How much does it cost to install a dishwasher Australia

Dishwasher installation costs range from $149 for a standard dishwasher to $176 for a fully or semi-integrated dishwasher. If you're installing a new dishwasher, other costs will include $500-$1500 to hire a plumber to install pipes and $140-$180 to hire an electrician to install a power point.

How much does dishwasher installation cost? If you're installing a new dishwasher, the plumber will have to install pipes to connect to the dishwasher. If you're replacing an old dishwasher and using existing plumbing, the cost will be much lower.

Depending on the service you choose and the type of dishwasher you have, installing a dishwasher may cost $149 for a simple installation to $176 for a fully or semi-integrated dishwasher. Some services offer lower rates, so shop around before you hire an installer.

Read this guide to find out more about:

• How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher?
• How much does dishwasher installation cost?
• How to choose a dishwasher
• Saving with flat pack dishwasher cabinets
• How to dispose of your old dishwasher

How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher?

Dishwashers may be installed DIY if you're using existing plumbing connections, but hiring a plumber or dishwasher installer will make sure nothing goes wrong.

Plumbers generally charge between $100 and $150 per hour. Installing a dishwasher can take 20 minutes to an hour, and plumbers may charge in 15 minute increments. However, they also usually charge a call-out rate of $60 to $100, which will add to the cost. 

How much does dishwasher installation cost?

If you're installing a new dishwasher without existing plumbing connections, you will need the help of licensed professionals, which need to be factored into your dishwasher installation cost. These include:

• A plumber to install pipes – $500–$1500
• An electrician to install a power point – $140–$180
• A cabinet maker to install a dishwasher cabinet – $50–$75 per hour

Plumbers will charge by the number of hours they have to work and the cost of the pipes will also be included in the final price. The cost may be between $500 and $1500 or more depending on how much piping they need to install and other costs.

An electrician can install a power point from between $140 and $180, depending on how much work they have to do. $140 is for a simple installation that takes only 20 minutes and $180 is for a more complicated installation that takes over an hour.

On average, electricians charge around $150 to install a power point, but some electricians also charge call-out or service rates for simple jobs. A call-out rate can be between $60 and $100, so to find a lower rate, get quotes from electricians for the installation of a power point.

If you can't find a dishwasher cabinet that's an exact match to your kitchen, you may need to get quotes from cabinet makers for the cost of building a custom dishwasher cabinet. Cabinet makers charge around $50 to $75 per hour and they will need to take careful measurements before creating your cabinets. Find out what to look for in a cabinet maker.

How to choose a dishwasher

Dishwasher installation cost does not include the price of the machine itself. A moderately priced dishwasher may cost around $1000, and some of these are as good as more expensive dishwashers, but there's more to look at than just the price. Other things to consider when purchasing a dishwasher are:

• Style
• Efficiency
• Functions
• Features
•  Warranty

Style

The three main options for dishwashers are cabinets, drawer dishwashers and slimline dishwashers.

• A cabinet dishwasher is a standard dishwasher that may be housed in a custom-made or standard size cabinet.
• Drawer dishwashers are smaller than normal dishwashers and you have to open a drawer to access the dishwasher.
• A slimline dishwasher may be a good choice if you have to alter or replace a cabinet. It will take up less space and you may have space left over for another cabinet.

Efficiency

If you're worried about your dishwasher installation cost, looking for a good Star rating and WELS rating will save you money over time.

• The Star rating is a measurement of energy efficiency. The more stars a dishwasher has, the more energy efficient it is.
• The WELS rating is a measurement of water consumption. A higher WELS rating means a dishwasher uses less water to get the job done. Less water doesn't always mean a dishwasher will be less efficient, as the water may come out at higher pressure to wash dishes.

Read more: Why buy eco-friendly appliances?

Functions

A good dishwasher will have adjustable shelves, a large spray head for cleaning pots and pans and a good drying function. Some drying functions include:

• Residual heat drying – this is energy efficient, but may not dry your dishes completely
• Fan and heat assisted drying – less energy efficient, but will dry your dishes
• Zeolite – uses crystals to absorb moisture and heating to dry dishes. These dishwashers tend to cost more than other dishwashers

Features

Dishwashers with special features will cost more, such as:

• Flood protection – detects water at the base of the dishwasher and will shut off the dishwasher if it detects a problem
• Sensor wash – this can sense how dirty dishes are and make temperature adjustments accordingly
• A WiFi enabled dishwasher can be turned on from a distance using a smartphone
• Some dishwashers allow you to install a panel that matches your kitchen design

Warranty

Check the length of the warranty and the quality of the machine when comparing dishwashers. A longer warranty will give you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.

Saving with flat pack dishwasher cabinets

If you can find a flat pack dishwasher cabinet that matches your kitchen, this will lower your dishwasher installation cost compared to having a dishwasher cabinet built and installed for you by a cabinet maker.

If you're installing a whole new kitchen, flat pack kitchens are far less expensive than kitchen renovations, but you will have to install a flat pack kitchen yourself or hire a handyman to install it for you. You will also need to have the benchtop professionally installed, because all kitchens are not square and installers know how to install them seamlessly.

You will also need to hire an electrician to install a power point and a plumber to install pipes, a sink and taps. Even with those additional expenses, you will still save, since flatpack kitchens cost between $2600 and $12,000 and a custom installed kitchen can cost $35,000 or more.

How to dispose of your old dishwasher

Dishwasher installation costs can also include getting rid of your old dishwasher. Some of the options for dishwasher disposal are:

• Taking it to a waste depot that accepts whitegoods for recycling.
• Getting it removed and disposed of by professionals. This can cost between $115 and $140.
• Selling or donating a dishwasher that's still in good working order or repairable.
• Contacting your local council to find out if they have a whitegoods clean-up day. This may involve a fee.

*Costs 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.