Having an integrated dishwasher in your kitchen counters can be a great addition to any home. When you’re looking to do some kitchen renovations, no matter which of the integrated dishwasher models you have, you may want to update all your kitchen appliances, including it. But the last thing you’re going to want to do is mess up your kitchen counters or your kitchen floor. So you will want to remove this appliance very carefully.
Even if you’re not doing a kitchen remodel, all appliances have a set lifespan. You may want to replace your integrated dishwasher as a simple DIY project. In this article, we’re going to take a look at how to remove integrated dishwashers safely and effectively. This will allow you to make sure the dishwasher location is perfect and your kitchen stays intact.
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Signs You Should Replace Your Current Dishwasher
Like with any other mechanical object, there are definitive signs that you can watch for that might signal that it’s time to replace your dishwasher. Of course, you have to be careful. Some of these signs may simply mean that your dishwasher needs to go through an intense maintenance process. For instance, if it’s not draining, this could be as simple as cleaning out the bottom of the unit. Or you may need to remove any blockages from the dishwasher waste pipe or food trap.
But you must look out for bigger signs. These include the dishwasher stopping altogether or not having the ability to warm the water to the right temperatures. This could mean that it is time to remove it from your kitchen.
Signs it is Time to Replace Your Dishwasher
Here are some more signs that you can watch for that would suggest it’s time to replace your current dishwasher:
- If the integrated dishwasher you’re looking to replace is more than eight years old, then it has lived the life span that most dishwashers are designed to live.
- For those that have pulled dishes out of the dishwasher directly after the dishwashing cycle has completed and found that they were not hot at all, this could be a sure sign that it’s time for a new dishwasher.
- Having consistent issues with the water not draining from the bottom of the unit could be a sign. If even after doing a good thorough clean, this still occurs, then it is time to consider upgrading your dishwasher.
- Taking a good look at your dishwasher, if there are any signs of rust or water leaks, then a new dishwasher may be in order. Regarding water leaks, you’ll want to make sure to check the dishwater drain hoses and all the plumbing connections are tight before deciding that the dishwasher has lived its life.
- When you look at the interior cabinet or your dishwasher door panel and see cracks in it, you must replace that dishwasher.
- If every time you pull dishes out and they are spotty, as if they haven’t been properly rinsed, it could be a sign that it’s time to replace your dishwasher. Before deciding this, check to see if your water supply could be the problem or even your dishwasher soap.
Should You Repair Rather Than Replace?
Many people, when an appliance breaks down, automatically begin thinking about repairing instead of replacing it. Often, they believe that repairing it will impact their budget less than buying a whole new model and installing it.
The good news is when dealing with an integrated dishwasher, the removal and installation can be done by the homeowner themselves. This alleviates a lot of the cost. As for whether you should repair your dishwasher, that is a decision that is solely up to you.
However, it might be important for you to know that repairing these appliances often costs the same as a brand new dishwasher. This is especially true if you’re replacing it because of a home renovation. But it can also work if it has begun malfunctioning.
Step By Step Removal Of An Integrated Dishwasher
Once you have decided that you want to remove your integrated dishwasher on your own, you will want to make sure that you follow specific steps to ensure that the removal goes smoothly. Here are those steps.
How To Remove An Integrated Dishwasher
Before you even begin removing the integrated dishwasher, you should start by removing everything from beneath your kitchen sink cabinet. By doing this, you will be able to easily reach the water shutoff valve and have better access to the rest of the dishwasher connections. At this point, you will want to make sure you take a good look at all your plumbing connections. Ensure there are no leaks or kinks in the system.
After this, you’re going to want to shut off all the power connections from the unit. To do this, you’ll need to go to your circuit breaker panel. Here you will be able to disconnect the dishwasher from the electrical circuit. For those who have a junction box that is not properly marked, to find the dishwasher circuit, you can run it on the drive cycle. Have someone watch the circuit to see if the dishwasher turns on its trips.
Turn Off Water Supply Shutoff Valve
Next up, the water supply shutoff valve you made easy to access by clearing out under your kitchen sink will need to be turned off. To do this, you will turn the valve clockwise until it can be turned no more.
Most new dishwashers will have a small removable panel in the bottom toward the front. This control panel is typically sealed using a couple of screws. These screws will need to be removed to get a look at all the dishwasher wires.
If you’re unsure if the power has been turned off to the unit, you can always test the black and white wires with a voltage meter. Once you have removed the screws, you can take out the box that contains the wires and carefully remove the wire connections one by one. One word of note: Some models have hard-wired connections. If this is the case with your integrated dishwasher, you will want to remove the water line and then pull the unit from the wall.
This will allow you access to the wall outlet, which you will then pull the power plug from.
What if it isn’t a Hard-wired Unit?
If you’re not dealing with a hard-wired unit, then the next step after removing the dishwasher wire box is to remove the water connections. Make sure to recheck the kitchen sink water supply to ensure that you have completely shut that valve off. Then you will have to get into the bottom panel at the front of the dishwasher. Make sure to have a towel and a pan in case any water has been left in the unit. You will want to loosen the nut and then allow the dishwasher drain hose to drain into that pan.
Next up, you will want to get rid of any water that is still in the dishwasher. This can be done by removing the dishwasher drain hose that is connected to your plumbing system under your sink. Typically this is either connected to your garbage disposal or a sink drain pipe.
Now that you have all the connections removed, you can begin to pull the dishwasher out of the kitchen cabinet. You need to remove two screws from clips that are designed to hold the dishwasher in place. And typically these are under your kitchen counter. Then lift gently and pull out.
All that’s left is the cleanup of the area that is left vacant so that it is easier to install your new appliance.
FAQs
Can You Replace An Integrated Dishwasher?
It is quite easy to replace an integrated dishwasher. Just follow the steps above and you will be able to upgrade your appliance easily.
Do You Need a Special Door For An Integrated Dishwasher?
When dealing with an integrated dishwasher, you don’t necessarily need a cabinet, but you will need a door. The integrated dishwasher you choose to install after removing your old one will come with everything you need to attach a door. There is a multitude of options. You just need to make sure that the door that you choose for your integrated dishwasher is the right size for your model.
How To Disconnect A Dishwasher Water Line
You want to start by disconnecting it from under the sink. Start by turning the shutoff valve off under the sink. Then follow the drain line and remove it as well from your kitchen drain system.
Final Thoughts
Removing an integrated dishwasher is a simple project that can be easily done by yourself if you’re looking to do some kitchen renovation. By following the steps above, you can ensure a successful, high-performing, energy-efficient dishwasher up and running in no time.
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Founder of homeappliancegeek.com, avid cook, and lover of Asian food.
Signature dishes include Thai Red Curry, Chicken Saag, Bibimbap and Sushi.
Massive clean freak; a habit baked-in after spending 9 years in the catering industry.
The one appliance he couldn’t live without? Easily the dishwasher (total relationship saver!).
