How to Remove a Built-In Dishwasher

Under the counter or built-in dishwasher units make life a bit easier but certainly don’t last forever. Whena dishwasher begins to fail, it might leak, not heat water, or cut off during normal cycles. Once it’sdetermined the appliance is on its last leg, you’ll have to pull it out, which isn’t a difficult task, but will takesome time. These appliances are bulky and you’ll likely find that behind it and underneath have collecteda 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 adjustablewrenches, a screwdriver, pliers, a pan, a sponge, bucket, and towels.

Removing an undercounter dishwasher and replacing it will take an experienced installerless 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 workyourself, you can save the $100 or more a retailer will charge, or step up to a model with more features. —This OldHouse

When you have your tools and supplies ready, put them on the counter near the dishwasher for quickaccess; then, place an old blanket or drop cloth in front of the appliance. Now, you’re ready to removeyour built-in dishwasher by following these steps:

1. Using a screwdriver, remove the front, bottom panel to expose the water supply line (it willlikely be flexible copper or a stainless steel line).
2. Place a pan under the line and then use a wrench to unfasten the water supply. The pan willcatch any drips as you loosen the water line.
3. Open the cabinet doors directly under the kitchen sink and find the drain line running from thedishwasher.
4. Place a bucket directly under the drain connection, then unfasten the inlet arm coming fromthe appliance.
5. 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 underthe counter, placing it on top of the blanket or drop cloth. You’ll have to also work the drain line out fromthe 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 curbto be picked-up by the local trash collection because of its size and also because it is an appliance. Youcan rent a truck, haul it to a landfill or recycling center, and pay a fee; or, phone a junk removal service topick it up and haul it away.