A portable dishwasher is a great space-saving appliance that doesn’t need to be permanently installed. Sometimes connecting a portable dishwasher can be confusing, particularly if the faucet and dishwasher hose don’t seem to fit together. This is a common issue but it is easily solved. This guide will take you through the process so from now on you can hook the dishwasher up effortlessly.
When you hook up a portable washer to a pull out faucet the most important thing is the faucet adapter. With the right adapter it only takes a few minutes to get the dishwasher up and running. The beauty of a portable dishwasher is its convenience and ease of use.
Main Topics
How Does A Portable Dishwasher Work?
A portable dishwasher is very similar to a conventional dishwasher. Although, portable models are smaller in size and aren’t designed to be permanently installed. This means you can move it around (this is easy as portable dishwashers have wheels) and when you need it you simply connect it to a faucet, plug it in and start the washing cycle. The dishwasher uses clean water from the faucet to wash the dishes and disposes of the dirty water directly into the sink.
One of the big advantages of a portable dishwasher is the convenience. The design and installation method means there is no need to plumb a portable dishwasher in. You simply need to connect it to a faucet when you want to use it.
Using a portable dishwasher offers many benefits including flexibility in positioning and more counter space for daily use. As there is no need to alter plumbing or existing cabinets in the kitchen it is a great option for smaller kitchens and for use in rental accommodation. Not all homes have the space to accommodate a conventional built-in dishwasher so a portable one is a great alternative. A portable dishwasher may also be the more efficient option for homes that frequently wash smaller loads.
Can You Hook Up A Portable Dishwasher To A Pull Out Faucet?
Yes, you can connect a portable dishwasher to a pull out faucet but you need a faucet adapter in order to do this. The majority of portable dishwashers will come with a faucet adapter. However, there are times when this doesn’t fit as it should. In this case, you can buy a different adapter that works with your faucet, or you may need to have a custom adapter made but this is rare. If your faucet is a unique size or shape so that the standard adapters are not suitable, another option is to replace the faucet with a standard one.
Once you have the right adapter for your dishwasher and faucet, hooking the appliance up is quick and easy. Always test the water once you’ve connected the dishwasher to make sure there are no leaks before you run a cycle.
What Kind Of Pull Out Faucet Adapter Do You Need For A Portable Dishwasher?
Most of the time, you will receive a standard faucet adapter with your dishwasher. This adapter will work with most faucets but if your faucet is not a standard size or shape you may not be able to connect the adapter. Sometimes a portable dishwasher will even come with a few different adapters in the installation kit.
If the size and shape seem to be right, the adapter you receive may not work with your faucet due to the threading on the faucet. The faucet adapter is either threaded on the outside, threaded on the inside or unthreaded. Usually, a kitchen faucet is threaded on the outside so you will need an unthreaded adapter. If your faucet is not threaded on the outside this may be why the standard adapter is not fitting as it should.
It’s important to find the right adapter for your faucet otherwise you could damage the dishwasher and experience leaks. You may not be able to connect the dishwasher at all if you don’t have the right adapter. The key factors to consider are the thread size and thread type. In some situations, you may need to get a custom adapter or you can replace your faucet with one of a standard shape/size.
How To Connect Portable Dishwasher To Pull Out Faucet in 5 Easy Steps
Connecting a portable dishwasher is quick and easy when you have the appropriate adapter for your faucet and dishwasher.
Step 1. Remove the Sink Aerator
Firstly you need to unscrew the aerator that connects to the spout of the kitchen sink. You can do this with either your bare hands or with pliers depending on how tightly the aerator is screwed in. Once you have removed the aerator, put it to one side. Make sure you put it in a safe place so you can put the aerator back when you disconnect the dishwasher.
Step 2. Install the Faucet Aerator
You can now install the dishwasher’s adaptor and faucet aerator to the pull out faucet. This usually comes as part of the portable dishwasher connection kit. However, if this faucet adapter doesn’t fit then you will need to buy the appropriate adapter for your faucet. You simply need to screw the adapter onto the threaded part of the faucet spout. You should be able to do this with your hand but you can also use a screwdriver. Securing it with a screwdriver will ensure the adapter is tight enough to avoid leaks when you turn the water on.
Step 3. Position the Dishwasher Next to the Sink
With the faucet aerator and adapter now in position, bring the portable dishwasher to the sink. Find a level place to put the portable dishwasher, next to the sink is usually a good place. Remember the portable dishwasher doesn’t have that much pump power so don’t put it too far away from the sink. You now need to connect the dishwasher hose to the adapter. Make sure you position the collar of the hose under the adapter and secure it tightly to avoid gaps and leaks.
Step 4. Test
Turn on the faucet and check the hose and connectors for leaks. If there are any leaks you just need to tighten and secure each of the parts. You may also need to adjust the collar on the hose to help stop leaks from there too. There is not a separate drain hose as the dishwasher will drain through the unicouple of the hose we have already installed.
Step 5. Plug the Dishwasher In
With the water now hooked up, you can plug the dishwasher into a nearby outlet. Once plugged in, the portable dishwasher is ready to wash dishes. You can now load the dishwasher and select the necessary wash cycle.
Once the cycle is complete and you have emptied the dishwasher, you simply need to unplug it and disconnect the hose, adaptor and aerator. You can screw the faucet aerator back into its original position and now the sink is ready to use as normal.
Alternative Way Of Hooking Up Portable Dishwasher To Sink
You can hook up the portable dishwasher directly to the water line instead of to the faucet. This takes longer to do but may be worthwhile if you plan to leave the portable dishwasher in position for a while or you need access to the sink as normal while the dishwasher is in use.
In order to connect the dishwasher to the water line you need to turn off the water to the sink. Once the water is off, look under the sink and unscrew the pipe that is between the on/off valve and the faucet. Once unscrewed, install a tee as this will allow you to connect an additional line. With the tee secure, connect the dishwasher to it using a steel-braided line. This line connects the water to the dishwasher. Once you connect the water line to the dishwasher, you need to connect the dishwasher’s drain line to the drain or garbage disposal. This is easy to do, if you have a garbage disposal you will see a port that is specifically for a dishwasher drain line.
You can now turn the water back on. Check for any leaks and then the dishwasher is ready for use. This way the faucet is free for use as the dishwasher connects to the main lines instead.
If you are looking at an alternative way to connect the portable dishwasher, you will need a connection kit. Whatever way you decide to install the appliance, make sure it is close to the sink so the dishwasher is able to pump out the water efficiently. Remember these are smaller than standard dishwashers so don’t have the pump power to move water across longer distances.
FAQs
Want to know more about portable dishwashers? We’ve answered some common questions below.
Are portable dishwashers noisy?
Not particularly, portable units have a noise level of around 55dVA, which is less than a built-in model. However, as portable dishwashers are not kept in cabinets there is nothing to dampen the noise. If noise is a big concern, you can find models specifically designed for quiet operation.
Are small dishwashers any good?
Yes, if you have limited space or tend to wash a small number of dishes then a small dishwasher is a cost-effective and efficient option.
Can a countertop dishwasher be built in?
Countertop dishwashers are not designed to be built-in, but you can connect most of them to the main waterline. You can install some countertop models as under-counter dishwashers. However, this depends on whether the unit is front-loading or top-loading and the location of the controls. Always check the manufacturer’s installation instructions if you plan to install a countertop dishwasher under a counter instead.
Conclusion
Connecting up a portable dishwasher can seem confusing at first. Once you have removed the faucets aerator and put the adapter in position it should simply be a case of securing the dishwasher hose. If you cannot connect your portable dishwasher to your faucet it may be because the adapter is not suitable for your faucet. In this case, purchase a suitable adapter to solve the problem.
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