How to Remove a Dishwasher From a Countertop

Preparation

• 1). Turn off the electricity to the unit. Locate the breaker box and shut off the switch corresponding to the dishwasher.
  
  
• 2). Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. The water supply is a copper line attached to a twist valve, located underneath the kitchen sink. Turn the valve to the right to shut it off.
  
  
• 3). Disconnect the drain line from the dishwasher. The drain line is a plastic, corrugated line attached to the drain, located underneath the kitchen sink. Use a ¼-inch nut driver or flat-tip screwdriver to loosen the drain line clamp.
  
  

The Job

• 1). Remove the access panel at the bottom of the dishwasher. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver or ¼-inch nut driver. Remove the recessed toe kick panel, found just below the access panel.
  
  
• 2). Use a Phillips-head screwdriver or ¼-inch nut driver to unscrew the electrical connection box cover located behind the access panel. Pull the wires out from the box. Unscrew the wire nuts from the ends of the wires.
  
  
• 3). Check once again that the electricity to the appliance is off. Remove the wires from the box. Remove the clamp from the back of the electrical connection box first, if there is one. To gain access to the clamp, remove the electrical connection box using the ¼-inch nut driver.
  
  
• 4). Use a 6-inch adjustable wrench or 5/8-inch open-end wrench to unscrew the copper water line from the solenoid valve. The line and valve are located behind the access panel.
  
  
• 5). Open the dishwasher door. Locate the tabs connecting the tub gasket to the underside of the counter. Unscrew the tabs from the counter using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Bend the tabs downwards, below the lip of the counter, using the flat tip screwdriver.
  
  
• 6). Lower the adjustable feet. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver, ¼-inch nut driver or linesman pliers. The adjustable feet are located behind the toe kick panel at the front corners. If the dishwasher is tightly fit, slide the dishwasher out from under the counter for more space.
  
  
• 7). Close the dishwasher door and lock it. Slightly tip the dishwasher forward at the top with one hand. Use the other hand to grab the bottom of the dishwasher and pull straight out. Alternate until the dishwasher is removed.