Installing dishwasher

[Spankyjumunkwa]

Hi. I'm installing a dishwasher next to my sink (or want to this weekend). We have an older home, and have the regular "1 item at a time" water pressure problems. I've noticed that several dishwashers have a system where the water sprays into a fill cup above the sprayer and wanted to know if a sudden drop in water pressure will cause a problem with that type of dishwasher, or is the pump that recirculates the water enough to keep the pressure within the dishwasher strong enough?

Second question. I'm planning on sweating in a valve on the hot and cold water pipes leading to the sink, which is right next to where I'm putting the dishwasher. Anyone know of any problems with this? Should I draw the water from another source? I'm kind of a n00b at this, so it's ok to tell me "Duh". Much thanks in advance.

[majakdragon]

1) The dishwasher pump will take care of the water pressure problem. The water supply merely fills the dishwasher, then shuts off.
2) You only need one valve. Most dishwashers need to be connected to the hot water supply.
You didn't say if you were running soft copper (my preference) or plastic tubing to the DW. Check and see if the adapter elbow is included with the dishwasher (most are not) so you have it when you install it. The adapter ell threads into the DW supply connection and has a compression fitting on the other end. Good luck with your project.

[Spankyjumunkwa]

I can use whatever works best. You recommend soft copper? And what is the adaptor elbow for?

Also, do I have to run the DW on it's own electrical circuit? I've gotten conflicting informaiton on this one.

[majakdragon]

Most dishwashers have a 3/8" female opening for the water supply. They don't include the 3/8 male to 3/8 compression elbow with them. You get it ready to hook up and find you have to stop and run to the hardware store. Please use the 3/8" copper. Saves a lot of problems down the line. Leave enough coiled up so you can pull it out later should you have to.
The only rule I have seen on the electrical is that you cannot hook it up to the above counter outlets if they are GFCI outlets.
When you run the drain for the DW, loop the hose over the top of the cabinet next to the DW. If you don't, it will siphon out the water while it is running.

[Spankyjumunkwa]

Ok, I understand about the elbow, thanks for the heads up.

But I don't follow where you mentioned the drain for the DW looping over the cabinet next to the DW. Do mean the internal frame of the cabinet? That's so the water doesnt just flow out of the drain while it's still in use, right? How high does it need to be? Above what level on the DW?

[majakdragon]

Some cabinets have a brace near the top that allows you to drill a hole above it. Other times I just cut a hole where I can. It just needs to be as close to the top of the cabinet as you can get it.
Have you bought the drain connection that goes into the sink drainpipe yet? You will also need that. If you are not sure what that is, copy and paste the link below and go down 13 squares and it is the 2nd one from the left. It just replaces a piece already in the drainline and allows you to hok up the DW drain.

http://www.doityourself.com/store/tubulardrainmetal02.htm

[Spankyjumunkwa]

Cool, thanks for all your help.