How to Remove A Dishwasher? A Step-by-Guide

Last Updated on September 3, 2022

Planning to replace an old dishwasher might be exciting but removing the older one seems quite intimidating. The dishwasher proved to be your best kitchen companion for cleaning up all the mess created by dirty dishes.

It aims to stay longer with you, but sometimes a minor issue can interrupt the normal operation of your dishwasher. So, you might need to repair or replace the whole unit in order to solve the problem.

In this post, we will guide you to remove a dishwasher in some of the easiest and simplest ways. You can do it all by yourself without needing the assistance of any plumber. If you find difficulty at some point, you can directly take the expert’s advice.

If you have never removed or installed a dishwasher before, this guide will assist you throughout the process. It is not difficult to draw a dishwasher; you can do it simply by following the right instructions.

Pulling your dishwasher directly out of the cabinetry won’t be wise, and you will need specific tools to disconnect it in the right direction. Here are some equipment you must have before heading towards removing the appliance:

• Vessel to collect water
• Spanner
• Channel-Lock Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Pipe Caps
• Tape to prevent leakage
• Towels

Once you have assembled all tools, make some areas for sitting and switching positions to do the job comfortably.

• Remove the plug of the dishwasher and turn off the electric supply.
• You can remove the wire to cut the electric supply if your machine is plugged into an outlet.
• While some are linked with series wiring, which is hard to disconnect, to disconnect it, you need to remove the red and black wires from the terminals. 

Note: If you do not know how to remove the wires, take help from an electrician.

• The water is supplied through a metal pipe that directly delivers water from the main supply to your dishwasher. 
• It is best to eliminate the water transport before unscrewing the dishwasher.
• You can also shut off the water supply through the valve to avoid any leakage during the process.
• If there are two-way valves to cut water flow and you are unfamiliar with how to disconnect it, hire a plumber to do it for you.
• If you find it hard to locate the valves, try to turn them off by cutting your home’s main supply. This will reduce the chance of any accidental leakage, even if the lines are broken.

• Now lay a towel inside the turn-off valve to collect residual water. 
• With the help of a wrench, separate the lines of the dishwasher.
• Try to loosen them so they can be removed by hand.

Note: Take notes when you remove a certain connection or detach a valve or hose. It will help in the future when you put things back in their position.

To disconnect the dishwasher’s hose, use pliers; if there is no option for turning off valves, couple the nuts using a wrench.

• The purpose of a kick plate is to secure the connection of the water lines of a dishwasher. It also contains electrical parts, so make sure you have removed the electric supply to prevent any damage.
• It is usually attached with screws and can be accessed if the dishwasher is open. 
• Loose the screws and keep them to a side to find them easily while reattaching them.
• Drag the kickplate and keep its mounting screws in a safe place.

• As you have unscrewed all the major parts, now pick up the dishwasher from the surface.
• It is recommended to separate the flexible hose and electrical wires before removing the dishwasher to avoid anything tangling.
• If you can afford it, buy wood boards to pick up the dishwasher without straining your back.
• Detach the legs of the dishwasher present on the countertop.
• Keep the shim or wood board below the dishwasher to keep it above the ground.

• A towel is also useful to place below the detached dishwasher to prevent any scratch or damage to the kitchen tiles. 
• Make sure not to slip over a towel and keep it in a fixed position.
• You can also use a towel for the safety of your hands. Put a towel above the dishwasher and push it outwards. With a towel, your hands will be safe from getting scratched.

• Try to pick it up from the bottom side by sliding the towel below its feet.
• Firmly grip your dishwasher from beneath until you slide it out of the bay.
• Push the towel under it to adjust the back legs on it.

Luckily, you have removed your dishwasher from its place, and now you go for its repair or replacement.

When you are done removing the dishwasher, try to fix the issue by repairing or replacing the whole unit by installing a new one. After installation, if you find any leakage, poor draining, or hear operational noises, you must seek the help of a professional.

If the solution to the problem is easy and you can do it all by yourself, then calling a plumber won’t be necessary. However, if you get stuck at some point and do not know what to do further, hiring the right person to do the job will only be a great option.

A dishwasher consists of several components that are only safe to touch if turned off. The same is true for the kick plate, which contains multiple electrical parts, and if you start the removal process without disconnecting the dishwasher, it’d be a great risk.

According to the experts, a good quality dishwasher can’t go anywhere for about ten years. If taken properly, it will last longer than ten years; remember, all those years will be totally trouble-free.