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If the dishwasher is in working condition, start and run a complete cycle with nothing inside. Let it drain and sit overnight before removing the hoses. In theory, it should effectively drain. You may find residual water in the hoses, but you can plug them. If the dishwasher breaks down midcycle it can sometimes be full of water. You’ll need to manually remove the water with a plastic cup before removing the dishwasher.

It’s not worth fixing a 20-year-old dishwasher or any 20-year-old appliance. Twenty years is beyond the useful life span of nearly every major household appliance. Once the appliance nears the end of its useful life span, repairs will become more frequent. A replacement often becomes more cost-effective at that point.

No, you do not need a garbage disposal to have a dishwasher. A dishwasher will work without one, and while it's rare to see a home with a dishwasher that doesn't have a disposal, it is possible. The two appliances pair well and are often installed together because a disposal simplifies meal cleanup.

However, your dishwasher should not be used as a replacement for a garbage disposal. Subjecting it to continuous food leftovers can lead to major clogs. If you choose not to install a garbage disposal, you should thoroughly rinse your plates or scrape excess food into the trash or a compost pile before loading them into the dishwasher to prevent plumbing issues.

A dishwasher filter should be replaced every five years, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and the frequency of use. The exact timing can vary based on factors such as the hardness of your water, how well you rinse dishes before loading them, and how often you clean the filter. Regularly inspect the filter for signs of wear and tear or damage. If the filter appears worn out, damaged, or excessively clogged despite regular cleaning, it should be replaced sooner.