If you're considering replacing your old dishwasher, installing a new one can be intimidating. While replacing an old dishwasher isn't something that most people have to do very often, it's possible for the situation to require your attention.
It could be difficult to figure out what you need and how you should go about removing an older, faulty machine. If this sounds like the problem you're facing, read on. But before you learn how to remove a dishwasher, you might want to learn about dishwasher brands to avoid just in case you’re buying a brand new one.
This guide will walk you through each step of installing a new dishwasher in your kitchen without making any costly mistakes or destroying property along the way.
Here are a Few Tools You'll Need to Remove the Dishwasher
- Voltage meter
- Screwdrivers
- Drop cloth
- Channel-lock pliers
- Towels or bowl
Step by Step Instructions to Remove a Dishwasher
Switch Off the Power
In order for you to begin removing the dishwasher, you'll need to turn off the power from the circuit breaker. Most dishwashers are plugged into an outlet and can be turned off at the circuit breaker. If your dishwasher is plugged into an outlet, turn it off from the breaker box. If you have a hot water pipe, ensure it’s disconnected.
However, some dishwashers are connected to a different electrical circuit called series wiring, which cannot be disconnected at the circuit breaker. The power supply will be red and white wires leading into a black box containing two terminals with wire nuts on top of them. You can hire an electrician to do this if you don't know how to disconnect.
Turn Off Water Supply
A water line is a metal pipe that transfers water from your home's main supply line into your dishwasher. Before removing the dishwasher, you should close shutoff valves on either end of the water line to prevent any water from leaking onto the floor. If you have a two-way shutoff valve and don't know how to close them, you should hire a plumber or use another method to avoid leaks.
Also, if you can't locate the valves, proceed and turn off the main water supply to your house. By cutting off the hot water pipe, you'll avoid any damage that might occur if one or both lines are broken.
Disconnect the Water Supply
After your water supply is off, place a towel or a bowl under the shut-off valves to catch any water that may be left. Grab your wrench and take apart the lines from the dishwasher. You'll have to twist them clockwise until they're loose enough for you to remove them by hand. Take note of which hose connects where so you can easily put it back together again later.
Use channel lock pliers to disconnect the dishwasher hoses. If your connection doesn't have a shutoff valve, unhook the compression fitting or coupling nut with a wrench.
Disconnect the Drain Line
Your dishwasher is connected to the plumbing system through the drain lines. The top of the drain line sits above the trap, while the bottom slides into a T-fitting that terminates with another pipe that leads to the main branch of your home's plumbing system. It runs from your machine to your kitchen sink drain. It is connected to the garbage disposal on its collar with your fingers, then pulls out of the fitting. It may also run to the countertop.
You can catch the water drains by laying a towel under the dishwasher. Alternatively, you can use a bucket underneath to catch the water that drains from small holes. But if connected to the kitchen sink or countertop through an air gap fitting, the dishwasher water should not be touching the floor. In all cases, turn it off to avoid a flood when you clean your dishwasher filter.
Unplug it, then clear anything that blocks the drain of the air gap or the opening of your main pipe. This usually means removing a crosspiece that allows silt and food particles to flow into the dishwasher's drain outlet. But if it's connected to your garbage disposal or sink drain tailpiece, make sure the dishwasher is not draining into it. If you have a disposer with an air gap, there should be a loop in your drain line so it can't be submerged.
Detach Your Dishwasher from the Countertop
Open your dishwasher and detach it from the countertop. If you can remove the dishwasher, detach the flexible hose and all electrical connections before attempting to move anything too heavy. If this is not possible, any time spent buying shims or wood boards at a hardware store may save you from back strain later on. Use your screwdriver to carry out this.
After that, unscrew the dishwasher legs that are on the countertop. You can find these at the bottom of your dishwasher and may need to push on them, so they release their grip. Lower the dishwasher by twisting the thread clockwise, and when you are satisfied with the results, place a shim in between to keep it from touching the ground.
Disconnect the Water Supply
After removing the panel, you need to locate the water supply. This may be a hose or flexible hose pipe and at the end of it is a connector that secures it in place. You will need to push out the securing clip as you pull off on the connector, so make sure you are doing it in the right direction.
You will also need to locate the power supply and disconnect it after removing screws. This has a connector that needs to be pushed out to pull the power cord away from the dishwasher. The power supply is white and yellow and needs to be pulled apart just enough to remove the power cord.
Furthermore, you also need to locate the drain hose attached to the pump, and on some dishwashers, it is a clear tube. You will need to get a hold of this hose and push out the securing clip as you pull away from the drain hose from where it goes in at the bottom of your dishwasher.
Loosen the Front and Back Legs of Your Dishwasher
Your dishwasher is most likely secured to the ground with 3 screws on each leg, so once you have removed those, you can push your dishwasher back in order for it to lie flat on its back. Try not to disconnect any water hoses from the machine but if you do find that it has come loose, be sure to secure them.
Use a wrench to loosen your front legs and a crescent wrench to loosen the back legs. Be sure that you use the right wrench depending on your machine. While doing this, place a towel or a piece of cardboard in front of your dishwasher to protect the floor from scratches.
Expose and Test the Wires for Power
This is where you'll need a voltage meter to test how much power you can find from each wire. If the voltage is at zero, then this means that there's no power running through it which means your dishwasher will not turn on. Once you've found a wire with power, isolate it using electrical tape or if none of them has any power left, run a new one using a voltage meter.
Working with electricity is extremely dangerous. So, it's always important to double-check if there is no running power in your appliance. If there's no power running in your dishwasher, proceed to the next step.
Disconnect Power from Your Dishwasher
It's best if you disconnect your dishwasher from the power source before starting any repair work. If your model has quick-connects, detach them. If not, remove the screws holding it to the countertop. Check the electrical box and unscrew each wire nut and pull them apart, starting from green, white, and black.
Remove Your Dishwasher from the Countertop
Now that your dishwasher is disconnected from water, power, and countertop, you can carefully slide it away from the cabinet. You will need to move the dishwasher out from under your kitchen countertop. Unscrew the screws holding it to the bottom of the countertop and carefully pull it away from it.
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Ask someone to help you lift it over the floor edge and also help you feed the water supply tube. Also, remember to hold your dishwasher slightly above the floor when removing it from the countertop.
Once it is out, you can remove the screws from the bottom of the dishwasher to get it down to components for repair. Take care not to lose any pieces as you are unscrewing them. You can also protect your floor by laying down a cloth or newspaper. There you have it. Now, install your new dishwasher.
FAQs on How to Remove a Dishwasher
What is the process to uninstall and install a dishwasher?
The steps on how to uninstall and install a dishwasher are:
1.) Turn off the water supply.
2.) Uninstall the countertop.
3.) Remove screws from the bottom of the machine
4.) Disconnect water supply line
5.) Remove the dishwasher from the counter
6.) Install a new dishwasher.
Is it easy to remove a dishwasher?
Yes, it is truly very easy to remove a dishwasher. You just have to follow the right steps and have the correct tools. You don’t even need a professional to do it.
Bottom Line On How to Remove a Dishwasher
Now that you know how to remove a dishwasher, it is time to save money and get the job done on your own. Get rid of that old dishwasher and get a new one ASAP. But when you don't know how to do it, then don't worry. Hire a plumber or an electrician, depending on what skill you need.
