9 May, 2023
How to Connect a Dishwasher to a Faucet
Connecting your dishwasher to your faucet is a necessary step in preparing it for use. If you do not have a built-in dishwasher, you can purchase and install a portable dishwasher. These units are lightweight and move around your home as needed, making them a convenient way to clean up dishes.
When you buy a portable dishwasher, it will come with a faucet adapter and an inlet hose. The adapter should fit a standard kitchen faucet and the hose is supposed to attach directly to your sink. However, because of differences in the threads on many faucets, your adapter and hose may not fit securely.
First, make sure your sink’s faucet has a standard thread size of 15/16”-27 for male faucets or 55/64”-27 for female. If not, you’ll need to get a new faucet adapter. The one that came with your portable dishwasher will be the wrong size for your sink’s threads.
You should also consider whether you’ll need to replace the aerator for your faucet as well. Aerators are used to help increase water pressure and improve the spray from your faucet. Aerators are usually screwed into the spout of your faucet and can be removed to allow you to remove the faucet adapter.
If you do not have a faucet aerator, you’ll need to find a replacement from your local hardware store or Amazon. You can also ask the manufacturer of your portable dishwasher to provide you with a replacement.
Once you have the aerator and faucet adapter, it’s time to hook up your dishwasher. This process can be a bit tricky, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
To hook up the aerator, you’ll need a wrench and some pliers. You’ll want to loosen the aerator from its spout, and you may need to unscrew the aerator from the sink as well. This is especially important if you have a clogged drain or the aerator has become stuck.
You can check the thread size by removing the aerator from your sink and measuring it. Most faucet aerators are in standard sizes, so it’s easy to find a matching thread size.
A faucet aerator has a small metal knob on the end that can be tightened with a wrench to adjust the aerator’s height. The aerator’s diameter is typically 1-1/8” to 1-inch, but some are larger or smaller.
After adjusting the aerator, you’ll want to tighten it again and test the connection. You may need to repeat this process a few times until the aerator fits properly. If you are unsure about the aerator’s thread size, it’s best to call the company that manufactured your portable dishwasher and ask them to verify.
If you have a countertop dishwasher, the drain hose may be looped up and secured to the underside of the counter and then lowered to a nipple on your garbage disposal or sink’s drain tailpiece. The nipple serves the same purpose as an air gap–it prevents dirty water from siphoning back into your dishwasher and also helps prevent sewer gas from entering your home.