How to Remove a Built-In Dishwasher

Removing a built-in dishwasher without damaging it or surrounding attachments can seem like an overwhelming task. But, with the right tools and steps, you can remove your built-in dishwasher with ease. Get started with the guide below.

Step 1 – Pull out the Unit

If there are no rollers under the built-in dishwasher, use furniture sliders to pull out the unit. If you don’t use furniture sliders, you could damage your floor. Also, be careful not to pull the dishwasher out past the length of the hose hookups.

Step 2 – Shut off the Power

Built-in dishwashers are often hard-wired. Therefore, you should shut off the power at the main electrical panel. If there is a cut-off switch near the appliance, it can be used also, but the main breaker still has to be turned OFF in case of accidentally turning the power ON at the site.

Step 3 – Shut off the Water Supply

Dishwashers should have a water shut-off valve in the cabinet under the sink. Shut off the valve. If your valve is corroded or leaky, turn off the main water connection to the house to shut off the water supply to the entire area.

Step 4 – Remove Screws From the Countertop

Next, remove the screws located at the front of the machine that are holding the built-in dishwasher to the countertop. Then, remove the dishwasher carefully from under the kitchen counter.

Step 5 – Remove Junction-Box Cover

The junction box can be usually found on the lower back portion of the dishwasher. Remove the junction box cover to reveal a couple of wire nuts connecting black and white wires from the power source to the dishwasher.

Step 6 – Remove Cords and Wires

A bare ground wire will be connected to the box using green screws. Make sure the circuit is off by using a voltage tester and disconnecting the wiring. As you remove the electrical cord from the junction box, place the wire nuts on the end of each wire. Move the wires afterward.

Step 7 – Disconnect the Lines

Disconnect the hot-water supply line, discharge line, and electrical line. You can find the supply line and electrical connection between the bottom of the unit and the floor.

Step 8 – Loosen Compression Fitting

Next, remove the access panel that is held up by a few screws. At the elbow, near the left-front corner, the water-supply line ends. Use either pliers or an open-end box wrench to loosen the compression fitting. Use a towel to mop up any spilled water.

Step 9 – Remove the Water Line

Locate the water inlet under the machine and unscrew the nut, holding the inlet in place. Keep a bucket and towel handy when you remove the water line, as the water remaining in the pipes may seep out.

Step 10 – Disconnect the Drain Line

Finally, disconnect the dishwasher’s drain line from under the sink drain line or the garbage disposal. The drain line is usually held in place by a clamp.

Step 11 – Get Rid of Remaining Water

Place the unhooked hose ends of the line into a bucket to collect the remaining water. Ensure that there is no water left inside the dishwasher. There usually is a fixture at the back of the built-in dishwasher for this purpose. Do not tip the unit to get water out.

Now that you've removed your built-in dishwasher, consider converting it into a freestanding one.