Under the counter or built-in dishwasher units make life a bit easier but certainly don’t last forever. When
a dishwasher begins to fail, it might leak, not heat water, or cut off during normal cycles. Once it’s
determined the appliance is on its last leg, you’ll have to pull it out, which isn’t a difficult task, but will take
some time. These appliances are bulky and you’ll likely find that behind it and underneath have collected
a lot of dust and debris.
How to Remove a Built-In Dishwasher
The first thing you need to do is shut off the water and the electrical break powering the appliance. Next,
gather your supplies and tools. These include an old blanket or drop cloth, a couple of adjustable
wrenches, a screwdriver, pliers, a pan, a sponge, bucket, and towels.
Removing an undercounter dishwasher and replacing it will take an experienced installer
less than an hour. You probably won’t manage the job that quickly, but it is a relatively simple procedure,
especially because the plumbing and electrical hookups are already in place. And by doing the work
yourself, you can save the $100 or more a retailer will charge, or step up to a model with more features. —
House
When you have your tools and supplies ready, put them on the counter near the dishwasher for quick
access; then, place an old blanket or drop cloth in front of the appliance. Now, you’re ready to remove
your built-in dishwasher by following these steps:
- Using a screwdriver, remove the front, bottom panel to expose the water supply line (it will
likely be flexible copper or a stainless steel line).
- Place a pan under the line and then use a wrench to unfasten the water supply. The pan will
catch any drips as you loosen the water line.
- Open the cabinet doors directly under the kitchen sink and find the drain line running from the
dishwasher.
- Place a bucket directly under the drain connection, then unfasten the inlet arm coming from
the appliance.
- Unfasten the retaining screws located under the lip of the counter.
Once all these connections are unfastened, you can then begin to work the dishwasher out from under
the counter, placing it on top of the blanket or drop cloth. You’ll have to also work the drain line out from
the cabinet as you pull the appliance out of place.
Disposing of a Built-In Dishwasher
Because the dishwasher isn’t in working order, you’ll have to dispose of it. You can’t put it out on the curb
to be picked-up by the local trash collection because of its size and also because it is an appliance. You
can rent a truck, haul it to a landfill or recycling center, and pay a fee; or, phone a junk removal service to
pick it up and haul it away.
