OH THE CONTROVERSY – HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSTALL A DISHWASHER?

There’s almost nothing more controversial than the cost of installing a dishwasher. One installation may cost $400 or more while another might cost under $100. Yet another homeowner may boast that they installed their dishwasher alone in under an hour at no cost. Why is there so much controversy over the cost of installing a dishwasher?

Except in rare instances, the cost differences in dishwasher installation can easily be explained by the number of services needed to do the installation. If you are replacing a dishwasher and your replacement fits neatly into place, it can be an easy job because everything you need to install it is already there. Basically, all you have to do is:

• Connect the hoses to your existing taps.
• Connect drain hoses.
• Plug the dishwasher into the electrical outlet provided.

You are not required by law to hire a plumber or electrician to install a dishwasher if all the plumbing and electrical outlets you need are already in place. However, if any plumbing or electrical work needs to be done, Australian law requires you to use the services of a licensed plumber and/or electrician.

Electricity and plumbing will be the major costs of a dishwasher installation.

• For an electrician, expect to pay around $75 to have a power point installed. If you have other electrical work that needs doing, arrange for the electrician to do it all at the same time, because $75 is usually about the minimum an electrician will charge for a home visit. If you need other minor work done, they will charge their standard hourly rate (usually between $40 and $85 per hour) in quarter hour increments.
• As a rule, most of today’s kitchens are already plumbed for dishwashers. If yours is not, no major plumbing work should be needed. If the dishwasher is located next to the sink, the plumber will just need to connect it to the hot and cold water supplies and to the sink drain. In most cases, all that’s required for that is a small hole in the drain pipe under the sink.

Quotes for dishwasher installation can vary widely. Generally, it should cost about $150 for a simple installation and up to $450 or perhaps more if additional parts and labour are needed, such as additional or replacement taps. To make sure you’re getting fair quotes, explain your needs in detail to every plumber you get quotes from. Be sure to get at least 3 quotes. There are frequent reports of quotes ranging from $150 to $400 for the same job. While you do want a licensed and qualified plumber to do the installation for you, there is usually no need to pay more for an expensive plumber to do a relatively simple job like installing a dishwasher.

If you’re renovating your kitchen, get complete quotes from kitchen installers that include the cost of an electrician and plumber.

*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.