How to Disconnect an Old Dishwasher

Turn off the water supply beneath the sink before disconnecting the dishwasher.

If you are upgrading your kitchen appliances, installing a new dishwasher is probably on the list. Before you can put in the new dishwasher, however, you have to get rid of the old one. Although many home improvement centers will install the new model for a nominal fee, the service can become pricey if they have to disconnect the old dishwasher first. Fortunately, with a couple of tools and a little time, you can remove the old dishwasher on your own and save some money.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench

Instructions

1. Remove the items from underneath the kitchen sink. This will not only allow easier access for you to remove the dishwasher drain line from the sink drain line, but also gives you a better way to reach the dishwasher cut-off valve located beneath the kitchen sink.

2. Shut off the water and electrical supply to the dishwasher. Use the dishwasher cut-off valve to turn off the water supply to the kitchen, and turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker box. Turn on the dishwasher to ensure there is no power.

3. Remove the metal screws from the access panel located at the bottom of the dishwasher with a screwdriver.

4. Locate the water supply line at the front left corner of the dishwasher. Loosen the compression ring around the supply line with an adjustable wrench.

5. Trace the electrical wiring of the dishwasher to the metal junction box. Unscrew the screws to the access panel and remove it.

6. Find the black, white and ground wires located inside the junction box. Unscrew the wire nuts that connect the black and white wires. Pull the wires away from the wire nuts. Unscrew the screw that holds the ground wire to the box. Ensure that all wires in the box are disconnected.

7. Locate where the dishwasher drain line connects to the sink drain. Remove the hose clamp that connects the drain line to the sink drain.

8. Open the door of the dishwasher. Find the two metal clamps that connect the dishwasher to the kitchen counter. Remove the screws from the clamps.

9. Grasp the dishwasher by the sides and pull the machine forward. You may have to wiggle it from side-to-side to slowly move it out from underneath the counter. Continue the process until the dishwasher is free from its space.

Tips & Warnings

• In some dishwasher models, the hose is actually located toward the back of the dishwasher. When this is the case, remove the clamps that hold the dishwasher in place first, then move the dishwasher out as far as it will go. This will allow you easier access to the hose.

References

• This Old House; Replacing Your Dishwasher; Scot Gibson