Would you attempt to install a dishwasher?

[Va]

Even though we're planning to sell our house pretty soon, it looks like we need to get a new dishwasher.  It's not totally Tango Uniform, but the heating element has stopped working, so the dishes are not getting very clean, and they're coming out soaking wet.  An acquaintance of my husband's who spent many years as an appliance repairman advised that we replace it rather than pay to have it repaired.

[Gimpson]

I've heard that installing a dishwasher isn't difficult to do yourself, even if you're installing one where there was previously no dishwasher.  Depending on how handy you are, installing one where there are already hookups should be a piece of cake.

[Va]

I was hoping someone would say that.

[Nabubrush]

I've done it, and I can't sweat pipes.

[Gimpson]

From a quick Google search it doesn't look too bad:

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/kitchen/dishwasher/install/new1.htm

[Asherdan]

It's just a water in, drain line and power and everything is already pre-run and tapped.  Do it yourself unless they're giving delivery and install as part of the deal.

Important caveat: check dimensions on the new unit, especially if it's an under cabinet mount.  Too big = bad, too small = ugly crap catching gaps.

Your friend is right about repair, parts (out of manufacture or not) are ridiculous for those things even if the labor cost is respectable.  Parts and labor can exceed the cost of a new one real quick like.

ALSO: While the old unit is pulled, now is a great time to replace your inlet line and valve (easy) and your outlet drain pipe (also easy) with new.  $20 and your labor makes certain that new owners can deal with the eventual failure and leakage mess of those parts, not you.  Note that yanking the inlet hose line around, which you'll need to do to detach it, whether it's metal coil, plastic or wrapped can cause failure of already corroded/cracking lines.  Same goes for the rubber drain line.

Cheers to clean dishware and functioning appliances.

HOME IMPROVEMENT POWERS, ACTIVATE!

[Nabubrush]

One thing I would advise is, if you are dealing with old copper pipe, be very careful with it. I replaced a sink fixture when I just wanted to change out some washers, because I stressed the piping a bit trying to take the fixture apart and the piping split right where I could not just replace the piping. That increased my displeasure factor significantly.

[Va]

Okay, I think I'm going to take one of my huge dinner plates to Sears tonight and see if their $379 Maytag is as good as it looks on the web page.

My next question is: how the hell does one get rid of "garbage" as bulky as a major kitchen appliance?

[Asherdan]

I do one of a few things:

A) Throw it in the truck and go down to the dump, $15 fee so I take other shit too.

B) The city I live in offers free pickup of this type of stuff 3x's a year.  Call them and set up a date for curbside pickup.

C) Take it camping out in the Mohave with me.  Shoot and/or explode the fucker to pieces.

[Carlos del Vaca]

If it's still working, you could probably freecycle it.  People will take any damn thing.

[Va]

By "freecycle" do you mean "leave it on the curb and hope someone grabs it"?  That strategy has worked pretty well for me in the past.

[Carlos del Vaca]

By "freecycle" do you mean "leave it on the curb and hope someone grabs it"?  That strategy has worked pretty well for me in the past.

That might work, but what I mean is "Join your local Freecycle list and offer it up."  
http://www.freecycle.org/

[Va]

http://www.freecycle.org/

That. Is. So. COOL!

[CortJstr]

"Join your local Freecycle list and offer it up."  
http://www.freecycle.org/

Since I can't see the messages without signing up, how is this different from Craig's List (other than the free part)? Is it generally stuff that has a part missing/doesn't work/wouldn't actually get any money on CL or are the people just too nice to charge for things or what?

[Carlos del Vaca]

I'm not on Craig's List, but from what I know of it, Freecycle is much more to the point.  Posts are strictly "OFFER:  Doo Hickey" and "TAKEN:  Doo Hickey" (with the occasional "WANTED," though excessive use is frowned upon).  Weird crap, off-topic posts, etc. are kicked to the curb, stat.

As for the quality of the stuff offered up... who the hell knows, you pays no money you takes your chances.  Lots of baby stuff, lots of excess crap generated by people moving.  I think most people are just trying to get rid of marginally useful items that they don't want to pitch but can't sell, though some people are really into it and offer up semi-valuable things.