Frigidaire Dishwasher: installation height issue

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a Frigidaire dishwasher installation height issue? This common problem occurs when your dishwasher doesn't fit properly in the cabinet due to mismatched height, often caused by new flooring, improperly adjusted legs, or an inherently low cabinet opening. This misalignment can disrupt your kitchen's aesthetics and functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire installation manuals include standard height specifications; refer to official manual for model-specific measurements.

Possible Causes

Cabinet opening height reduced by new flooring

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t slide into space after flooring replaced; countertop to floor height < standard dishwasher height

Part: Cabinet / floor space

Dishwasher legs not adjusted correctly

How to Identify: Dishwasher sits too high or low relative to countertop; legs can be manually turned

Part: Adjustable leveling legs

Cabinet opening inherently too low for standard model

How to Identify: Even with legs fully lowered, dishwasher cannot fit under counter; clearance measured between floor and underside of countertop is below required height

Part: Kitchen cabinetry

DIY Solutions

Adjust dishwasher leveling legs

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, spirit level
  1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
  2. Remove the kickplate to access the leveling legs.
  3. Turn the legs clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower the dishwasher height.
  4. Use a spirit level to confirm the unit is level front-to-back and side-to-side.
  5. Slide the dishwasher back in and check alignment with the countertop.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before working under the unit

Use shims or blocks under dishwasher

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: measuring tape, wood/plastic shims, level
  1. Remove dishwasher from space.
  2. Measure height difference between dishwasher and cabinet opening.
  3. Place appropriate shims or a waterproof block under the dishwasher to raise it uniformly.
  4. Check that dishwasher remains stable and level.
  5. Slide dishwasher into place and verify clearance.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure shims are stable and moisture resistant

Professional Repairs

Modify cabinetry to fit dishwasher

Estimated Cost: $150 - $600

Install a recess or custom cabinetry solution

Estimated Cost: $200 - $800

When to Call a Professional

Cabinet opening cannot be adjusted with DIY methods
Dishwasher still doesn’t fit after leveling leg adjustments
Modification of cabinetry or countertop is required

Preventive Maintenance

  • Measure cabinet opening before purchase or installation: Height mismatch issues
    Frequency: once at installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Dishwasher installation height issue?
The installation height issue may arise from new flooring raising the cabinet height, improperly adjusted dishwasher legs, or low cabinet openings.
How do I fix Frigidaire Dishwasher installation height issue myself?
You can adjust the dishwasher legs or use shims to raise the unit and ensure it fits properly in the cabinet.
How much does it cost to fix installation height issue?
Professional repairs to modify cabinetry or install recesses can range from $150 to $800, depending on the complexity.
When should I call a technician for installation height issue?
If DIY adjustments don't resolve the issue or if modifications to cabinetry are needed, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Incorrect measurement of the height from the kitchen floor to the bottom of the countertop.
  • Improper leveling of the dishwasher, causing it to sit too high or too low.
  • Installation of a non-standard countertop height that does not accommodate standard dishwasher dimensions.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Measure the height from the kitchen floor to the bottom of the countertop accurately. Ensure that the dishwasher's installation height specifications match this measurement. Adjust the height of the dishwasher by using the adjustable legs if necessary.

  2. Level the dishwasher by adjusting the legs to ensure it is sitting evenly. Use a level tool to check that the dishwasher is perfectly horizontal.

  3. If the countertop height is non-standard, consider modifying the cabinetry or installing a different dishwasher model that fits the existing space. Consult with a professional if significant alterations are needed.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Dishwasher Minimum vs Maximum Question

Community Discussions

trying to understand dishwasher height specifications

Ensure the height from the kitchen floor to the bottom of the countertop is measured correctly to confirm fit.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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