Maytag MDB7749SAQ User manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
UNDERCOUNTER DISHWASHER
STAINLESS STEEL TUB
INSTRUCTIONS D'INSTALLATION
LAVE-VAISSELLE SOUS COMPTOIR
CUVE D’ACIER INOXYDABLE
Table of Contents .............................................................. 2
Table des matières .......................................................... 25
W10401504A

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISHWASHER SAFETY............................................................................... 2
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 3
Tools and Parts......................................................................................... 3
Location Requirements............................................................................. 4
Drain Requirements .................................................................................. 6
Water Supply Requirements..................................................................... 6
Electrical Requirements............................................................................ 6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................... 7
Prepare Cabinet Opening—Existing Utilities............................................ 7
Prepare Cabinet Opening—New Utilities .................................................7
Prepare and Route Water Line .................................................................8
Install Drain Hose ...................................................................................... 9
Prepare Dishwasher................................................................................12
Make Power Supply Cord Connection .................................................. 13
Determine Cabinet Opening................................................................... 15
Choose Attachment Option.................................................................... 15
Move Dishwasher Close to Cabinet Opening........................................ 16
Connect to Water Supply ....................................................................... 18
Connect to Drain..................................................................................... 19
Make Direct Wire Electrical Connection................................................. 20
Secure Dishwasher in Cabinet Opening ................................................ 21
Complete Installation.............................................................................. 23
Check Operation..................................................................................... 24
If Dishwasher Does Not Operate............................................................ 24
Additional Tips ........................................................................................ 24
DISHWASHER SAFETY
You Need to:
■Slowly open dishwasher door while someone grasps the rear
of the dishwasher. Remove shipping materials, drain hose and
lower rack. Close dishwasher door until latched.
■Observe all governing codes and ordinances.
■Install this dishwasher as specified in these instructions.
■Installation should be performed by a qualified service
technician. The dishwasher must be installed to meet all
electrical and plumbing national and local codes and
ordinances.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can
happen if the instructions are not followed.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety
messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”
These words mean:
follow instructions.
instructions.
DANGER
WARNING
WARNING
Tip Over Hazard
Do not use dishwasher until completely installed.
Do not push down on open door.
Doing so can result in serious injury or cuts.

3
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Tools and Parts
Gather the recommended tools and parts before starting
installation. Read and follow the instructions provided with any
tools listed here.
All Installations
Tools needed:
*Must be the proper size to connect your household wiring
to 16-gauge wiring in dishwasher.
Other useful items you may need:
Parts supplied:
Make sure all these parts are included in the literature package.
Parts needed:
Other parts you may also need:
NOTE: Parts available for purchase in plumbing supply stores.
Check local codes. Check existing electrical supply. See
“Electrical Requirements” section. It is recommended that
electrical connections be made by a licensed electrical installer.
In addition, for first-time installations
Tools needed:
Parts needed:
†®TORX is a registered trademark of Saturn Fasteners, Inc.

4
Location Requirements
Grounded electrical supply required.
Do not run drain lines, water lines or electrical wiring where they
can interfere with or contact dishwasher motor or legs.
The location where the dishwasher will be installed must provide
clearance between motor and flooring. Motor should not touch
the floor.
Do not install dishwasher over carpeted flooring.
Shelter dishwasher and water lines leading to dishwasher against
freezing. Damage from freezing is not covered by the warranty.
A side panel kit is available from your dealer for installing your
dishwasher at the end of your cabinetry.
A moisture barrier accessory (Part Number 4396277) is available
from your dealer for installing underneath the countertop.
Check location where dishwasher will be installed. The location
must provide:
■easy access to water, electricity and drain.
■convenient access for loading and unloading dishes.
Corner locations require a 2" (5.1 cm) minimum clearance
between the side of the dishwasher door and the wall or
cabinet.
■square opening for proper operation and appearance.
■cabinet front perpendicular to floor.
■level floor. (If floor at front of opening is not level with floor
at rear of opening, shims may be needed to level
dishwasher.)
Helpful Tip: Be sure to accurately measure dimensions and
ensure dishwasher is level if the floor in the dishwasher opening is
uneven (example: Flooring extends only partway into opening).
NOTE: To avoid shifting during dishwasher operation, shims must
be securely attached to the floor.
If dishwasher will be left unused for a period of time or in a
location where it may be subject to freezing, have it winterized by
authorized service personnel.
Make sure pipes, wires and drain hose are within the shaded area
shown in the “Product and Cabinet Opening Dimensions” section.

5

6
Drain Requirements
■A new drain hose is supplied with your dishwasher. If drain
hose is not long enough, use a new drain hose with a
maximum length of 12 ft (3.7 m) (Part Number 3385556) that
meets all current AHAM/IAPMO test standards, is resistant to
heat and detergent, and fits the 1" (2.5 cm) drain connector of
the dishwasher.
■Make sure to connect drain hose to waste tee or disposer inlet
above drain trap in house plumbing and 20" (50.8 cm)
minimum above the floor. It is recommended that the drain
hose either be looped up and securely fastened to the
underside of the counter, or be connected to an air gap.
■Make sure to use an air gap if the drain hose is connected to
house plumbing lower than 20" (50.8 cm) above subfloor or
floor.
■Use ¹₂" minimum I.D. drain line fittings.
■If required, the air gap should be installed in accordance with
the air gap installation instructions. When you are connecting
the air gap, a rubber hose (not provided) will be needed to
connect to the waste tee or disposer inlet.
Water Supply Requirements
■A hot water line with 20 to 120 psi (138 to 862 kPa) water
pressure can be verified by a licensed plumber.
■120°F (49°C) water at dishwasher.
■³⁄₈" O.D. copper tubing with compression fitting or flexible
braided water supply line (Part Number 4396897RP).
NOTE: ¹⁄₂" minimum plastic tubing is not recommended.
■A 90° elbow with ³⁄₄" hose connection with rubber washer.
■Do not solder within 6" (15.2 cm) of the water inlet valve.
Electrical Requirements
Be sure that the electrical connection and wire size are adequate
and in conformance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA
70 - latest edition and all local codes and ordinances.
A copy of the above code standards can be obtained from:
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
You must have:
■120-volt, 60 Hz, AC-only, 15- or 20-amp, fused electrical
supply.
■Copper wire only.
We recommend:
■A time-delay fuse or circuit breaker.
■A separate circuit.
If connecting dishwasher with a
power supply cord:
■Use UL Listed power supply cord kit
(Part Number 4317824) marked for
use with dishwasher.
■Power supply cord must plug into a grounded
3 prong outlet, located in the cabinet next to
the dishwasher opening. Outlet must meet all
local codes and ordinances.
If connecting dishwasher with direct wiring:
■Use flexible, armored or nonmetallic
sheathed, copper wire with
grounding wire that meets the
wiring requirements for your home
and local codes and ordinances.
■Use a UL Listed/CSA Approved strain relief.

7
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare Cabinet Opening—Existing
Utilities
If the water line and the cable extend to the locations shown,
proceed to the “Install Drain Hose” section. If they do not reach far
enough, follow the instructions in the “Prepare Cabinet Opening—
New Utilities” section.
Prepare Cabinet Opening—New Utilities
Prepare and route the electrical supply
Option A, Power Supply Cord:
NOTE: A grounded 3 prong outlet is required inside a cabinet next
to the dishwasher cabinet opening.
WARNING
Disconnect electrical power at the fuse box or circuit
breaker box before installing dishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.
Electrical Shock Hazard

8
Drill a 1¹⁄₂" (3.8 cm) hole in cabinet side or rear.
See “Product and Cabinet Opening Dimensions” section.
Wood cabinet: Sand the hole until smooth.
Metal cabinet: Cover hole with grommet included with power
supply cord kit.
Option B, Direct Wire:
Helpful Tip: Wiring the dishwasher will be easier if you route the
cable into the cabinet opening from the right-hand side.
Drill a ³⁄₄" (1.9 cm) hole in right-hand cabinet side or rear.
See “Product and Cabinet Opening Dimensions” section.
Wood cabinet: Sand the hole until smooth.
Metal cabinet: Cover hole with grommet (Part Number 302797 -
not provided).
Route cable from power supply through cabinet hole (cable must
extend to the right front side of cabinet opening). Tape cable to
the floor in area shown. This will prohibit cable from moving when
dishwasher is moved into cabinet opening.
Prepare and Route Water Line
Helpful Tip: Routing the water line through the left side of cabinet
opening will make water connection easier.
Drill a ¹⁄₂" (1.3 cm) hole in the cabinet side or rear.
Measure overall length of copper tubing for the water supply line.

9
Attach the water supply line (copper tubing or flexible braided line)
to the hot water line using a connection configuration that is in
compliance with local codes and ordinances. The water supply to
the dishwasher should have a manual shutoff valve located under
the sink.
Slowly route water supply line through hole in cabinet. (If you are
using copper tubing, it will bend and kink easily, so be gentle.) It
should be far enough into the cabinet opening to connect it to the
dishwasher inlet on the front left side of the dishwasher.
Slowly turn water shutoff valve to “ON” position. Flush water into
a shallow pan until clear to get rid of particles that could clog the
inlet valve. Turn shutoff valve to “OFF” position.
Route water line and tape it to the floor in area shown. This will
keep it from moving when dishwasher is moved into cabinet
opening.
Install Drain Hose
IMPORTANT: Always use a new drain hose. Check local codes to
determine whether an air gap is required.
If needed, drill a 1¹⁄₂" (3.8 cm) diameter hole in cabinet wall or side
of the opening closest to the sink.
Route drain hose as shown through hole in cabinet to the front
center of opening where drain connection will be made. Tape
drain hose to the floor in area shown. This will prohibit it from
moving when dishwasher is moved into cabinet opening.

10
IMPORTANT: The drain hose connection of the disposer or a
waste tee must be made before the drain trap and at least
20" (50.8 cm) above the floor where the dishwasher will be
installed.
Helpful Tip: To reduce vibration of the hose, keep the hose away
from the floor.
Option A, Waste disposer – no air gap
Option B, No waste disposer – no air gap
1. Using a hammer and screwdriver,
knock plug into disposer.
2. Use needle-nose pliers to remove
plug.
3. Attach drain hose to disposer inlet
with large blue drain hose clamp
(provided). Use pliers to squeeze
clamp open and move into position.
1. Fit rubber end of drain hose to waste
tee and cut if needed.
NOTE: Do not cut ribbed section.
2. Attach rubber end of drain hose to
waste tee with a large blue drain
hose clamp (provided). Use pliers to
squeeze clamp open and move into
position. If the drain hose was cut,
use a 1¹⁄₂" to 2" (3.8 to 5 cm) screw-
type clamp (not provided).

11
Option C, Waste disposer – with air gap Option D, No waste disposer – with air gap
1. Using a hammer and screwdriver,
knock plug into disposer.
2. Use needle-nose pliers to remove
plug.
3. Connect rubber end of drain hose to
air gap and cut if needed.
NOTE: Do not cut ribbed section.
4. Attach drain hose to air gap with
large blue drain hose clamp
(provided). Use pliers to squeeze
clamp open and move into position.
If the drain hose was cut, use a 1¹⁄₂"
to 2" (3.8 to 5 cm) screw-type clamp
(not provided).
5. Use a rubber hose (not provided)
with screw-type clamps (not
provided) to connect from air gap to
disposer inlet.
1. Connect rubber end of drain hose to
air gap and cut if needed.
NOTE: Do not cut ribbed section.
2. Attach drain hose to air gap with
large blue drain hose clamp
(provided). Use pliers to squeeze
clamp open and move into position.
If the drain hose was cut, use a 1¹⁄₂"
to 2" (3.8 to 5.1 cm) screw-type
clamp (not provided).
3. Use a rubber hose (not provided)
with screw-type clamps (not
provided) to connect from waste tee
to air gap.

12
Prepare Dishwasher
Remove and discard the foam blocks located above the front legs
on each side of the dishwasher. The blocks cover the rope/link
pulleys on the dishwasher.
Helpful Tip: Place cardboard under dishwasher until installed in
cabinet opening to avoid damaging floor covering. Do not use
door panel as a worktable without first covering with a towel to
avoid scratching the door panel.
Using two or more people, grasp sides of dishwasher door frame
and place dishwasher on its back.
Remove and discard the plastic rail cover on each side of the
dishwasher frame. To remove the plastic rail cover, push upward
and back to unsnap it from the dishwasher frame.
Using a flat-blade screwdriver, turn the plastic fasteners ¼ turn to
unlock them. Remove panel. Do not remove tech sheet from
access panel.
WARNING
Tip Over Hazard
Do not use dishwasher until completely installed.
Do not push down on open door.
Doing so can result in serious injury or cuts.
WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install
dishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

13
Using a ¹⁄₄" hex head socket, nut driver or Torx T20 screwdriver,
remove terminal box cover. Retain for later use.
Install a UL Listed/CSA Approved strain relief. Make sure screw
heads are facing to the left when tightening conduit nut. Strain
relief is provided with the power supply cord kit.
NOTE: If using Option B, proceed to “Determine Cabinet
Opening,” to continue with the installation of your dishwasher.
Make Power Supply Cord Connection
Option A, Power Supply Cord:
Route cord so that it does not touch dishwasher motor to lower
part of dishwasher tub. Pull cord through strain relief in terminal
box.

14
Select UL Listed/CSA Approved twist-on wire connectors rated to
connect your power supply cord to 16-gauge dishwasher wiring.
Remove the green grounding screw and place through the ring
terminal of the green ground wire. Reattach and tighten the green
screw.
NOTE: Do not pre-twist stranded wire. Twist on wire connector.
Gently tug on wires to be sure both are secured.
Connect wires black to black and white to white, using UL Listed/
CSA Approved twist-on wire connectors.
If needed, see website for animated representation of this step.
Visit www.whirlpool.com/electrical under FAQ tab.
Tighten strain relief screws to secure cord.
Place wires inside terminal box. Insert tabs on left side of cover.
Make sure wires are tucked inside box. Close cover ensuring
wires are not pinched. Use ¹⁄₄" nut driver or Torx T20 screwdriver
and previously removed screw to secure cover.
NOTE: Do not plug into outlet until instructed to do so.
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Electrically ground dishwasher.
Connect ground wire to green ground connector in
terminal box.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.

15
Determine Cabinet Opening
Measure height of cabinet opening from underside of countertop
to floor where dishwasher will be installed (you will need to
measure the lowest point on the underside of the countertop and
the highest point on the floor). Refer to “Dishwasher Height
Adjustment Chart” for wheel position and the number of turns
needed.
NOTE: If the minimum cabinet opening height is less than
34" (86.4 cm), the rear wheels can be removed for additional
clearance. This will allow the dishwasher to fit into a 33¹⁄₂"
(85.1 cm) high cabinet opening, but the dishwasher will be more
difficult to move. (Measurements are approximate. Wheels and
legs are preset at the factory for 34¹⁄₂" [87.6 cm].)
Turn both leveler legs to the same height. Put wheels in the
required position determined from “Dishwasher Height
Adjustment Chart.”
Built-up floors: If the kitchen floor is higher than the cabinet
opening's floor - for example, the kitchen floor tile does not
extend into the cabinet opening - add shims as needed in the area
shown to bring the dishwasher up to 34" (86.4 cm) below the
countertop.
NOTE: Shims must be securely attached to floor to avoid
movement when the dishwasher is in use.
Choose Attachment Option
Using 2 or more people, stand the dishwasher up.
IMPORTANT: The dishwasher must be secured to the cabinet.
There are two brackets found in the parts bag. Attach the
brackets using Option Number 1 if the countertop is wood,
laminate or another similar surface. If your countertop is marble,
granite or another hard surface, install using Option Number 2.
WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install
dishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

16
Option 1, Countertop Attachment
Remove the brackets from the package and insert into the open
slots on the left and right-hand top of the dishwasher collar as
shown.
Using a pair of pliers, bend the tab down to secure the bracket in
place. Repeat this step for the other side.
NOTE: Do not attach the dishwasher. This will be done later.
Option 2, Side Attachment
For marble, granite, or other hard surface countertops
NOTE: Remove the brackets from the parts package.
Break off the end of the bracket along the scored line.
With another person holding the rear of the dishwasher to keep it
from tipping, open dishwasher door and place towel over pump
assembly and spray arm of dishwasher. This will keep screws
from falling into pump area when you are securing dishwasher to
cabinet.
Push the plastic buttons out of the side of the tub.
NOTE: Save the buttons to cover the holes after dishwasher is
installed.
Push bracket into slot on the side of dishwasher, and bend tab in
toward the side of the dishwasher so that it keeps the bracket in
place. Repeat this step for the other side of the dishwasher.
NOTE: Do not attach the dishwasher. This will be done later.
Move Dishwasher Close to Cabinet
Opening
NOTE: Do not install kick plate until instructed to do so.
WARNING
Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install
dishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

17
IMPORTANT: Double-check correct placement of utilities. Grasp
the sides of the dishwasher at the edges of the door panel. Tilt
dishwasher backward on wheels and move dishwasher close to
cabinet opening.
NOTE: Do not push on the front of the panel or on the console.
Panel or console may dent.
Helpful Tip: Temporarily tape utilities to the floor in the locations
shown to prohibit them from moving when dishwasher is moved
into the cabinet opening.
Check that water line is on the left side of opening and drain hose
is near the center of the cabinet opening.
With another person holding the dishwasher to keep it from
tipping, open and close the door a few times. If the door closes or
falls open under its own weight, the door tension will need to be
adjusted.
To adjust the door spring tension, unhook the spring from the rear
leg of dishwasher.
Using a ⁵⁄₁₆" nut driver or hex socket, remove the screw from the
tensioner.
The screw can be put into one of three holes (1, 2, 3) in the front
leg of dishwasher. If the door closes by itself, move the tensioner
to a higher number hole and replace the screw. Reattach door
spring to rear leg.
NOTE: Tensioners on both sides of dishwasher should be secured
at same holes.
When door is unlatched and door opens by itself, move the
tensioner to a lower numbered hole and replace the screw.
Reattach door spring to rear leg.
NOTE: Tensioners on both sides of dishwasher should be secured
at same holes.

18
IMPORTANT: If wheels were removed, cover the floor when
moving the dishwasher to avoid damage to the floor. Slowly move
dishwasher completely into cabinet opening. Do not kink or pinch
water line, drain hose, power supply cord or direct wire between
dishwasher and cabinet. Remove cardboard from under
dishwasher.
NOTES:
■It is all right if dishwasher fits tightly into cabinet opening. Do
not remove insulation blanket – the blanket reduces the sound
level.
■If using power cord, make sure to route end through hole in
cutout before sliding dishwasher into cabinet opening.
Align front of dishwasher door panel with front of cabinet doors.
You may need to adjust alignment to be even with your cabinets.
Check that leveling legs are firmly against the floor. Close and
latch the door, and place level against the front panel. Check that
dishwasher is centered from front to back in the opening. If
needed, adjust leveling leg until dishwasher is plumb. Repeat for
other side of dishwasher.
Helpful Tip: Push up on front of dishwasher to raise dishwasher
off the ground to adjust front legs. With some installations, it may
be easier to adjust the front leg using the ³⁄₁₆" hex head socket or
adjustable wrench.
Place level against top front opening of tub. Check that
dishwasher is level from side-to-side. If dishwasher is not level,
adjust front legs up or down until dishwasher is level. Close the
dishwasher door.
Connect to Water Supply
Copper tubing only: Slide nut, then ferrule, about 1" (2.5 cm) onto
copper tubing.

19
NOTE: To avoid vibration during operation, route the water supply
line so that it does not touch the dishwasher base, frame or motor.
Connect the ³⁄₈" compression fitting to the water supply line prior
to installing the unit into the cabinet opening. Attach such that the
³⁄₄" connection is facing upward as shown above.
Copper tubing only: Put the tubing into the 90° elbow fitting as far
as it will go (the copper tubing bends and kinks easily). Slide the
nut and ferrule forward and start the nut onto the elbow threads.
Flexible braided connection: Secure nut to elbow using ⁵⁄₈" open
ended wrench or adjustable wrench.
NOTE: Do not use Teflon®† tape with compression fittings.
Be sure rubber washer is properly seated in fitting. Slide the
³⁄₄" fitting up to the valve and hand tighten to avoid cross-
threading. Hand tighten until the coupling is tight.
Using pliers, check the tightness of the coupling. An additional
¹⁄₄ to ¹⁄₂ turn may be required to seal the rubber gasket.
NOTE: Do not overtighten. Damage to the coupling can result.
Place paper towel under 90° elbow fitting. Turn on water supply
and check for leaks. If leak occurs, repeat previous step.
Connect to Drain
Place towel under drain hose to catch any water in drain hose.
Place the small green drain hose clamp onto the small end of the
drain hose. Push the new drain hose into the black drain hose
connector up to the drain hose stop.
†®TEFLON is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.

20
Using pliers, squeeze open the small green drain hose clamp and
slide onto connector between stops.
After hose is connected, remove towel.
If needed, see website for animated representation of this step.
Visit www.whirlpool.com/drain under FAQ tab.
Make Direct Wire Electrical Connection
NOTE: If the power supply cord was connected earlier, proceed to
“Secure Dishwasher in Cabinet Opening” section.
Option B, Direct Wire:
Route cable so that it does not touch dishwasher motor or lower
part of dishwasher tub. Pull cable through UL Listed/CSA
Approved strain relief in terminal box. Strain relief is not supplied
with the dishwasher. Owner must purchase a ⁷⁄₈" screw-in type
strain relief.
Select UL Listed/CSA Approved twist-on wire connectors (not
included) rated to connect your household wiring to 16-gauge
dishwasher wiring.
Form bare ground wire into a U-shaped hook. Wrap ground wire
hook clockwise around ground connector screw and under the
washer. Securely tighten ground connector.
NOTE: Do not pre-twist stranded wire. Twist on UL listed/CSA
approved wire connector. Gently tug on wires to be sure both are
secured.
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Electrically ground dishwasher.
Connect ground wire to green ground connector in
terminal box.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,
fire, or electrical shock.