precision. Proper alignment ensures the door opens and closes smoothly. It also prevents water leaks.

Follow these detailed steps:

Slide the Dishwasher In: Carefully push the dishwasher into the cabinet opening. Guide the water supply line, drain hose, and electrical cord through the back of the cabinet. Go slowly to avoid kinks or damage. Make sure the front of the dishwasher is flush with your cabinets. Or, if it is designed to be recessed, position it accordingly.
Level the Dishwasher: This is a critical step. Use a level on the top edge of the dishwasher. Adjust the dishwasher’s leveling legs until it is perfectly level from side to side and front to back. Most dishwashers have adjustable front and rear legs. You can twist them to raise or lower the appliance. An unlevel dishwasher can cause washing issues or water retention.
Align Side Mount Brackets: Once level, check the side mount brackets. They should align flat against the inside wall of the adjacent cabinets. If the brackets do not sit flush, readjust the dishwasher’s position slightly. Sometimes, using shims between the bracket and the cabinet wall is necessary. This ensures a tight fit, especially for installing a dishwasher under granite countertop.
Mark Screw Locations: Use a pencil to mark the screw holes from the brackets onto the cabinet walls. These marks show where you will drill pilot holes. Take care to mark accurately.
Drill Pilot Holes: Use a drill with a small bit (e.g., 1/16-inch or 3/32-inch) to drill pilot holes at your pencil marks. Pilot holes prevent the wood from splitting when you drive in the screws. Drill just deep enough for the screw to bite.
Secure the Dishwasher: Insert the screws provided with your side mount kit into the pilot holes. Drive them in firmly with a screwdriver or drill. Do not overtighten. Over-tightening can strip the wood or damage the brackets. Ensure the dishwasher is now firmly attached to both side cabinets. Give it a gentle shake to confirm it does not move.

This step anchors your dishwasher, making it stable. A securely mounted dishwasher means safe and quiet operation. It also prevents the dishwasher from pulling away from the counter when you load heavy dishes. For more details on alternative mounting for solid countertops, you can reference guides like how to install granite countertop dishwasher installation kit.

Connecting Utilities and Finalizing Installation

After securing the dishwasher, you need to connect all the utilities. This includes water, drain, and electricity. This is the final stage before testing. Always double-check your connections for leaks or loose wires.

Here’s how to connect everything and finish up:

Connect Water Supply:
- Attach the hot water supply line to the dishwasher’s water inlet valve. This valve is usually on the front left or right bottom of the dishwasher.
- Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the connection. Do not overtighten.
- Some connections might require Teflon tape or pipe dope for a watertight seal. Consult your dishwasher’s manual.
Connect Drain Line:
- Route the drain hose to your sink’s drain or garbage disposal connection.
- Secure the drain hose with a hose clamp.
- Ensure the drain hose forms a high loop. This loop prevents dirty sink water from flowing back into the dishwasher. You can use a hose strap or clamp it to the underside of the counter for the high loop.
Connect Electrical:
- If your dishwasher uses a power cord, plug it into the dedicated outlet.
- If it is hardwired, carefully connect the electrical wires (black to black, white to white, green/bare to green/ground). Use wire nuts to secure the connections.
- Place the electrical box cover back on. Ensure no bare wires are exposed.
Turn On Water and Power:
- Once all connections are secure, turn the water supply back on (slowly at first). Check for any leaks at the water inlet connection. Tighten if needed.
- Go to your circuit breaker panel and flip the dishwasher’s breaker back to the “ON” position.
Test the Dishwasher:
- Run a short wash cycle, like a rinse cycle.
- Watch for any leaks under the sink or around the dishwasher.
- Listen for unusual noises.
- Check that the dishwasher fills with water, sprays, and drains properly.
- Open the door carefully during the cycle (if safe) to observe water distribution. Close it quickly.
- Ensure the door latches securely and the wash cycle completes without issues.

Completing these connections carefully ensures your dishwasher operates safely and effectively. It is always wise to monitor the first few wash cycles for any hidden leaks. I like to place a towel under the connections for the first use to catch any drips.

Post-Installation Checks and Troubleshooting Tips

You have successfully installed your Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit and connected all utilities. Now, a few final checks ensure everything works perfectly. Sometimes, small issues can arise. Knowing how to troubleshoot them helps.

Here are some important post-installation checks:

Door Operation: Open and close the dishwasher door several times. It should latch firmly and operate smoothly. If it binds, the dishwasher might not be perfectly level, or it may be too far forward/back in the opening.
Level Check: Recheck the dishwasher’s level with your spirit level. Even a slight tilt can affect wash performance or drainage. Adjust the leveling legs if necessary.
Leak Check (Continued): After running a full wash cycle, inspect underneath the dishwasher and sink again for any signs of water. Pay close attention to the water inlet and drain hose connections. A small drip can become a big problem.
Drainage: Confirm the dishwasher fully drains at the end of the cycle. No standing water should remain in the tub. If water remains, check your high loop on the drain hose. Also, ensure the drain line is not kinked.
Wash Performance: Run a load of dishes. Check if they come out clean. Poor wash performance could indicate water pressure issues or a clogged spray arm.
Noise Levels: Listen for excessive noise during operation. Some noise is normal. Loud grinding or rattling might suggest an issue with the pump or internal components.

Common Troubleshooting Tips:

Dishwasher Not Starting: Check if the power breaker is on. Ensure the door is fully latched. Some models have a control lock feature; ensure it is off.
Water Leaking: Most leaks come from loose water supply or drain line connections. Turn off water, tighten connections, and retest. Check if the drain hose high loop is correct.
Dishwasher Not Draining: Ensure the drain hose is not kinked. Verify the high loop. Check if your garbage disposal (if connected) is clear. Run the disposal for a minute before starting the dishwasher.
Door Doesn’t Close/Latch: Re-level the dishwasher. It might be out of alignment. Check for any obstructions in the door path.
Dishes Not Clean: Confirm water supply is on and hot. Check if spray arms are blocked by dishes. Ensure you are using the correct amount and type of detergent.

These checks and tips help you catch and fix minor issues. You have done a great job installing your Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit. Enjoy your new, secure appliance!

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the main purpose of a dishwasher side mount kit?

A dishwasher side mount kit provides an alternative way to secure your appliance. It is used when top mounting to the countertop is not possible. This often happens with granite, quartz, or other solid surface countertops. The kit ensures the dishwasher remains stable and does not tip forward when racks are extended.

Q2: Can I install a side mount kit on any Whirlpool dishwasher?

Most Whirlpool dishwashers are designed to accommodate both top and side mounting options. The side mount kit will typically fit universal slots on the dishwasher frame. Always check your specific Whirlpool dishwasher’s installation manual. This confirms compatibility and the correct way to attach the kit.

Q3: How do I know if I need a side mount kit?

You need a side mount kit if your countertop material prevents drilling from the top. Examples include granite, quartz, or custom wood countertops. If your dishwasher did not come with top-mount clips, or if your cabinets are taller than your dishwasher and it cannot reach the countertop, a side mount kit is also appropriate.

Q4: What happens if I don’t secure my dishwasher?

If you do not secure your dishwasher, it can tip forward when you open the door or pull out the racks. This is a safety hazard. It can also cause stress on the water and drain lines, leading to leaks over time. Proper mounting ensures safe and efficient operation of the appliance.

Q5: How do I adjust the dishwasher’s height for side mounting?

Most dishwashers have adjustable leveling legs. You twist these legs, usually located at the front and back corners, to raise or lower the appliance. Use a level on the dishwasher’s top edge to ensure it is perfectly level. This also helps align the side mount brackets with your cabinet walls.

Q6: Can I reuse an old side mount kit?

It is generally best to use the side mount kit that comes with your new dishwasher or a manufacturer-approved replacement kit. Old kits might be damaged or not fit your new model correctly. Using new components ensures the strongest and safest installation.

Conclusion

Installing a Whirlpool dishwasher side mount kit is a straightforward task. It ensures your appliance is secure and stable. We covered everything from gathering tools to the final testing. You now understand the steps involved in attaching the brackets and securing the dishwasher. Remember to prioritize safety by turning off power and water.

Properly securing your dishwasher prevents it from tipping. It also ensures it operates efficiently. You have learned how to prepare your kitchen space. You now know how to connect all utilities. Taking the time to do this installation correctly means your Whirlpool dishwasher will serve you well for years. I am confident you can complete this project. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!