Dishwasher Plumbing Help!
Takkone
11 years ago
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homebound
11 years agohomebound
11 years agoRelated Discussions
Dishwasher inlet plumbing help needed!
Comments (5)There is a very simple DIY soluton that willl not require any soldering. First of all, as was mentioned above, DO NOT cut copper pipe or tubing with a hacksaw. In nearly all cases the stress of cutting copper with a hacksaw results in getting the pipe ever so slightly out of round, however it is enough that it is sometimes nearly impossible to get a fitting on the copper again, and even if your lucky enough to get the fitting on there is an extremely high risk that the joint will not properly seal. Copper should always be cut with a tubing cutter. When working in a tight spot such as you have there a "mini tubing cutter" is the ideal tool. On bit of advice here. You will find small red mini tubing cutters in all hardware and home supply stores for about $5. In my humble opion those are at best junk. For just a bit more ($10 to $12 range) you can get a mini tubing cutter made by Imperial Tool Company, Superior Tool Company or Rigid Tool company and you will have a pro quality tool that will hold up for years under DIY conditions. Begin by turning the water off with the ball valve, then using a 2" wide strip of emery cloth wrapped around the pipe and pull it back and forth like a shoe shine rag to clean the tarnish off the copper. Using a tubing cutter cut the copper pipe at the point I indexed on the attached illustration. Now this might seem a bit confusing. The 1/2" copper extending out of the ball valve at the cut point is 1/2" copper pipe, which means it has a 1/2" inside diameter (ID). The outside diameter of 1/2" copper pipe is 5/8" and copper tubing is rated by its outside diameter (OD) so a 5/8" tubing fitting will fit directly on 1/2" copper pipe. You will need a compression type reducing union. Most reducing unions are rated for copper tubing therefore the one you need would be a 3/8" x 5/8 reducing union. Some manufactures now rate them as 3/8" by 5/8" tubing & 1/2" copper pipe. To install you will remove the compression nut on the large end of the union. You will find a brass compression ferrule under the nut. (looks like a cheap mans wedding ring). Slide the nut on the copper with the open side of the nut facing the cut end of the pipe, then slide the compression ferrule on the pipe. Now slide the union on the pipe until you feel the copper pipe hit the internal stop insuring it is on all the way, then slide the compression ferrule towards the union and tighten the nut on the union. You should hold the union steady with a pair of channel locks while tightening the nut with an adjustable wrench. Make sure the nut is tight. Now remove the compression nut and ferrule from the small end of the union and you will have a 3/8" male thread extending out. The line from your dishwasher will screw directly on that thread. Do Not put teflon tape or thread joint compound one any of the threads. They are all mechanical joints that are intended to be dry fit. Another hint, If you cannot find a reducing union check in the area where they have the angle stop and line stop valves for fixtures. You could use a compression type straight through line stop in the same manner as the compression union. The only difference is that you would then have a redundant valve but if left open it is no problem and probably a compression straight valve would be slightly cheaper....See Moremiele dishwasher owners - show me your plumbing!
Comments (3)I have a miele dishwasher -sorry I don't have photos, but I do remember that the plumbing is a little different than most dishwashers. I think they extend (maybe even double) to warranty period if you use a certified Miele installer. Apparently, if it isn't installed properly there can be problems. The one time I had to call their customer service department, they were very helpful. Maybe they can answer your question. By the way, I love that dishwasher - it's a dream! Good Luck....See MoreDishwasher plumbing-not next to sink
Comments (8)Are you sure this is your only option? I recommend posting your layout here (if you haven't already) and let the people here help you with the layout. It may very well be your only option, but you would be surprised at what we can come up with for challenging kitchens! Here is a link that might be useful: FAQ: How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include?...See MoreDishwasher Plumbing Help!
Comments (1)I suggest you post on the plumbing forum. There are pros there....See MoreTakkone
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TakkoneOriginal Author