How to Remove a Dishwasher in 8 Simple Steps

A crucial first step is turning off the power to your dishwasher. You can locate the switch in your power breaker box. Because of the wattage dishwashers draw, they usually have their own breaker. If you are unable to locate it or are unsure which one it is, flip off the power to the entire kitchen. There may be a leak that you cannot see, and removing electrical appliances with water present could be dangerous.

Be sure to turn the water to the dishwasher off, or when you disconnect the hoses and drain tubes, you may create an enormous mess. If you have access to the back of the dishwasher, the shut-off valve can sometimes be close to the machines.

More often than not, you’ll need to look under your kitchen sink and find the hot water line that leads to the dishwasher. There should also be a drain line that you will need to disconnect. Use a bucket to catch any water that leaks. Make sure the water is off before continuing.

At the base of the dishwasher is a floor panel, or toe kick, that covers up the area where the water supply line and drain hose live. You'll need to remove the panel to get access to the supply line and drain hose.

To do that, get down on your hands and knees and peer underneath the dishwasher door, just above the floor panel. You should see screws, which attach the panel to the appliance. Loosen those screws, then gently remove the panel from the front of the appliance.

The water supply line connects to the dishwasher and to a water pipe, usually in your under-sink cabinet. Use a wrench to remove the water supply line from the dishwasher, then repeat the process to disconnect the supply line from the pipe.

Next, remove the drain hose. One end of the hose may be connected to your sink's garbage disposal or the sink itself. If you live in an area that requires air gaps, the drain hose may connect to the sink or the underside of your countertop. In either case, remove the clips that connect one end of the hose.

Next, open the dishwasher door. You will see screws and mounting brackets that secure the dishwasher in its space. Remove the screws and, if you can, the mounting brackets. If the brackets are strongly affixed to the dishwasher, you do not have to remove them, but give them a jiggle with your hand or your screwdriver to loosen them. This will make the removal a little easier, as buildup can sometimes cause them to stick.

Most dishwashers have legs on the bottom. Usually, these are simple metal or plastic screws and are used to level the dishwasher when it’s being installed. If you can access the legs, unscrew them so that the dishwasher is as close to the ground as possible. This will make removal much easier as it allows you more space to tip and turn the dishwasher. Those installing dishwashers will have to measure their dishwasher to make sure it fits the existing space. 

It comes as no surprise that the large cubed appliance is heavy, so let a dolly do the work for you. Slide it under the dishwasher and lift it just enough to get it off the ground. Then, simply pull the dishwasher out from its cutout and wheel it outside or into a truck or van. 

You may experience minor leakage when the dishwasher is removed. You can use your towels to clean any spills. If there is more water in the hose line than anticipated, you can plug the hose using either one of your towels or paper towels.