So… your old dishwasher’s finally kicked the bucket, huh? Or maybe it’s just making that weird grinding noise every time it runs, and you’re over it. Either way, you’re here ’cause you’re thinking, “Can I just take it out myself? Like, how hard can it really be?”
Spoiler alert: it’s totally doable. You don’t have to be some kind of plumbing wizard. You just need a little time, a few tools, and the guts to get under your kitchen counter. Let’s walk through this thing together, step-by-step—with zero judgment and maybe a few laughs along the way.
Step 1: First Things First—Let’s Cut the Power
Alright, Captain Safety. Before we start yanking anything out, go turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker box. Seriously. Don’t just hit the “off” button on the machine—that doesn’t cut it. We don’t need any zaps or surprises.
Tip: If you’re not sure which breaker controls the dishwasher, flick ’em off one by one and see which one stops it. Old-school, but hey, it works.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water
Okay, now it’s time to stop the water flow. Find the water supply line that feeds your dishwasher—it’s usually under the kitchen sink—and turn the valve clockwise to shut it off. Lefty loosey, righty tighty. Classic.
Still not sure? Trace the little metal hose from your dishwasher to the valve under the sink. That’s your guy.
Pro move: Put a towel or small bowl under the valve just in case there’s some dribble when we disconnect it later.
Step 3: Kickplate Off, Baby
You know that little panel under the dishwasher door? That’s the kickplate. Usually held on with a couple screws. Grab a screwdriver, pop those babies off, and set the panel aside. Boom—now you can see the guts.
You’ll see two main things down there:
- The electrical wires (usually in a small metal box)
- The water line connection
Don’t panic. We’ll handle both.
Step 4: Unplug the Wires (Gently, Like You’re Defusing a Bomb)
Open that little metal junction box. You’ll probably see some wire nuts holding the wires together. Twist ’em off, disconnect the wires, and separate ’em. Just remember which wire goes where—snap a pic with your phone if you gotta. Always helps later.
And do not forget to cap those wires when you’re done. We’re not trying to burn the house down here.
Step 5: Disconnect the Water Line
Now it’s time to unscrew the water line. You might need a wrench depending on how tight it is. Expect a little water to come out, but if you shut off the valve earlier (you did, right?), it shouldn’t be much.
Got a towel down? Good. If not, grab one. Like, now.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Drain Hose
The drain hose is usually clipped to the side of the cabinet or sink. Trace it from the dishwasher to wherever it connects—either the sink drain or garbage disposal—and loosen the clamp with a screwdriver. Slide that hose off, and maybe plug the end with a rag or tape to avoid any funk dripping out.
Because trust me… dishwasher funk is not something you wanna deal with.
Step 7: Time to Unscrew and Slide That Sucker Out
Alright, moment of truth. Look at the top or sides of the dishwasher opening—there are usually a couple screws holding it to the countertop. Take those out.
Then… wiggle time.
This part can be weird. Sometimes it slides right out like butter. Other times, it’s like the dishwasher is clinging to your kitchen for dear life. Just go slow. Wiggle it side to side, maybe lift it slightly, and ease it out.
Heads up: You might need to lower the little adjustable legs underneath. Most dishwashers are wedged in just snug enough that if the legs are too high, it won’t budge.
Step 8: And… Boom. You Did It.
Stand back and admire your work. Dishwasher’s out. You’re still standing. And you didn’t even have to call your cousin who “knows a guy.”
Take a minute. Hydrate. Maybe do a victory dance in your now oddly empty kitchen space.
What Now?
Well, you’ve got a couple choices:
- Toss the old dishwasher (check with your city—some places will pick it up curbside).
- Install a new one yourself (yup, that’s doable too).
- Call someone to deal with it and tell them, “Yeah, I already pulled the old one out myself.”
Trust me, that’s a power move.
Final Thoughts (and a Tiny Pep Talk)
Look, taking out an old dishwasher isn’t glamorous. It’s not one of those things you brag about at brunch. But you did it. And now you know how stuff works under your sink—which is more than most people can say.
So next time something breaks? You might just say, “Hold my coffee, I got this.”
Need help putting the new one in? Or wanna know which dishwasher brands don’t suck? Hit me up. We’re in this together.
P.S. Got a funny dishwasher story or a moment where things almost went horribly wrong? Share it in the comments. Let’s laugh about it together.