The sleek appearance of integrated dishwashers and the fact that all the cables and supply hoses are hidden from view can make removing the dishwasher seem like an impossible task.
These appliances are often fixed under the work surface using brackets, and all the cables and hoses are hidden underneath.
If you’re in a position where you need to remove your integrated dishwasher, whether that’s to clean under it or replace the machine entirely, it can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.
With the right tools and steps, you can remove your integrated dishwasher easily.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Before starting any DIY job or moving around any appliance, safety needs to be your first thought.
Before even touching the dishwasher, turn off the power for the appliance. Most integrated dishwashers are directly wired into the property’s electrical circuit, so it is unlikely to be as simple as pulling the plug.
Once you’ve located the circuit that controls the dishwasher in your electrical panel, move the switch to the off position before going any further.
Step 2: Access the Connections
The connections for an integrated dishwasher all tend to be underneath the appliance. To access these, you will need to remove the panels underneath the appliance door at the front of the machine.
Most machines have two panels that will need to be removed. The first is the kick panel directly underneath the door, and many machines will have a smaller panel underneath this too.
Simply remove the screws or fixings holding the panels in and pull them out of their respective positions.
Step 3: Disconnect the Water Supply
The last thing you want when removing an integrated dishwasher is a room full of water. To prevent this, you will need to disconnect the water supply to the appliance.
Most dishwashers will be connected to the water supply nearby, such as the kitchen sink.
Follow the dishwasher’s supply hose where possible to find where it meets the water supply underneath the sink. Rotate the knob to the right to cut the water supply. You can then remove the dishwasher’s hose by unscrewing the couplings.
If your dishwasher is not connected under the sink or the valve has eroded, you can turn off the main water connection to the property for the duration of this task.
Step 4: Disconnect the Drain Hose
After disconnecting the water supply to the dishwasher, you will need to disconnect the drain hose. Most drain hoses are pre-connected to the dishwasher’s pump, so the only connection you will need to loosen is the one underneath the sink.
Take care when moving the drain hose and be ready to put a bucket under the end if it looks like there is still water or debris in the hose.
Step 5: Unscrew the Dishwasher
Inspect the sides, underneath and top of the dishwasher to determine how it is fixed in place. Many dishwashers are held in place with brackets that are screwed into the underside of the work surface or the sides of other cabinets.
Loosen the screws connecting the dishwasher and set the appliance down on top of an old towel or moving pad to avoid damaging the floor.
Step 6: Disconnect the Power Supply
Once the water supply and drainage are disconnected and you can pull the appliance forward, you can start thinking about the wiring for the appliance.
If you aren’t confident, consult a professional rather than attempting to disconnect the power on your own.
The property’s wiring will be connected to a panel underneath or to the rear of the dishwasher. The wires will either be wired into the panel, or onto wires that are preconnected to terminals.
Make sure that the power supply is definitely off using a voltage tester, and then simply cut the wire connections with a pair of wire snippers.
Step 7: Remove the dishwasher
Finally, disconnect the water supply and drainage hoses at the dishwasher itself, being ready to put a bucket underneath the end if there is still water left in the machine.
Once these are removed and the dishwasher is disconnected completely, you can pull the machine out completely.
Lover of coffee, painting, and all things cute and fluffy. I’m always on the lookout for easier, more gentle ways to tackle awful household chores.
