Appliance installation: dishwasher, dryer, fridge, range — what to expect

Different appliances cross different trade lines: (1) Refrigerator with water/ice line — handyman scope, $100-$250 if water line already exists; $250-$500 if a new water line needs running. (2) Dishwasher — borderline; some states require a licensed plumber for the water supply + drain hookup; many states allow handyman installs. Always verify state code. $200-$400 typical. (3) Electric dryer — handyman scope if the 240V outlet is already correct; $150-$300. Outlet upgrades from 3-prong to 4-prong (NEC requirement post-1996) add $200-$400. (4) Gas dryer or gas range — gas line work typically requires a licensed plumber/gas fitter in most states. $300-$700. (5) Electric range — handyman scope if 240V outlet exists. Same outlet caveats as dryers. (6) Microwave/range hood — handyman scope, $150-$350 depending on whether ductwork is needed.

The most common dishwasher install failure is a slow leak at the water supply connection that doesn't show up for days or weeks — by then the cabinet floor + subfloor are soaked. Three checkpoints a reputable installer hits: (1) replace the existing brass compression fitting with a fresh stainless steel braided supply line (existing copper or PEX often work-hardens and leaks at re-tightening); (2) test the discharge hose connection at the disposal nipple AND the air gap under the sink (if your jurisdiction requires one); (3) run a full cycle with the cabinet kick-plate off so any drip is visible. The 24-hour follow-up is genuinely useful — most slow leaks become visible within the first day. Tip: if the installer doesn't suggest this check, ask for it.

According to FEMA, dryer fires cause ~2,900 home structure fires per year in the US, with the leading cause being lint accumulation in dryer vents. Three install considerations: (1) duct length — total run should be ≤25 feet for residential (subtract 5 ft for each 90° elbow); (2) duct material — rigid metal duct, NOT flexible foil/vinyl (which trap lint and can ignite); (3) cleaning interval — every 1-3 years depending on usage. A dryer vent install or rerun runs $200-$600. Pros also clean the vent at install time as part of the service — this should be standard, not an upcharge.

If your home was built before ~1996, you might have 3-prong dryer/range outlets. Modern code requires 4-prong (NEC 250.140). When replacing an old appliance with a new one, you have three options: (1) install a 3-prong cord on the new appliance — legal in some jurisdictions for like-for-like replacement, around $20-$50 cost; (2) replace the outlet with 4-prong (requires running a separate ground conductor — $200-$400 with electrician); (3) keep the old outlet and have the installer adapt — many manufacturers explicitly void warranty if you do this. Best practice: bite the bullet on the 4-prong upgrade now; it's code-compliant and future-proof.

Disposal of the old appliance is its own line item. Most installers offer haul-away for $35-$100 depending on weight + jurisdiction landfill fees. Some appliances (refrigerators with refrigerant) require certified disposal at additional cost ($50-$150). Some retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's) include haul-away in the install package — read the fine print. Local "free haul-away" services often resell to scrap or refurbish, which is fine, but the appliance becomes someone else's problem rather than properly recycled. Ask explicitly: "what happens to my old unit?"

Five things that drive appliance install quotes higher: (1) cabinet opening doesn't match the new appliance dimensions (many "standard" 24" dishwashers are actually 23.75" or 24.25" — measure your existing opening before ordering); (2) water shut-off valves under the sink are seized or leak when reopened ($75-$200 to replace each); (3) the existing dryer vent is rotted or blocked beyond cleaning ($200-$500 to replace); (4) gas line is undersized for new high-BTU range ($200-$500 to upgrade); (5) flooring height changes mean the new appliance doesn't slide under the counter ($100-$300 to shim or recess). Always have the installer verify dimensions + utility connections BEFORE ordering the appliance.