How to Retrofit a Dishwasher | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and carpenter Nathan Gilbert, team up to help a homeowner retrofit a new dishwasher into an old kitchen with no room for one by adjusting the counter and cabinets.
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Richard Trethewey and Nathan Gilbert team up to help a homeowner create space for and install a dishwasher. Richard received an email asking for help installing a dishwasher in a 1950s built home. Installing a dishwasher can be a straightforward job but if the kitchen has never had a dishwasher before, cabinet work will need to be done. Richard gets some help from Nathan to tackle the project.
Time: 5-6 hours
Cost: $450 and up
Skill Level: Hard
Tools:
Drill [amzn.to/33DIDwj]
Laminate scoring knife [amzn.to/3tKVrva]
Circular saw [amzn.to/3tEMS5n]
Oscillating saw [amzn.to/3fiBUNt]
Belt sander [amzn.to/3hpqryj]
Guide rail [amzn.to/2RhxEG3]
Pipe cutters [amzn.to/33GsUwA]
Shopping List:
Dishwasher [bit.ly/3odr67y]
Butcher block [amzn.to/2Rf9YCl]
Scrap piece of wood
Branch tailpiece [amzn.to/3hnUdnp]
Standard dishwasher hose [amzn.to/33H1Qxa]
Silicone caulk [amzn.to/33FcDYv]
Steps for Retrofitting a Dishwasher
Step 1: Start by making measurements
Step 2: Remove the countertop
Step 3: Remove the cabinets
Step 4: Connect the dishwasher
Where to find it?
Richard installed a 55 dBA in Stainless Steel Front Control Built-In Dishwasher with Steam Clean [bit.ly/3odr67y] by GE Appliances [www.geapplianc...]. To connect the dishwasher, Richard used a standard dishwasher hose, a Y tailpiece for the drain, and a push connect shutoff valve, all of which can be found at home centers and plumbing supply houses.
To adjust the cabinets to make room for the dishwasher, Nathan used a variety of tools, including a circular saw and a reciprocating saw, that can be found at most home centers.
To bridge the gap between the formica countertops and the sink, Richard actually re-used an old piece of butcher block [amzn.to/2Rf9YCl] that he salvaged from the Newton Generation NEXT House [www.thisoldhou...], but butcher block can also be found at most centers.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by William C Gilbert Carpentry.
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About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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How to Retrofit a Dishwasher | Ask This Old House
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[@DevengerKott]

This is definitely a more more "real" example of a home project. Don't get me wrong: I love TOH! But some of the projects are done with a budget and scale much larger than the average home owner might encounter. I myself did this exact project a couple of years ago without much experience and it would have been great to have seen a video like this back then! What a great video!

[@Budsandsuds75]

These videos are so people can do it themselves!!!!! Only the material is the cost to homeowner. This Old House isn't here to teach you how to supervisor your workers but encourage you to tackle this projects yourself.

[@dkhnova]

Definitely!

[@robertcoups3918]

Fantastic video. Here's a tip for some of you young folks. If someone asks you to install a dishwasher for them, be sure to ask if they are replacing an existing one first. Yes, I made that mistake years ago.

[@TrainFlood]

This is one of the best very realistic additions. That dude is a wizard with the belt sander

[@kidjeff4304]

Now this is an example of that a TOH short should be!! Good job y'all!

[@johnnymoe54321]

Thank you for including the time, cost, and skill level in the description

[@0BooMBoy0]

Everytime I have a diy project for myself. The guys from TOH are always there to help out! Thanks so much for your quality content!

[@markofsaltburn]

Nice to see the team working with the existing design so well.

[@markofsaltburn]

@@brianglade848 xcuz me?

[@SimonTekConley]

I picked up a danby countertop unit. For an old farmhouse, man that's been a game changer.

[@tambarlas5248]

I do like it when TOH doesn't do a whole kitchen remodel. Something small that is a great improvment.

[@purplepill2024]

Their budget didn't allow it.

[@couchman184]

I wish they went into the adhesive and other aspects of this build! They make it look much easier than it is!

[@markofsaltburn]

The adhesive on Kevin’s toupee wasn’t working too well in this. Looks like he had a bit of slip-forward.

[@gabrielvaldezr]

ok working with what you have in the most budget friendly way. i like it

[@Dog.soldier1950]

A very classy well done older kitchen-brings back the memories very high quality upgrade

[@gamelover420]

I wish they had shown more in depth detail on how they managed to take the cabinet out so clean without causing damage to reuse it.

[@loumonte658]

I would have put the butcher block over the drawer cabinet and allowing the countertop to stay over the dishwasher. Overall they did a great job and the homeowner learned how to do handiwork around the house.

[@holden_tld]

@@brianglade848 you forgot to build the pergola

[@Mike__B]

@@holden_tld Do you know how a heat pump works? Lets tell you how it works...

[@MrCinpro]

I think that plumbing saw came over on the Mayflower 😳 I love the butcherblock idea. I think I'm going to use that in my remodel/kitchen upgrade.

[@horsejumpridego]

It's nice to see a young mechanically inclined carpenter!!!

[@Skammerd]

They did a nice job considering what they had to work with. I'm just concerned about the joint between the formica and the butcher block. Seems like a place for dirt/food to get stuck.

[@chrisburns5691]

he should have at least edge banded those two sides with some laminate.

[@4realjacob637]

@@chrisburns5691 i thought they'd make it butcher block all the way to end of the cabinet.

[@tubemember21]

Some clear caulk would have been a simple budget solution.

[@bcbock]

She could use some clear silicone calking. Might have to replace it ever few years.

[@joshlund1861]

Largely demonstrated that the butcher block was completely unnecessary.

[@dennissmithjr.5370]

Where there's a will, there's a way. Nice job!!

[@Dennis-bj9cj]

Richard is the best.

[@eyeheartfilm]

You've been reading my Google searches, haven't you? 🙌🏽

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

the fbi has

[@tbarbuto2345]

Highly likely considering Google owns youtube

[@ChzHrrs]

I needed this last year! I couldn't find a video of from an old house!

[@kalijasin]

Richard does really good work.

[@indigosungirl]

I would have taken of the end countertop and do the butcher block all the way to the end. But excellent video! Affirming and informative

[@youredoingitwrong1361]

It's so hard finding a good plumber who also brings butcher block. Thanks TOH

[@youredoingitwrong1361]

That really puts a wrench in the works pal thanks

[@PRO4XKEV]

This project turned out great.

[@aurvaroy6670]

When it comes to the plumbing, it's horrible

[@PJJ196]

Really nice work.. extending the counter space brings eye appeal and value to the kitchen.. she may want to think about using that same wood across the remaining counter space and painting the cabinets a white color.. that would give a newer look

[@davidciaffa4711]

In general, a nice job. I would've put some plywood or other material on the sides of the cabinets closest to the dishwasher, especially on the sink side to keep items in that cabinet away from the insulation on the dishwasher and stop small items contained. Also, I'm not sure how deep the cabinetry is, but maybe a right-angle plug would be a better choice.

[@bobweiram6321]

The "carpenter" said those tabs on the top of the dishwasher are important for securing it to the top, but the top isn't secured either. LOL!

[@AirborneSapper82]

Great video !!!!!! Thank you. This video help me with my dishwasher project.

[@brettcohen3401]

How was the butcher block adhered to the left and right of the repurposed and existing counter tops? I only say the back splash runner.

[@platipuss777]

Will the steam from the dishwasher mess with the adhesive holding the laminated butcher block together?

[@charlescho]

Most definitely.

[@bcbock]

I used to have a portable dishwasher that had a butcher block top. No problem. But I suppose it depends upon how your dishwasher vents.

[@eaglevision993]

There should be a metal piece for separation installed above the dishwasher door to prevent this.

[@mattiemadison1234]

Good solution. Good work.

[@scaryfriend1]

Good project - just surprised they didn't put some panels on the inside sections. And honestly not for time here, but given all that effort would have been perfect time to put disposal in.

[@mariotessier3610]

You guys are so talented !

[@tommybrown1974]

Just curious if the steam coming off the dishwasher was considering when adding the butcher block above it? Do you think it will discolor the wood or at worst de-laminate it?

[@dalesworld1308]

Another installation with no trap. I guess he can't legally add an S-trap but it would be better than no trap. Nate is doing cleaner work each time - nice.

[@bestoonomar4690]

thanks for the vedio, Who can do the jobs of i may ask , i cant do it my self, can plumber do the job or an electrician

[@purplepill2024]

5:07 - That's how Push Fittings should be used - in a space where it can be easily seen and replaced once the O-Ring wears out in 15-25 years. Although at 6:09 I hoped he showed her how to deburr the exterior of the copper pipe first.

[@31mbur]

Homeowner would get it

[@Guardducks]

I like what Richard suggested, much better.

[@cristianeduardofriasherrer3974]

great, exactly the video I was looking for!!!

[@sgtcrab2569]

Meagan is a keeper!

[@checkavilatility]

I could feel the chemistry

[@markofsaltburn]

You get a lot of that in TOH. It’s no surprise that so many “specialist” films take place in the kitchen 😀😃😃

[@truthbtold6118]

Green is ground, smooth wire is for hot(black), ridged is for the neutral wire (white); got it ;)

[@petersachs764]

Help me out here guys, NEC-2020 says all receptacles (outlets?) within 6 feet of the sink require GFCI protection but that outlet under the sink is not a GFCI outlet. Is the outlet above the dishwasher GFCI protected and is it on the same circuit which if effect makes that lower outlet code compliant?

[@mraaron1584]

the outlet could be on a gfci breaker or they were just to cheap to buy a new outlet.

[@bcbock]

A GFCI on a dishwasher outlet would be impractical. What happens when it trips? You’d have to uninstall the washer. My area doesn’t allow you do install the outlet behind the washer. Mine is below the sink. But you could also put it in the electrical panel.

[@mraaron1584]

@@bcbock ya a breaker would be best or another outlet upstream from the one the dw is hooked into

[@Hotrian]

All outlets within 6 feet of the sink must be GFCI protected but they don't need to be GFCI themselves. You can wire a GFCI outlet to protect all branch circuitry beyond it, so in this case I would assume the outlet under the sink is wired up to the one above the sink and thus granted its GFCI protection. You can also bypass a GFCI outlet using pigtail wires so it's always worth a check using a cheap tester, but the outlet in the video is likely code compliant. Usually you'll see only one GFCI outlet in a kitchen or bathroom but all outlets in said kitchen or bathroom are protected by that GFCI because they were wired through it to the breaker. The breaker itself may also be GFCI which would protect the entire circuit against ground faults. Combination GFCI/AFCI breakers are becoming very common thankfully.

[@inyourface668]

that dishwasher is pretty cute

[@NunyaBitnas2119]

Doesn’t there need to be a P trap? I have no idea but I’ve just heard them talked about for forever 😊

[@dirtyhairy8884]

This was an outstanding video, very helpful! Thank you guys!👍👍

[@dirtyhairy8884]

@@brianglade848 LOL!😄 That's all for now, my friends. Thank you.👊

[@c0pyimitati0n]

I need a little help/information about doing something very similar. My stove was directly beside my sink on the left hand side. I moved it to a better location and now I want to install a dishwasher where the stove used to be. The only problem is there is no cabinet or countertop there. It's just an open space. How do I extend the laminate countertop for this project?

[@scmarinemom24]

I'm about to retrofit a dishwasher too. You don't have to build a dedicated "carcass" to put it in. Just slip it in between the existing cabinets?

[@bluedawning22]

How much does it typically cost to do a first time install on an old house?

[@eaglevision993]

Every house is different. But if you take the cost of the dishwasher and add 500$ you should be in the right ball park if you don´tdo it yourself.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Much of that depends on the power situation as you'd need an electrician to come out separately. An old house with a non-updated kitchen that has few electrical outlets to begin with would cost considerably more.

[@stanleysiewierski]

Actually looks pretty good!!!

[@unploog]

This is exactly what I want to do in my old home too. Great work.

[@DixieDee]

It's beautiful; except that now the end sticks out farther than the brick. That would drive me buggy. LOL

[@jaysonchilds4676]

I was curious why they did not just stick the dishwasher on the end.

[@DixieDee]

@@jaysonchilds4676 lol I wondered that, too. 😆

[@MRrwmac]

Richard, Thanks for saving her some drawers and the use of another butcher block to match the other! More importantly was get her a dishwasher she will appreciate.

[@jmdoutdoors5729]

Thank you very much. You guys are amazing..

[@vmarsfiles]

I like the idea but I hate they are ruining the character of the house by putting in a dishwasher. Thats such a classic kitchen! I wouldnt change anything!

[@brendancarlson1678]

Are the dishes clean?

[@Speedj2]

who normally does this sort of thing? like if i wanted to hire someone in my small city to convert a cabinet and drawer space into a space for a dishwasher, or even move the drawers over and extend the countertop, what kind of company should i be searching for? and how much should i generally expect it to cost (for just the cabinet remodel, not including the dishwasher itself)?

[@MrRangersfan123]

Might just want to find a handyman on something like angies list with good reviews and reach out and ask if he can do a project like this. I doubt there are many companies that would take on a job this small but a handyman might.

[@DanBurgaud]

VERY GOOD TEAM!

[@ernestleo6284]

Richard doesn't the building code require a trap on all sink drains? Very surprised to see no trap on the double kitchen sink.

[@fosarvian]

Pretty easy but couple things I would do differently: 1. Install the dang garbage disposal. Powers already there and the cost of a disposal isn’t that much more considering you’re already repiping the sink’s drain. (They make push button switches so you don’t even need to wire to a wall switch). 2. Install a drip pan under the sink. $20 well spent. 3. I’m not sure how easy it is to remove the machine for maintenance and repairs. They glued the wood block into the kitchen.

[@jamesholloman3561]

Should have put a wall up in the sink base cabinet

[@s.j.5850]

Great job, but what about the bottom of the wall behind the dish-washer?

[@MrOlea]

that's a nice kitchen and Megan is cute!

[@majortwang]

Nice

[@rmaloney9976]

Why isn’t there a p trap under that sink?? Did my favorite master plumber get overcome by sewer gas?

[@_RT___]

It must have an enormous whole house U trap at the main Sewer pipe, but shocked he didn't mention it. Looked so off without the P trap.

[@tylerwhitfield419]

In Massachusetts it’s common to put the trap under the floor for venting purposes.

[@osirisvelasco7003]

The only issue I would see is if the dishwasher puts out steam it could potentially damage the butcher block

[@goodolarchie]

100%, the joints will steam on the endgrain and want to separate. Like every cutting block SOMEBODY decided to leave in the sink. A product like waterlox would help seal it but that kind of defeats the point of a butcher block counter. Beeswax would just melt off.

[@goodolarchie]

Another idea would be to install a small skirt on the front to keep the steam from penetrating. I would say stainless but it would kill the aesthetic of that counter.

[@frednatural7310]

You tore the kitchen apart for a dishwasher?

[@s.n.9485]

What were they supposed to do to get it in?

[@markg5986]

Should that outlet be GFCI??

[@ph00n0]

Plot twist: The dishwasher watched and helped them install a dishwasher.

[@TrainFlood]

Wonder if the butcher block has stayed flat. Awesome little project nonetheless

[@danieleggleston4741]

What happens if/when the dishes needs servicing? The way they did the new countertop, the whole section has to come out with the dishwasher. Also, I would have put side panels on each cabinet (especially the sink base) to help keep out mice, roaches, moisture, etc. All in all, a great job working with what was available; I just wanted to mention those things as considerations.

[@scottrtomlinson]

I agree, I would have braced the block underneath to the cabinets on either side then sealed the gap on the countertop, then slid the washer underneath. The dishwasher shouldn't be holding up the countertop.

[@tylerwhitfield419]

They attached the butcherblock to the cabinets not the dishwasher. Then fastened the dishwasher brackets to the butcherblock. Dishwashers are actually super front heavy if you open the door the whole thing topples over.

[@100LaVida]

Why is it necessary to have the outlet for dishwasher under sink?

[@joecoyne9875]

No trap on the kitchen sink?

[@ryanpeterson7998]

Why would you NOT want to plumb in the waste line after the pee trap? I only ask because im thinking any type of floating food debris that didnt get immediately pushed to the other side of the pee trap would sit and rot and smell until sufficient water was turned on by the faucet to clear the pipe

[@RussellWaldrop]

If you plumb after p-trap sewer gases can go through the line and out the dishwasher. p-trap's entire reason for existing is to block sewer gas.

[@ryanpeterson7998]

@@RussellWaldrop That makes sense, i was trying to prevent possible dishwasher off gasses from going up the sink drain and into the kitchen. i watched a few videos and everyone did it before the pee trap, but no one explained why. Thanks!!!!!

[@NickCBax]

Did this even have a p-trap?

[@salomonnavarro5439]

Wonder why no P-trap under sink?

[@mrzales4633]

Awe Rich give her a garbage disposal while you got everything apart. Did not see a P-trap. ....and a shark bite? ):

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

it's a compression fitting not a shark bite

[@aurvaroy6670]

@@TrumpAmerica-2024 Well if it's compression then why wasn't there a ferrule inserted before the fitting was pushed into the pipe and a nut to tighten the fitting?

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

@@aurvaroy6670 the fitting uses one of those electrical crimper tools to make the seal.

[@ttomkins4867]

The p-trap would be in the ceiling of the unfinished basement.

[@avenger1888]

@@Kevin-mp5of Shark bites aren't garbage. If you properly install them correctly.

[@hebber1961]

Need a side panel on that dishwasher side to the sink.

[@JasperWorthy]

I hope the p-trap for that sink is under the house.idk why it would be.if not I bet that kitchen smells lovely

[@BigDsHomestead]

I really wish youcall coukd help this single disabled father of 3 fix up our home. Its in need of a lot of repair and updates. It difficult when you get injured and are unable to work and have to care for 3 plus yourself. I guess you all only help people with really nice homes.

[@8g00gl]

Why build up under the dishwasher? They come with adjustment feet at the bottom. Unless the counter was just too high for the dishwasher to adjust to?

[@mynonameyt]

I noticed there was no trap under the sink. I can't believe you guys even left it like that. Did I miss something?

[@jeremyblevins838]

I was thinking the same thing. In theory, the trap might be in the basement.

[@mynonameyt]

@@jeremyblevins838 maybe, but where I live no inspector would let that go.

[@kyletrump8025]

What happened to festool?

[@lucky1206]

With that new dishwasher she is looking at her stove that needs to be updated lol

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

what's wrong with the stove?

[@lucky1206]

@@TrumpAmerica-2024 everyone loves to update their appliances to match everything else. I did. I got a new stove but my refrigerator was at least 15 years old from my wife side when I moved into my house. The new appliances are more efficient than older ones anyway and can handle more loads of cooking and food storage. The French door fridge with a freezer on the bottom is the best to get the most out of food storage

[@julietspaghetti]

Am I really watching a KZbin video about installing a dishwasher? Pandemic lockdown yup.

[@theamericanhiker9655]

Ah shark bites a lazy plumbers best friend

[@theamericanhiker9655]

@@Kevin-mp5of doesn’t matter what they’re made out of still a joke to use if you call yourself a plumber

[@jeffwilson1399]

Skipped the GFCI outlet in favor of the ever popular GFY outlet.

[@plumbbuild6517]

Richard can't believe, while you were cutting out the PVC drain you didn't add a P- trap and a AAV was there a reason just wondering because code where I live if you mess with the drain at all you have to bring it up to code.

[@ttomkins4867]

The trap would be in the ceiling of the unfinished basement, seen it done this way on older homes and cottages.

[@plumbbuild6517]

@@ttomkins4867 that wouldn't pass code in my neck of the woods. We have to bring anything we cut out ,up to new codes.

[@3bomen]

No P-trap and also their using shark bites

[@plumbbuild6517]

@@3bomen a true plumber at his finest lol 😆😂

[@chrisburns5691]

looked like the drain was sloping the wrong way too lol..

[@todd2456]

Should have installed a garbage disposer so she could work the putty. :)

[@johnboy6840]

The little desktop needs to be put back on. Got to have it for your keys and purse

[@thevegasdeejay]

Our building codes require an air gap to be installed. Yours do not?

[@bjornjoseph]

Except for that gap from the old counter and the butchers block

[@c0mputer]

Didn’t seem like the butcher block fit all that well.

[@timothymbess]

And it looked terrible with the thousand year-old laminate. Perfect opportunity to just replace all the counters. If granite or manufactured stone wasn't in the budget, new laminate wouldn't have been all that more expensive with as little counter space as they had.

[@bcbock]

@@timothymbess Actually, I think it’s meant for do-it-yourselfers.

[@eldstgilmorbarboydodellatb4413]

💚💚💚💚 bookmark/ notes : bee supers cabinet work …..ect….tbc…..-g-b, bot

[@dankification]

They should of also just installed the garbage desposer then and then. Would save all the hassle at the later time

[@inthedarkwoods2022]

Would never have a dishwasher without a garbage disposal.

[@workingshlub8861]

richard did not notice there was no trap??

[@garthbutton699]

I noticed that to,maybe it has a running trap below the floor,Richard could not have missed that.

[@joshsmykalski3950]

Or a vent?

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

i noticed the double negative.

[@pavelow235]

Why not go for a 18 inch width dishwasher?

[@pavelow235]

@@brianglade848 Yeah because those *6 inches* make all the difference in the world. 👌

[@briannova627]

This is a single family home which requires a 24 in dishwasher… if it was a small apartment..then a small18 in dishwasher would suffice.

[@VideosbySteve]

Not bad but i wouldve added another upper cabinet to match how far the lower one sticks out.

[@saulgoodman2018]

Doesn't the outlet have to be GFCI?

[@_RT___]

Could be behind another gfci in the line

[@saulgoodman2018]

@@_RT___ If it was, There should be a label that say GFCI protected. For any future people.