How to Disconnect a Dishwasher Ready to be Removed

The dishwasher can provide a trusty partner in the kitchen. Always there to clean up after a dinner party, lightening the Christmas dinner workload and removing impossible to shift stains from your favourite pot. But there will come a time when your dishwasher must retire from its cleaning duties due to a technical fault, age or general wear and tear. What can look like an intimidating item to remove with its many pipes and leads, can actually be quite easy to uninstall.

Once disconnected we can provide a prompt rubbish removal to come and collect your old dishwasher. We have over 100 removal vans across the nation which allows us to provide same-day rubbish collections. This means you could book a collection, disconnect your dishwasher and have it collected all within the very same day.

Tools You Need for Disconnecting a Dishwasher

Not every dishwasher and the methods in which they were installed are the same. Therefore, you may require certain tools to get the job done. As we go through the steps on how to disconnect a dishwasher, we’ll mention scenarios where you may require items like specific screwdrivers. Below we’ve listed the items you may need to get hold of so you can refer back to it.

You might need:

bucket or something to catch water with

towels

tape

adjustable spanner

multibit screwdriver

TORX screwdriver

Pipe caps for supply and waste pipes

How do You Disconnect a Dishwasher?

Disconnect the power

Your first priority should be to cut off power to the dishwasher. A majority of dishwashers will have a typical mains plug which you can unplug from the wall.

In some cases, your dishwasher may be hardwired to a power supply. In these cases we strongly recommend calling for the assistance of an electrician unless you have experience in handling electrical jobs yourself. Hardwired dishwashers require you to shut off energy via the correct breaker in your fuse box. You should use a voltage detector to make sure your dishwasher is completely dead. From here you can then disconnect it and safely tackle the dishwasher plumbing.

How to disconnect a dishwasher water line

A lot of dishwashers are located close to the kitchen sink, so you’ll usually find the necessary pipes there. It’s very common to have a valve that shuts off the supply of water to appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Ensure the valve is off and not supplying water to the appliance.

In rare cases and older systems where there is no valve you will need to completely shut off your water supply while you remove your dishwasher. With no running water to the dishwasher you can now disconnect it, which may require the use of a spanner. You will also need to purchase a cap for the exposed pipe if you don’t intend on plugging in a new appliance. The cap will stop water flowing out of the supply pipe when you happen to turn your water back on. You may need to research which cap you require to block off your specific pipe but here’s an example of a generic and common cap.

How to disconnect a dishwasher drain hose

This is where buckets and towels can come in useful to catch any excess water once the dishwasher waste pipe is disconnected. A common location for your waste pipe to lead into is the same line as your sink. The pipe which Is attached may be fastened tight by a bolt or screw. Some can be loosened by hand while others will require your tools.

Again, if you’re not planning on immediately plugging in a new appliance you will need to block off the exposed pipe. Water from the sink can leak out of this hole so it’s best to block it with a cap. Like before, your specific pipe may require a unique cap to block it so do some research into what cap you require.

If the dishwasher’s waste pipe doesn’t connect under the sink it may have its own separate line. You can simply disconnect the dishwasher from this. A useful tip is to tape the two disconnected in and out pipes to the dishwasher in an upwards-pointing position. This will stop any excess water leaking out as you move the dishwasher.

How to remove an integrated dishwasher

You may have a completely free-standing dishwasher, but many are fitted to kitchen counters via screws. Removing an integrated dishwasher may require a multibit screwdriver which can undo the multitude of different shapes and sizes of screw you may encounter. TORX screws are common when it comes to kitchen appliances and they also comes in variable sizes. If your multibit can’t be used on these, you may have to look at a tool specifically designed to undo TORX screws.

Your dishwasher may have legs which can be tight against the floor to stop it from wobbling. These can be adjusted by hand but some may require the use of your spanner.

Lifting your dishwasher

Once your dishwasher is free you can lift it out of its position. These are heavy appliances so we’d strongly recommend having two people lift it.

You’ll also want two people to lift the dishwasher to save you having to drag it across the floor. There are a few attachments on the bottom of the dishwasher, like the feet which may scratch your floor if dragged across.

Underneath appliances are hotspots for dust and grime so this is the perfect opportunity to give that awkward to reach place a quick clean or vacuum. With that your dishwasher will be fully disconnected, it will be ready to be collected via our appliances and dishwasher removal service.

About Clearabee

We are the UK’s largest clearance company and we regularly deal with electrical WEEE and bulky waste. Both are difficult to deal with on your own as they can be heavy and difficult to recycle. If you disconnected your dishwasher but didn’t have anyone else to help you lift it you could count on us. Our waste operatives arrive in teams of two where necessary, so you can sit back while we do all the lifting. We can collect varying amounts of waste so try our waste calculator to get an instant quote on the removal of your dishwasher, WEEE disposal and assortment of other items.