Looking for tips on how to remove a dishwasher and install a new one? This is a task that a dedicated DIYer can handle without much hassle. And you can save some money while you’re at it. The advantage is that all the electrical and water connections are in place. You just need to substitute the old dishwasher with a new one that will use the existing configuration. So let’s get right to it.
Part 1: How to remove your old dishwasher
Step 1: Turn off the electrical power supply
The first step is to turn off the electrical power to the dishwasher. Visit your main electrical panel with all the circuit breakers for different parts of your home.
If you don’t know which breaker supplies power to the dishwasher, you can leave the appliance on and turn off each breaker until the dishwasher is off.
Step 2: Shut off the water supply
The next natural step is to turn off the water supply to your dishwasher, and this will allow you to unplug the water connection without any leakage.
Check under your sink for the valve that regulates the water supply to the dishwasher. Valves are usually turned off by turning them to the right until they’re fully tightened.
Step 3: Remove the access panel/kick plate assembly
The kick plate assembly is at the bottom of the dishwasher. It’s typically held in place by 2 to 4 screws. You may need a flashlight to view the screw attachments.
Once the access panel is out of the way, you will get a better view of underneath the dishwasher, and its various connections, including the water and electrical supplies.
Step 4: Disconnect the water supply from the dishwasher
The water supply line will have residual water even after you shut off the supply valve. This water will need somewhere to drain, and you can suck it up using a towel or place a container to collect it. Plumbers typically use adjustable wrenches to loosen up the water inlet valve connections.
Step 5: Disconnect the electrical supply
Your dishwasher will likely be hardwired into the electrical system, or it may just be plugged into an outlet. When disconnecting hardwired dishwashers, find the electrical supply box (accessed through the access panel).
Remove the screws to view the wires. Use a tester to confirm that there is no power before attempting the disconnection. In most cases, the wires will be held together with electrical twist-on wire nuts. Just untwist the wire nuts, and pull the wires from the connectors. Next, remove the supply line from the electrical box.
Step 6: Disconnect the drain line
You’ll need to remove the drainage hose that drains dirty water through the kitchen sink drain. So, check under your sink for the hose, and it’s typically held in place using hose clamps. You just require a screwdriver, and after removing the drain hose, don’t leave it inside the sink cabinet.
Feed it through the hole in the cabinet until it’s entirely inside the dishwasher section. This prevents it from being caught up as you remove the dishwasher.
Step 7: Remove the mounting screws
Here’s how to remove a built-in dishwasher: The dishwasher is typically mounted on the countertop using screws. Open the dishwasher door, and check for two screws that attach it to the top of the counter. Unscrew the dishwasher and close the door.
Step 8: Lower the legs
The dishwasher is typically raised on its legs before being secured on the countertop, and you just need to lower its front legs to gain some room. On some models, there will be screws controlling the height adjustment.
Step 9: Remove the dishwasher
All you need to do now is physically remove the dishwasher from its compartment by dragging it out. If it’s cumbersome, you may enlist someone else to help you.
Part 2: How to remove and install a dishwasher
Step 1: Start by reading the reference manual
You might be excited to replace the old dishwasher, but ensure that you first read the reference printed on top of the box. It should describe the materials needed, such as the electrical supply cable, hot water supply line, shut-off valves, and fittings.
Step 2: Remove the dishwasher from the packaging
You should get some accompanying hardware such as the drain line and your screws. Note that most dishwashers will not come with a water supply line or with an electrical power cord, so you can hook it up to a power outlet. Since you’ll be replacing an old dishwasher, you may use the existing electrical supply connection. In case you’re missing certain parts, such as the water supply line, you may shop around for it in Missoula from Plumb-Tech.
Step 3: Connect the water line
You may flip the dishwasher so it’s lying on its side for easier access to the connections. Alternatively, you can slot it inside the compartment and make all connections while it’s in place. Consider raising its legs for easier access.
It’s recommended that you use a stainless steel water supply line fitted with rubber gaskets for secure and tight connections. You can also consider replacing the old supply line because pipes get clogged up with deposits over time, and they are also prone to wear and tear.
Step 4: Clamp the drain hose
Connect the drain hose to the outlet on the dishwasher and to the sink drain.
Step 5: Hook up the electrical supply
The next step is to install the electrical supply, and the procedure for most models is pretty consistent. Open the electrical supply box on the dishwasher. You may get some wire nuts to connect the wires. Typically, the green wire is the ground or earth connection. The white wire is neutral, and the black is the live wire. When in doubt, reference the manual.
Step 6: Test the water connection for leakages
Open the water supply valve, and ensure that all the connections are leak-free. You may power on the electrical supply and run the washer through an initial wash cycle, observing for any leaks in the drainage line and water supply.
Step 7: Balance the dishwasher and secure it to the counter
You need to raise their legs to properly balance the dishwasher in place and install the securing screws. Finally, install the access panel and baseboards. You can start enjoying your new dishwasher. If you were looking for a guide on how to remove an old dishwasher but found that you need assistance along the way, you can seek help from a Plumb-Tech technician. Get in touch with us here.
