How to Connect Dishwasher Drain Hose to Sink: DIY Guide

If you have bought a new dishwasher, it is important to connect it to the drain line of your kitchen sink.

If you are a DIY enthusiast, you may be wondering how to connect dishwasher drain hose to sink.

Connecting a dishwasher drain to your existing kitchen drain system can be a daunting task.

But still, with the right tools and guidance, it is a task within the reach of a DIY enthusiast if you make it work.

In this post, we will guide you step-by-step information on how to connect a dishwasher drain line to your kitchen sink.

Best Kitchen Sink Drain Tailpiece With Dishwasher Connection

In this DIY project, I will be using a special tailpiece.

Through this, we can easily connect the dishwasher’s hose to the kitchen sink drain system.

Here, I am suggesting the best type of drain tailpiece dishwasher connection that I am going to use in this project.

Best Tailpiece

Eastman Flanged Branch Tailpiece with Direct Connection

1-1/2 inch x 8 inch, Black

The dishwasher hose connects the sink to the odor-trapping drain, perfect for under-sink installations.

See On Amazon

Connect Dishwasher Drain Hose to Sink Drain: Step By Step Guide

Installing a new dishwasher, and you want to hook up the drain hose?

It is a straightforward DIY project that you can do yourself in just a few steps.

Proceed with your project, as the steps are explained to you in the order below.

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

Before starting the project, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand.

Step 2: Prepare the Sink

Before starting work, turn on the flashlight under the kitchen sink cabinet.

First of all, clean the cabinet space under your kitchen sink because there should not be any problems in your field of work.

Remove all equipment that may interfere with the installation and thoroughly clean it.

Next, you will need to locate the waste arm pipe under the kitchen sink, which is connected to a strainer and tea point.

Step 3: Removing the Waste Arm Pipe

Now, we will start by loosening the nuts on the T-side pipe and the strainer side to separate the waste arm pipe.

Then, make sure to save the flat washers from the strainer side and the beveled washer from the T side.

Because we will need it after we install everything together.

Step 4: Install The Tailpiece (Without a Garbage Disposal)

Now it’s time to install the dishwasher connection tailpiece you brought along.

First, you try to attach it from the T side, slide the nut on it, and the beveled washer onto the tailpiece.

Now tighten the tailpiece with a nut in the T pipe with a standard plier.

Make sure that the dishwasher connection is facing upwards.

If you want to connect the dishwasher without a garbage disposal, it is necessary to install an air gap.

Otherwise, the dishwasher water can accidentally backflow into your sink.

Step 5: Measurement of Waste Arm Lenght

Now the next steps are to restore your waste arm to its previous state.

But before that, you must cut it by measuring the length from the dishwasher tailpiece to the end of the strainer.

To do this, I place the waste arm under the drain that is to be installed there and mark its length with a marker.

If you cut it long enough to measure from the middle of the strainer to the dishwasher tailpiece, your length will be fine.

Step 6: Cut The Waste Arm Pipe

Now, once you have calculated the length of the West Arm pipe, if you are settled, use the saw to cut the pipe.

Be sure to ream the inside of the pipe and level the outside of the pipe to get a smooth finish.

Step 7: Install the Waste Arm Pipe

Now remove the nut and washer from the tailpiece and slide them onto the waste arm pipe.

Be sure the beveled end of the washer is against the tailpiece.

Now, slide the waste arm into the tailpiece and tighten everything using an adjustable wrench.

Do not forget to put a flat washer on the strainer side.

Step 8: Connect the Drain Hose

We have seen how to install a dishwasher television in the drain line of a kitchen sink.

The last step for now is to attach the dishwasher drain pipe to the tailpiece.

For that, take the hose clamp and slide it through the pipe at the end of the dishwasher hose.

Now connect the dishwasher hose to the connection on top of the tailpiece and tighten the hose clamp with a screwdriver.

Cut and install the endpoint of the dishwasher hose as designed for different connections.

Step 9: Test for Leaks

In this way, you can properly connect the new dishwasher that arrived in your kitchen.

After the complete connection is done, it is now necessary to test it and check for all the leaks.

I have given below the three steps for that, which let’s check one by one.

Run the dishwasher

Run the dishwasher clean cycle, paying attention to leaks, before returning all your cleaning supplies to their proper place under the sink.

Check all connections

Carefully inspect the connection points during the test. A small leakage now can turn into a big and expensive problem.

Troubleshoot if necessary

If you find moisture, make sure to tighten the hose clamp first to ensure a secure fit.

Even if the leakage is persistent, disconnect the hose, check for damage, and make sure it is free of kinks and twists before reattaching.

If you want to see a video of the complete DIY process, below I have shown the complete video that you can watch.

What Can Go Wrong?

There are some things that we can avoid during the entire process. like

• Over-tightening hose clamps can crack and damage hoses or fittings.
• Incomplete tightening, which may cause leakage.
• Garbage disposal knockout plugs, if missing, can cause water backup and possible motor damage.

Additional tips

• If the drain hose of your dishwasher is too short to reach the tailpiece, you can easily find a drain hose extension kit at most hardware stores.
• In case you have a garbage disposal, you might require a garbage disposal drain kit to connect the dishwasher drain hose to it.
• Remember to refer to your dishwasher’s installation manual for detailed instructions on how to connect the dishwasher drain hose to the sink properly.

Faqs

Can Dishwasher and Sink Share the Same Drain?

Yes, the dishwasher and sink can both share the same drain, so connect both to a common drain line with proper plumbing fittings.

Do I need a plumber to connect my dishwasher drain hose?

No, because this is a simple DIY project that you can do yourself using our guide and the basic tools.

If you are feeling uneasy and facing complex plumbing problems, consulting a plumber is a good option.

Can I Connect the Hose Directly to the Trap Without a Loop?

No, the dishwasher drain hose must be connected to the sink piping above the P-trap via an air gap.

High loop to prevent contaminated water from backing up into the dishwasher.

What Size is Drain Pipe for the Kitchen Sink and Dishwasher?

In most kitchens, 1.5-inch drain pipes are commonly used for both the sink and dishwasher.

However, some kitchens may allow for 2-inch drain pipes to provide extra capacity.

What is the Maximum Drain Line for a Dishwasher?

The maximum length for a dishwasher drain line is 10 to 12 feet.

Does a new dishwasher come with a drain hose?

Yes, most new dishwashers typically come with a drain hose included.

Conclusion

So, connecting your dishwasher to your kitchen sink drain can seem a bit mechanical.

But with our step-by-step guide with the right tools and images, you can do it hassle-free.

So bookmark our website for such DIY tips on kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Comment to us if you face any problems while doing this project or if you can run the dishwasher properly after completing this method.

Your comment can be very useful for us.

Thank you…