A professional dishwasher installation can range from a simple connection to a more complex job requiring new plumbing, with costs varying accordingly.

Dishwasher Installation Cost in South Africa: What to Budget for a Seamless Setup

Installing a dishwasher adds incredible convenience to your daily routine, but ensuring it's done correctly is key to avoiding leaks and ensuring longevity. A professional installation guarantees that all plumbing and electrical connections are safe and secure. The cost for dishwasher installation in South Africa can vary, depending on whether you have existing connections or need new plumbing work done.

Dishwasher Installation Advice

Before your new dishwasher arrives, keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly installation:

• Check Your Connections: Before hiring a pro, check if you have a water supply line and a drain pipe under your sink. Also, ensure there is a suitable electrical plug point nearby. Knowing this helps you get a more accurate quote.
• Measure Everything: Measure the height, width, and depth of the space where the dishwasher will go. Make sure there's enough clearance for the door to open fully without hitting cupboards or other appliances.
• Choose the Right Type: Freestanding dishwashers are generally easier and cheaper to install than integrated models, which need to be fitted into your existing cabinetry and may require custom adjustments.

Typical Costs for Common Dishwasher Installation Tasks

Here are the average costs for the different parts of a dishwasher installation:

• Standard Installation Labour: If you have existing and suitable plumbing and electrical points, expect to pay between R750 and R1,500 for labour.
• Complex Installation (New Plumbing): If new water supply and drainage pipes need to be installed, the cost can range from R1,800 to R3,500+, as this involves more materials and labour.
• Materials (Fittings & Hoses): Basic materials like T-pieces, stopcocks, and new hoses typically cost between R250 and R600.
• Cabinetry Modifications: For integrated dishwashers, any necessary adjustments to your cupboards could add R400 to R1,200 to the bill, depending on the complexity.
• Electrical Work: If a new plug point is required, you will need a qualified electrician. This can cost an additional R600 to R1,500.

Regional Dishwasher Installation Costs

Labour rates can differ across South Africa, influencing the total installation price:

• Western Cape: Installation costs generally range from R850 to R1,800 for a standard setup.
• Johannesburg: Expect to pay between R800 and R1,600 on average.
• Pretoria: Costs are typically between R750 and R1,500.
• KwaZulu-Natal: The average cost for a standard installation ranges from R800 to R1,700.

Factors Influencing Dishwasher Installation Costs

• Existing Plumbing: This is the single biggest factor. A site with ready-to-use connections is far cheaper to work on than one without.
• Type of Dishwasher: Integrated models often cost more to install than freestanding ones due to the need for precise fitting and potential cabinet work.
• Location: Labour rates vary between major cities and more rural areas.
• Need for an Electrician: If the existing electrical point is unsuitable or non-existent, hiring an electrician will be an additional cost.
• Condition of Existing Pipes: If your current under-sink plumbing is old or in poor condition, the plumber may need to perform repairs or replacements, adding to the cost.
• Project Complexity: Difficult access to plumbing or the need to drill through thick countertops (like granite) can increase labour time and cost.

Task Difficulty and Associated Costs

• Easy Job (e.g., standard replacement):
• Description: Replacing an old dishwasher with a new one using the same, perfectly functional connections.
• Duration: Typically 1–2 hours.
• Cost: R750–R1,500 including labour and minor fittings.
• Complex Job (e.g., new installation with no prior plumbing):
• Description: Installing a dishwasher in a kitchen space for the first time, requiring new water lines and a new drain connection to be run from the main sink pipe.
• Duration: 2–4 hours.
• Cost: R1,800–R3,500+ depending on the distance to the main pipes and materials needed.

Example Cost of a Typical Dishwasher Installation

• Task: Standard installation of a freestanding dishwasher next to the kitchen sink.
• Materials: New T-piece for water supply and hose clamps, approximately R250–R450.
• Labour: Professional plumber's labour for connection and testing, typically around R750–R1,200.
• Additional Fees: A call-out fee may be included in the labour charge. No other fees for a standard job.
• Estimated Total: Approximately R1,000–R1,650.

When to Hire a Professional Plumber

While a DIY installation might seem tempting, it comes with risks. An incorrect connection can lead to serious water damage, mould growth, and damage to your new appliance, which could also void its warranty. Hire a professional if:

• You are not 100% confident in your plumbing skills.
• The installation requires creating new water supply or drainage points.
• You are installing an integrated dishwasher that requires cabinet modifications.
• You want the peace of mind that the job is done correctly and is guaranteed.

Tips to Save Money on Dishwasher Installation

• Confirm Connections First: Before you buy the dishwasher, check for the required plumbing and electrical points. This prevents the surprise of needing more complex work done.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Contact several Kandua pros to get competitive, detailed quotes.
• Prepare the Area: Clear the space under the sink and where the dishwasher will be installed. This saves the plumber time and you money on labour.
• Bundle Jobs: If you have other small plumbing tasks, like a dripping tap, ask the plumber to handle them in the same visit to save on multiple call-out fees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwasher Installation in South Africa

Can a plumber install a dishwasher if there's no existing water connection? 
Yes, a qualified plumber can run a new water supply line and create a new drainage connection. This is a more complex job and will cost more than a standard installation.

How much extra does it cost to install an integrated dishwasher? 
Typically, installing an integrated dishwasher costs an additional R400 - R1,200. This is because it requires precise alignment and attachment to the surrounding cabinetry and the mounting of the custom cupboard door.

Does the installation cost include removing the old appliance? 
Most plumbers will disconnect and remove the old appliance from its space as part of the service. However, disposal of the old unit may incur an extra fee. Always confirm this when getting your quote.

Do I need an electrician as well as a plumber? 
You will need an electrician only if there isn't a safe, compliant electrical plug point within reach of the dishwasher's power cord. A plumber cannot legally perform this work.

What are the most common problems with a DIY dishwasher installation? 
The most common issues are leaks from improperly sealed water supply lines and clogs or backflow from incorrectly installed drain hoses. Both can cause significant water damage.

How long does a typical dishwasher installation take? 
A standard installation with existing connections usually takes 1 to 2 hours. A complex installation requiring new plumbing could take 2 to 4 hours.

Will the plumber provide all the necessary parts? 
Plumbers typically carry common fittings like T-pieces, clamps, and connectors. The dishwasher itself comes with standard inlet and outlet hoses. If any non-standard parts are needed, the plumber will supply them, and the cost will be added to your bill.

Is it cheaper to install the dishwasher during a larger kitchen renovation? 
Yes. If you're already renovating your kitchen, the cost to run the necessary plumbing and electrical lines for a dishwasher is significantly lower as it can be done while walls and floors are accessible.

Summary of Dishwasher Installation Costs (2025)

• Budget Cost (Low-End): Approximately R1,000
• Average Cost: Approximately R1,750
• High-End Cost: Approximately R3,500+
• Cost Range: R1,000–R3,500+

Brief Descriptions of Additional Dishwasher Installation Costs

• Call-Out Fee: Typically R500–R850. This fee often covers the first hour of labour and is usually included in the total quote for the completed job.
• Emergency Fee: Around R800–R1,500/hour. This is not typically applicable for planned installations but would apply if an installation fault caused an immediate, urgent leak.
• After-Hours Rate: An additional R250–R500/hour for work requested outside of standard business hours (evenings, weekends).
• Cleaning/Disposal Fee: R300–R600. A potential extra charge if you require the plumber to dispose of your old appliance and packaging.
• Typical Materials Cost: R250–R600 for standard fittings. This can increase if extensive new piping is required.
• Typical Labour Cost: R750–R1,500 for a standard job, potentially rising to R3,000+ for complex installations requiring new plumbing work.

​