Dishwasher raised for easy access?

[FrankenMech]

Any ideas?

I am looking at installing an old new-in-box dishwasher in my kitchen. I have a space for it next to the refrigerator where I keep a trash can now. I was wondering about installing it on a raised pedestal about a foot off the floor.

There is a hot water line under the floor there that runs to the sink directly across the room next.

There is also a 2" drain pipe in the basement under the sink. I am thinking about installing a 42-48" stand pipe for the dishwasher drain through the floor with a P-trap underneath the floor. The standpipe would function as an air gap. The drain hose could be very short, nothing much to back up into the dishwasher when the pump shuts off.

I have a 60A sub-panel electrical box a short ways away in the basement for a dedicated electrical outlet or I could use the 100A panel I just installed in the garage that is three feet away, next to the kitchen-garage door.

I have so many projects going, what is one more? Besides I really hate doing dishes in the sink, it is hard on the back.

I would need to find a spot for the trash can. Maybe I should install a trash compacter -under- the dishwasher, raise it a little more,  -hmmm? Do they make short ones? I see most are full height. I can always put a small trash can under the sink.

[jackrides]

Frank, I'm sorry you're in the pile you're in. Stop and take a breath. Have one beer, sit down and make a list of your projects with the dishwasher at the top. Mine has been giving me fits, but the way you describe yours it will be fairly easy. (Meaning only 2 or 3 dammits with no terminal problem.) You will then deserve more beers, and relax before your inspiration carries you forward to more Victories!

[lostforawhile]

you could install a trash chute in the wall for organic garbage, and install a goat on the other end. the "green" solution, it could also mow the yard.

[FrankenMech]

Thanks guys. I do too much relaxing and don't get enough done. I only have a few good hours per day. I have a Looong list of projects. Many of which have hit stumbling blocks. Sometimes those can be overcome with time and better health. I was sick for many years and my to-do list grew so long it was very depressing. I am slowly getting better but things get added to the to-do list whether I want them to or not. I own a house and some of you will know how repairs and chores can mount up. The dishwasher does not even come to the top of the list but it would help alleviate some ongoing chores.

[pinkscoot]

I have had to live without a dishwasher in the past decade and it was a pain in the ass. I love having one, finish with a dish rinse it and hide it in the dishwasher. When its full run it then empty. Mine runs every week or two, I don't generate much and my dog none. Its also great for cleaning engine cases.

[bluegoatwoods]

Your ideas sound good to me. But I'm no expert.

The only other thing I'd add is that when we had a dishwasher the noise was about enough to kill me. Now I did have a wife and three daughters who seemed to run the darned thing for amusement.

If you're living solo or have people around you who can show a little more restraint, then maybe it'll be okay.
But when it's running, it lets you know about it.

[RollingThunder]

Jan 8, 2018 14:05:01 GMT -5 bluegoatwoods said:

Your ideas sound good to me. But I'm no expert.

The only other thing I'd add is that when we had a dishwasher the noise was about enough to kill me. Now I did have a wife and three daughters who seemed to run the darned thing for amusement.

If you're living solo or have people around you who can show a little more restraint, then maybe it'll be okay.
But when it's running, it lets you know about it.

A lot of the newer ones are super quiet, but I would imagine a lot of depends on the manufacturer and level of quality that you buy. I replaced my parent's 1990s builder grade Kitchenaid  around 2005 with a mid tier of some brand and you can hardly hear it run. I don't think they've had any problems with it either. A lot of people say to spend the extra money and make sure you get one with a stainless tub. I still do my dishes the old fashioned way.

[190mech]

They make an adapter that goes before the P trap on the kitchen sink drain for a dishwasher,T into the hot side of the sink faucet too,easy-peasy!!

[FrankenMech]

This dishwasher will be clear across the kitchen from the sink, about 6 feet. I will T into the hot water line that runs right under where the dishwasher will be. The standpipe with P-trap for the DW drain will run about 10' across the basement between the floor joists to the drain line along the basement wall that the sink drains into.

I am probably going to build a cabinet for the DW out of some 3/4" sanded plywood at $40/sheet (ouch!) I hate using MDF. If I use some threaded SS glides for feet I can level it and move it fairly easy. I don't really care much what it looks like since I am the only one that has to look at it or hear it run.

The DW has been in a box for about 15 years just waiting to be installed. It was a fairly high end Maytag unit with a stainless interior. The only thing I am worried about is the seals that may be all dried out. At one time I heard that it may have been subject to a recall but I guess I will find out when I run the model and serial number.

[benji]

Just curious, what do you hate about mdf? The dust?

[FrankenMech]

MDF creeps/warps/bends over time. Any moisture or humidity swells it really bad then it breaks the resin bond and just disintegrates into sawdust, which is all it is. IMO it is a horrible product used for cheap furniture. I have some shelves etc made from it but I hate the crap. But then I don't even like OSB.

[jbjhillbilly]

I’m with you on the MDF hate. Guys like it because it comes painted and cuts clean, but it bows under it won weight, and is only a bit above particle board IMHO.

For your washer, as long as you keep the drain at the proper downslope angle, you should be ok. Remember, there isn’t a lot of solid waste going out of there.

For the riser, if you don’t want to build one, you can check into the risers they make for front load clothes washers (although many are flimsy).