How to Use Thinset Under a Dishwasher on a Cement Floor

Floor Installation

• 1

  Clean the floor area where you're planning to install the thinset and dishwasher with a broom or shop vac. Use a scraper to remove any grout or other debris stuck to the surface of the concrete floor.

• 2

  Lay out the tiles you will be using in the space for the dishwasher. Start with a line of tiles going straight from the center of the dishwasher opening to the rear wall or cabinet. Run another line of tiles horizontally through the center of the space so it intersects with the first line. Insert spacers in between the tiles to keep them straight. This will give you an idea of how many tiles you need to fit in the space. Because the tile area underneath the dishwasher is a relatively small area, it's easier to go ahead and lay all the tiles out, cutting them to size where needed with a tile saw or a tile nibbler. Sand down any tile edges with a tile stone. When you're satisfied with the tile spacing. Remove all the tiles.

• 3

  Apply the thinset to the floor with a notched trowel tool in the dishwasher space. Mix the thinset with the recommended amount of water in a bucket and mix with an electric drill and mixer attachment or use premixed thinset. Allow the thinset time to sit according to manufacturer's instructions.

• 4

  Press the tiles into place, starting with a vertical line from the front of the dishwasher opening to the back, and then with a horizontal line through the center so the tiles intersect neatly. Press spacers into place between the tiles. Press down firmly on the tiles as you place them on the thinset. After the tiles have been placed, wrap a scrap 2-by-4 with carpet and use this and a hammer to further tap the tiles into the thinset. Allow the thinset time to cure as recommended by the manufacturer.

• 5

  Apply grout to the tile surfaces and squeeze it into the places between the tiles with a grout float. Let the grout sit according to instructions, then remove any excess from the surface of the tiles with a damp sponge. Allow the grout to cure thoroughly and then apply sealant with another sponge. Let the sealant dry for at least 24 hours or as instructed.

Installing the Dishwasher

• 6

  Turn off the power for the dishwasher circuit at the main circuit breaker.

• 7

  Maneuver the dishwasher into the dishwasher opening and carefully push it all the way back into the opening so the front door is aligned with the front of the adjacent cabinets.

• 8

  Loosen the screws at the sides of the kick panel underneath the dishwasher door using a screwdriver. Pull the kick panel off the dishwasher and set aside.

• 9

  Create openings for the water supply line between the dishwasher and the water supply valve, if needed, in the surrounding cabinets. Use a power drill with a spade bit end in the width of your water supply hose to make the proper size hole. Use a piece of sandpaper to smooth down any rough edges.

• 10

  Wrap the threads on the water supply valve with plumber's tape. Connect the coupling at one end of the water supply hose to the supply valve and tighten with a wrench. Run the other end of the supply hose through the holes drilled earlier to the front of the dishwasher.

• 11

  Wrap both sides of an elbow joint with plumber's tape. Insert the elbow joint into the front face of the dishwasher for the water connection. Connect the other end of the hose to the free end of the elbow joint and tighten the coupling with a wrench.

• 12

  Remove the screws holding the electrical panel in place at the bottom of the dishwasher. Connect the wiring from the main circuit breaker to the dishwasher terminals. The white wire connects to the terminal marked "neutral," the black to the terminal marked "hot" and the bare copper wire to the green terminal screw. Use needle-nose pliers to clamp the wires in place around the screws and then tighten the terminal screws with a screwdriver. Replace the electrical panel cover.

• 13

  Run the drain hose from the dishwasher to the sink tailpiece or garbage disposal. If needed, use the power drill and spade bit to make any holes in cabinets as needed. Slip the end of the drain hose over the tailpiece or disposal nipple. Tighten with a hose clamp.

• 14

  Restore the power to the dishwasher circuit.