Dishwasher installation can sometimes be a complicated process that often requires a host of different hoses and piping attachments that will have you wanting to contact a plumber so you don’t have to do the job on your own.
There are times however when you need to hook up your dishwasher to a temporary piping connection that you can easily remove or you simply can’t get your hands on a standard dishwasher hose. At moments like that, the common alternative most people often consider using is a garden hose.
But, since this isn’t the norm, it often leads to the question can I use a garden hose for my dishwasher?
In this article, we’re going to talk about if other hoses (such as a garden hose) can be used for a dishwasher and also give you DIY steps for temporary hookup.
Can I Use A Garden Hose For My Dishwasher?
You can use a garden hose for your dishwasher because of its similarity in size (with a dishwasher hose), ease of drainage, and the possibility of readily available attachments.
Why do Garden Hoses come in handy when you don’t have a standard dishwasher hose?
1- Similar Size As Standard Dishwasher Hose
Most standard garden hoses have a ¾’’ fitting thread that can easily fit into the water inlet valve of the dishwasher. This means they can easily be used to connect the dishwasher to the water supply valve.
The machine is designed to work as long as the necessary piping connections are in place, so it will work regardless of the type of hose your use since it can’t tell the difference.
All you might need are a few additional hose fittings in case the thread of your dishwasher is different.
2- Garden Hose Can Be Used To Drain Your Dishwasher
Most standard dishwasher hoses are expensive. On the other hand garden hose are fairly cheap.
Since the water pressure that often comes from the drain hose of a dishwasher is not high, you can connect a garden hose to the drain hose if you want to drain the dishwasher directly into the sink drain.
A garden hose can also come in handy if your dishwasher is placed in a location that is a bit far away from your sink plumbing.
This can be in cases where the dishwasher is outside your home or you live in a small apartment that does not have space for a permanent dishwasher set up.
3- There Are Elbow Hose Connectors You Can Use For The Set-Up
While it might seem like using a garden hose for your dishwasher would be impossible with some brands where the garden hose might not fit well into the water inlet valve on the machine, attaching a garden hose can be easily done because there are dishwasher elbow hose connectors that you can purchase to make this connection seamless.
This elbow hose fitting is often attached to the water inlet valve of the dishwasher before the garden hose is then attached to it.
Note: Although a garden hose can be used for a dishwasher, it is essential to make sure that you are only running cold water through the pipe when the machine is running. This is because garden hoses are only designed to be able to withstand temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything hotter than that could damage the hose and cause a leak in the piping connecting.
What Kind Of Hose Do I Need For A Dishwasher?
When installing a dishwasher, you’ll need two different hoses for the piping connection. One is for draining the dishwasher and the other is connected to the water supply line that allows water to flow into the machine.
For the drain hose, you’ll mostly need a standard rubber hose or reinforced rubber hose (if you want something a bit more sturdy).
However, for the water supply hose, it is best to use a stainless steel braided hose. The material of this type of hose is great for the water supply valve because it is extremely durable and will prevent any leaks or breakage that may result from the water pressure.
Are Dishwasher And Washing Machine Hoses The Same?
The dishwasher and washing machine hoses are the same. Both these appliances are designed to use the same set of hoses for the water inlet valve and the drainage. This means that the hoses on both appliances can be used interchangeably should the need ever arise.
However, it’s important to note that the fittings attached to the dishwasher and washing machine can sometimes come in different sizes.
So if you intend to use one in place of the other, ensure that the fittings match or simply purchase the right sized fitting for either the dishwasher or washing machine.
Hose Types for Dishwasher & Washing Machines!
Three main hose options commonly used for both dishwashers and washing machines are :
1- Reinforced Rubber Hoses: This hose type is made of rubber reinforced with polyesters mesh or braided crayon which makes the rubber stronger.
These hoses are fairly inexpensive, so if you are looking for a budget option this is a great choice to use for your dishwasher.
2- Steel Braided Hoses: These are extremely durable which makes them a great option for both dishwashers and washing machines.
They are made of a rubber hose encased in braided stainless steel to provide extra resistance against bursting or leakage.
3- Auto Shut-off Hoses: These are a type of steel braided hose that has an added shut-off mechanism at the ends.
With this hose type, a safety feature that automatically stops the flow of water is added to your hose in case the hose bursts.
These hoses are a little bit on the pricey side, but those extra dollars will be well worth it if a leak ever happens.
Is Garden Hose Thread The Same As Washing Machine Thread
A Garden hose thread is the same as the washing machine thread. For most standard washing machine hoses, the fitting on both ends is ¾ ‘’ female threads. This is the same thread that is found on garden hoses.
Temporary Dishwasher Hookup!
A temporary connection for a dishwasher can be a bit difficult since most standard dishwashers are designed for a permanent installation process.
However, if you need a method for hooking up your dishwasher temporarily then we have got the perfect way to do it.
This method will have your dishwasher working properly, while still giving you the option of being able to disconnect it at any time you want. Just follow the steps ahead.
YOU’LL NEED
1- 2 high-quality garden hoses
2- 3 garden hose fitting
3- Y hose adaptor
4- 45-degree hose adaptor
5- Hose pipe rubber boot
6- Screwdriver
7- Hose clamps
STEPS
Step 1: Place the dishwasher in a study position that ensures it is not moving too much.
Step 2: Connect one end of the garden hose to the one garden hose fitting by inserting it into the fitting. Then use a secure driver to secure the hose with a hose clamp.
Step 3: Slide a hose pipe rubber boot onto the hose fitting.
Step 4: Insert the dishwasher drain hose into the open end of the rubber boot. Ensure that the drain hose is properly connected to the hose fitting when doing this. (This will be your drain hose)
Step 5: Loop the dishwasher drain hose in an elevated position around the back of the dishwasher. You can hold the looped hose in place with a zip tie. This will help with proper drainage.
Step 6: Locate the water inlet valve at the bottom of the dishwasher, then attach a 45 hose adapter to it.
Step 7: Connect the second garden hose to the hose adapter at the water inlet valve then secure it with a hose clamp. ( This will be your water inlet hose)
Step 8: Attach a hose fitting to the opposite end of the water inlet hose and secure it with a hose clamp. Then connect the y-hose adapter to the fitting.
Step 9: Screw the Y-hose adapter to the faucet at the sink. You may need to attach a hose adapter to your faucet to allow it to attach to the hose correctly.
Step 10: Insert the opposite end of the drain hose into the drainage of your sink.
Step 11: Plug the dishwasher into the power outlet and run it on a full wash cycle. Your temporary dishwasher installation is good to go.
Conclusion!
The bottom line is that trying to hook up a dishwasher without the necessary piping attachments can be a daunting task, but now you know that you can always opt for a garden hose when you need to install your dishwasher and don’t have access to the standard dishwasher hose pipes.
You can also go with a washing machine hose.
Just follow the simple outlined steps in case you need to make a temporary dishwasher hookup.
