Things You'll Need:
- Open-ended wrench
- Teflon tape
- Towel
- Electrical tape
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Step 1
The first step is, like in most cases working with electricity, is to turn off the power to the dishwasher. Locate your breaker box and find the breaker that goes to the dishwasher. Flip the breaker into the OFF position. If you are not sure you've got the right one, attempt to turn on the dishwasher before proceeding. If it won't turn on, then you're ready to proceed. Locate the water line that is supplied to the dishwasher, more than likely under your sink. Turn the handles to the off position.
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Step 2
It is now time to remove the old dishwasher. Remove the bottom plate cover on the dishwasher. Locate the screws that attach the dishwasher to the bottom of the countertop. Remove the screws. You may have to use a plain screwdriver, a power drill will probably be too bulky to get underneath. Locate any other screws that are securing the dishwasher to either the countertop, cabinets, or floor. Most of the time they are just attached to the countertop.
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Step 3
Keep a towel on hand just in case there is some water left in the dishwasher. Begin to ease the dishwasher out by grasping both sides and pulling back. This may require the help of a buddy. Pull the dishwasher out far enough to see the guts of the dishwasher. At this point you want to remove the water line from the dishwasher. Usually a copper or plastic tube. You can use a pair of pliers, or if it is too tight you may need an open-ended wrench. There will also be a plastic hose you will need to remove. This is the drain from the dishwasher. At this point you want to remove the wires. There should be a wiring box located on the dishwasher where all the wiring is located. It is usually behind a metal panel cover. Locate it, remove the cover and disconnect the wiring to the dishwasher. It probably has wire nuts on the wires. Make note of the wire connections. You will need to remember these when you hook up the new dishwasher.
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Step 4
Remove the old dishwasher from the work area. Line up the new dishwasher with the empty space, where it will go. Back the dishwasher far enough to where you can attach the two lines and the wiring. The schematics of a dishwasher are usually the same, so water lines and electrical boxes should be about in the same spot as the old one. Attach the water and drain lines to the bottom of the dishwasher. If you have a copper tube providing the water, be sure and wrap the threads with teflon tape This creates a leak-proof seal. Remove the electrical box and hook the new wires to the corresponding wires of the dishwasher. Secure with wire nuts. Feel free to wrap connection in electrical tape.
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Step 5
Wrap the top of the dishwasher with sound insulation provided with dishwasher. Slide dishwasher back into the opening. This also may require a buddy to help line up the dishwasher. Once the dishwasher is in all the way, you can now secure it to the bottom of the countertop. Check the level by placing a level to the front of the dishwasher. If it is unlevel, there should be adjustable bolts on the bottom to raise and lower the front of the dishwasher. These work like levelers on a washer or dryer. Install bottom plate cover and turn breaker back on. It's a simple as that!
