What the $159 basic install covers at Lowe's
Per the Lowe's dishwasher installation services page sampled April 2026, the basic install bundle includes:
- Disconnect and remove the existing dishwasher
- Haul-away and EPA-compliant disposal of the old unit (most US markets; verify at booking)
- Connect the new dishwasher to existing water supply, drain, and 120V cord-and-plug electrical
- Level and secure the unit using top-mount brackets
- Run a test cycle
- Test for leaks at supply and drain connections
- Clean up the work area
Not included: new supply line ($15 to $25 add-on), new drain hose ($10 to $20 add-on), side-mount brackets for stone counters ($45 to $85 add-on), hardwire termination ($75 to $150 up-charge), new electrical circuit ($300 to $900 subcontracted electrician), panel-ready custom panel mounting ($75 to $200 up-charge), new water supply from scratch ($100 to $300), permits where required.
Full Lowe's install pricing table
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic install (with appliance purchase) | $159 | Standard replacement, existing hookups, cord-and-plug |
| Haul-away of old unit | $0-35 | Bundled in most markets; verify at booking |
| New supply line | $15-25 | Recommended for installs over 10 years old |
| Side-mount bracket kit (stone counters) | $45-85 | Required by Bosch, KitchenAid on granite/quartz |
| Hardwire termination up-charge | $75-150 | Existing hardwire box; Miele etc. |
| New electrical circuit (subcontracted) | $300-900 | First-time installs only |
| Panel-ready custom panel mounting | $75-200 | Panel supplied by homeowner |
| Permit fee (where applicable) | $40-150 | Pulled by installer, billed to homeowner |
Lowe's vs Home Depot: side by side
| Category | Lowe's | Home Depot | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic install fee | $159 | $99 | HD wins on sticker |
| Haul-away | Bundled | +$35 | Lowe's wins |
| Total package (basic + haul-away) | $159 | $134 | HD wins by $25 |
| Scheduling lead time | 4-7 business days | 5-10 business days | Lowe's slightly faster |
| Installer quality (varies by metro) | Similar pool | Similar pool | Wash |
| Hardwire up-charge | $75-150 | $75-150 | Same |
| Panel-ready up-charge | $75-200 | $75-200 | Same |
| Drawer dishwasher quote | $549-749 | $499-749 | HD slightly cheaper |
For a straightforward replacement on existing hookups, Home Depot wins on price by about $25 once haul-away is added. For complex installs the two are essentially tied. For scheduling-sensitive replacements (broken dishwasher, family of 5, can't wait), Lowe's usually beats Home Depot by 1 to 3 business days. See Home Depot dishwasher installation cost.
Lowe's third-party installer model
Like Home Depot, Lowe's does not employ dishwasher installers directly. The work is subcontracted to local installer companies vetted through Lowe's installation services program. In most US metros the contracted installer is one of the same three or four companies that also install for Home Depot. The same crew often installs Lowe's orders in the morning and Home Depot orders in the afternoon.
The implication: install quality is roughly equivalent between retailers in the same metro. The variation that matters is the specific installer assigned to your job, which depends on the day's dispatch rather than the retailer. If you have a complex install, asking the installer's name and tenure at booking is fair; Lowe's and Home Depot both share this information.
Lowe's MyLowe's Rewards and the price-match angle
Lowe's MyLowe's Rewards members earn points on appliance purchases including install bundles. The points are modest (typically 1 to 2% effective rebate) but worth claiming if you already have an account.
Lowe's price-matches Home Depot on identical appliance SKUs. If Home Depot is running a Bosch SHEM63W55N at $749 and Lowe's lists it at $849, the Lowe's store will match Home Depot's price at checkout. The install fees do not price-match against each other; the $60 Lowe's premium over Home Depot's basic install holds even when the appliance price is matched.
When Lowe's installation is the right choice
Lowe's is the right retailer for an install when:
- You want haul-away included without thinking about it
- You need slightly faster scheduling than Home Depot offers in your market
- You already have a MyLowe's Rewards account with accumulating value
- The Lowe's store nearby has the appliance in stock and Home Depot is special-order
For a straight price-on-paper comparison of basic install + haul-away, Home Depot at $134 wins. For everything else the retailers are interchangeable; pick the one with the appliance you want in stock at the price you want.
What to confirm at booking
- Is haul-away included in your specific market? (varies by zip code)
- What counter material do you have? (stone counters trigger side-mount kit up-charge)
- Is your existing electrical cord-and-plug or hardwire?
- Is the dishwasher you ordered panel-ready? (panel-mounting up-charge)
- What is your scheduling availability? (Lowe's offers a 4-hour window)
- Do you need a permit pulled by the installer? (some jurisdictions require electrical permits)
Disclosing all of this at booking avoids the day-of-install up-charge surprise where the installer arrives, surveys the job, and adds $150 to $300 to the bill for items that should have been quoted upfront.
FAQ
Does Lowe's offer installation financing?
Yes. The install fee can be rolled into a Lowe's Advantage Card purchase or a Lowe's Project Card loan. Promotional 0% periods on appliance purchases over $299 typically extend to install line items.
What if the installer cannot complete the install?
Same as Home Depot: the installer documents the blocker (electrical not to code, frozen shutoff, undersized bay), Lowe's reschedules once the homeowner resolves the issue. You are not charged for the failed visit. You bear the cost of fixing the underlying problem (separate plumber, electrician, or carpenter).
Will Lowe's do my Miele install?
Lowe's stocks limited Miele dishwasher inventory and the basic install does not include hardwire termination. The same constraint as Home Depot; for Miele use a Miele authorised dealer install bundle ($349 to $499). See Miele dishwasher installation cost.
Can I cancel the Lowe's install after booking?
Yes, up to 48 hours before the appointment for full refund. Within 48 hours the refund is partial depending on dispatch status.
Does Lowe's installer follow up after install?
Lowe's sends a follow-up satisfaction survey email within 48 hours. The installer themselves typically does not call back unless you flag an issue. If the dishwasher develops a leak in the first 30 days, Lowe's warranty covers a return visit at no additional charge.