How to Replace a Dishwasher Drain Hose

Replacing your dishwasher drain hose should take no more than an hour. However, it can take longer if the dishwasher needs to be moved to perform the installation, but even then, it shouldn’t take more than two hours. Once you have the new drain hose, gather the materials required in our list below, and let’s get to it!

What you will need

• Pliers and a wrench to remove hose clamps and fittings.
• A screwdriver to remove dishwasher screws
• A towel to wipe up spilled water
• A container or pan to collect leftover water (optional)
• A towel or blanket to rest the dishwasher on (if required)
• Work gloves to protect your hands
• A new drain hose

Step 1: Prepare the dishwasher

Before starting the drain hose replacement, disconnect the power to the dishwasher. You will most likely need to disconnect the power by flipping the breaker or unplugging the dishwasher.

Next, turn off the water to the dishwasher (in most households, you will need to shut off the water supply valve underneath the sink).

The last preparation step is to disconnect the dishwasher drain hose that usually connects to the sink drain, air gap, or garbage disposer. The drain hose should be secured with a clamp. Use pliers to remove the clamp, and then disconnect the drain hose from the sink drain, air gap, or garbage disposer.

When you remove the hose, be prepared for water to spill out. You may be able to collect and dry up the water with a towel, or you may want to put a container or pan underneath the durian hose connection.

Step 2: Remove the kickplate

Access to the opposite end of the drain hose will require accessing where the drain hose connects to the dishwasher pump. The dishwasher pump is located underneath the dishwasher, behind the dishwasher’s kickplate or lower-front access panel.

Depending on the type of dishwasher, you may be able to pull the kickplate off, or it may be secured with screws that need to be removed. Once you have removed the kickplate, set it aside. There may be a sound damping pad behind the kickplate that you will need to remove as well.

Now that you have removed the kickplate, you should be able to work out whether you will need to move the dishwasher to finish the drain hose installation. If you can see where the drain hose connects to the pump, and you think you can install the new drain hose without moving the dishwasher, you can skip the next step.

If there is not enough space or the drain hose setup seems complicated, you will need to move the dishwasher, as described in the next step.

Step 3: Move the dishwasher

Most household dishwashers are installed underneath the kitchen cabinet, next to the sink. They are also usually hardwired, where the dishwasher power supply wires connect with the dishwasher in a junction box behind the kickplate.

Before the dishwasher can be removed, the wires in the junction box and the water supply line need to be disconnected. The drain hose also needs to be disconnected from underneath the sink, which you should have already done in step one.

With the kickplate removed, you should be able to see the junction box, usually on the right side. Remove the screws that secure the junction box cover. Before disconnecting the wires, note how they connect (it is a good idea to take a picture so that you do not forget). When you are ready, untwist the wire nuts to disconnect the wires.

Next, use a flat-edge screwdriver to help move and loosen the strain relief nut so that you can remove it by spinning it counterclockwise with your fingers. Once the strain relief nut is removed, the wires should no longer be secured to the dishwasher, meaning it can be moved.

Now, locate where the water supply line connects to the water inlet valve. The supply line will need to be disconnected so that the dishwasher can be moved. Use a wrench or pliers to unthread the fitting that secures the water supply line to the inlet valve. There may be some water that spills out, so prepare a towel or container to collect the water.

Most dishwashers are secured to the kitchen cabinet by mounting screws at the top of the dishwasher underneath the kitchen cabinet. Remove the dishwasher mounting screws.

Make sure the drain hose can move without getting caught on something when the dishwasher is pulled out. You may also need to adjust the dishwasher legs before the unit can be moved.

Pull the dishwasher out and position it so that you access where the drain hose connects to the drain pump. You will likely need to put the dishwasher on its side or head and remove the bottom access plate on the base of the dishwasher. To avoid damaging the dishwasher, it is best to rest the dishwasher on a towel or blanket.

Step 4: Install the new drain hose

You should now have access to the drain pump. Use pliers to remove the clamps that secure the old drain hose to the drain pump. Disconnect the old drain hose from the pump. You can now remove the old drain hose and connect the new drain hose to the dishwasher pump.

If you moved the dishwasher, you will need to put it back so that you can connect the new drain hose to the sink pipe, airgap, or garbage disposal. Before putting the dishwasher back, make sure you have threaded the new drain hose through to the connection underneath the sink.

Once you connect the drain hose underneath the sink, the installation should be complete. Make sure that the clamps and hose are secure. Be aware that some dishwashers may require new clamps or fittings to ensure the hose is secure and will not leak.

Make sure the dishwasher is secured or reinstalled correctly, with the wires in the junction box connected, the water line connected, and the sound damping pad and kickplate put back.

After restoring water and power to the dishwasher, run a short test cycle to make sure the drain hose is connected and working correctly.