Will a Countertop Dishwasher Work With Low Water Pressure?

Water Pressure

• The water pressure needed for a portable countertop dishwasher should be no lower than 15 to 20 pounds per square inch. When the dishwasher sprays the dishes inside with water and soap, the pressure must be strong enough to disperse the soap and penetrate the dirt. According to HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, the normal water pressure in a home is 40 to 80 psi. If the water pressure is as low as 15 psi, however, the unit will still work.

Water Temperature and De-pressurizing

• The temperature of incoming water must be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit but not more than 149 degrees. Before disconnecting the portable dishwasher hose from the faucet, you must de-pressurize the hose or the hot water will spray out when you remove the connection from the faucet, possibly causing burns. Press the red button on the quick connect on the faucet to remove the pressure and any water in the hose, but only after you have turned off the water from the faucet. When the hose is de-pressurized, no water will come out.

Water Hardness

• If you have hard water, you may see white lime scale deposits on the inside of the countertop dishwasher. Once a week, you should run the dishwasher without any dishes inside. Instead of using soap during the empty run, use 1 cup of vinegar to remove the white film and keep the dishwasher in good operating condition.

Soap and Water Consumption

• The amount of soap you use to clean dishes depends on the type of water you have in the home. If you have hard water, you'll need more soap than for soft water. Follow manufacturer’s directions to determine how much soap to use for the type of water you have in the home. Although each make and model of countertop dishwasher is different, the units use anywhere from 11 to 22 pints of water per wash cycle.