New Dishwasher

Although we have never had it tested, we have hard water. The residue builds up, particularly on dishes and cookware.

Over the last few months it seemed to be getting worse. Dishes were not getting as clean as in the past. Looking over the dishwasher it became apparent that the washer was limed up. Time for a new one.

This project spiraled into a major PITA. I had originally purchased a scratch-and-dent unit that, when I got it home and began to unpack it, had internal damage not visible on first inspection. Back to the store. (70 mile round trip each time,)

The shop gave me a discount on a new Bosch unit but did not have the color (black) that Pam wanted in stock. Ordered one in.

Back to the store to pick up the Bosch a few days later, after calling to confirm it had arrived. Store personnel had trouble finding it but eventually did locate it. Handed me a receipt. Got home, wrong receipt. Called next day. “We will e-mail you a copy of the receipt.” Two days later, still no receipt. Called again, received a receipt in a matter of minutes.

OK. Saturday morning, begin the install. Remove the old unit after turning off the power and disconnecting the water inlet and drain hoses. Hmm…water inlet does not look to be long enough to connect to the new machine, which has the water inlet further to the front of the machine. Broke the old plastic shut-off valve trying to remove the old water line.

Off to Grand Junction, which has the nearest hardware store. Bought some new fittings and hose. Returned home, fought to get the remains of the old valve removed. During this time water to the entire house is shut off. Dug out the Dremel tool with cut-off wheel and finally removed the valve.

The rest of the job proceeded OK. Installed the new (all metal) valve, water line, drain hose, and reconnected the electric. Pam is reading the operating manual. Machine does not take liquid soap, only “detergent tabs.” I had not bought any. Machine came with a couple samples which will get us through the next couple days.

It turned out I used the tool I purchased when I was working on the “shower from hell” last year, a SharkBytes crimping tool and crimping rings. Although the new water line uses threaded connections, the new valve had to be attached to the existing plumbing using the SharkBytes compression fittings.

So, now more than a week after I started this project, we have an operating dishwasher again.

Here are a few photos taken during the replacement process:

Pretty much the “excitement” for the past week.

That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!

Pam’s Penny:

Note to self — when ordering replacement appliances at the “new” retirement house (whenever/where ever that might be), pay for delivery, install and testing.

Happy Trails.