How to Safely Pull Your Dishwasher Out from the Bay

There are a could of different reasons why you might need to pull your dishwasher out from beneath the counter where it’s mounted, also known as the bay. Many of the most important repairs for your dishwasher require you to access the back panel which can only be done by removing the dishwasher. Or perhaps you are completely replacing an old or broken dishwasher with a newer model. Many repair guides casually mention pulling your dishwasher out of the cabinetry where it is mounted but, in reality,  removing your dishwasher from its bay is far easier said than done. This is actually a pretty involved process, but not one that you necessarily need the help of a professional to accomplish.

Puling out your dishwasher requires a careful process and a reasonable amount of personal strength. You may want the help of a friend, you will definitely want a few towels and a pair of work gloves. And hopefully, this guide will help you save more than a bit of time and effort trying to puzzle out the simple phrase “Now pull your dishwasher out and access the back panel”

Today, we’re here to walk you through the process of safely unhooking, releasing, and pulling your dishwasher out of its bay of cabinetry and counter-top. We’ll be taking it step-by-step like any other repair. 

Getting Started

Safety is the most important thing to take care of before the process even starts. Because removing your dishwasher can be a bit of a rough process, it’s safest if you cut the power and the water before you begin, just in case. This will ensure that no one is at risk of a spark and that your home does not accidentally flood if the going gets rough or if there is not enough slack on the lines as you work.

– Switch Off the Breaker

Start by switching off the breaker that connects to your dishwasher. In many homes, this is separate from other circuits, but you might need a lamp if this also switches off your kitchen lights. There’s a chance you can reach the dishwasher wall plug to simply unplug it instead of flipping the breaker, but in most dishwasher installations you’ll need to flip the breaker.

– Shut Off the Water Line

Next, find the water line underneath your sink and trace it back to the shut-off valve. Twist the handle you find all the way in the other direction to turn off the water. In most cases, you can check your success by trying to run the sink. If the sink peters out, the water is off. 

Remove the Kick Plate

The kickplate protects the dishwasher’s connection to the water line and also happens to be full of electrical components. This is why you needed to disconnect the power.

The kickplate is likely attached with two screws which may only be reachable when the dishwasher door is open. Unfasten these screws and set them aside to release the kickplate. Then pull the kickplate away and set aside with its mounting screws. 

Detach the Water Line and Drain Hose

Behind the kickplate and underneath the washer, you will likely see two flexible hoses or metal lines running out from under your dishwasher, likely heading to the wall or the drain under the sink. One is your water line in and one is your drain line. You’ll want to disconnect them both. Use a small wrench of the appropriate size to loosen the fastener around the flexible hose which connects the dishwasher to the waterline. Then unhook the drain hose so that you can pull the washer free. If you cannot reach them from under the washer yet, check and see if you can release them from under the sink instead. Be prepared for a little bit of water on the floor, so have some towels and/or a bucket ready when the lines disconnect.

It is very important that you have already turned off the water when you disconnect the waterline. 

Unfasten the Dishwasher from the Counter Top

Now that the dishwasher is no longer tethered to the house water system, you’re ready to detach it from the countertop. There are two or more fastening screws that are meant to hold the dishwasher in place to the underside of the counter. Find them and remove them with the correct screwdriver or nut driver. Pull away the screws and brackets (if any) and set them aside with the kickplate. 

Lay a Towel and Loosen the Dishwasher Feet

You’re about ready to pull your dishwasher away from the wall, but it’s also important to protect your floors from this large moving appliance. Start by laying out a towel on the floor in front of your dishwasher with another towel ready as a backup. This can protect your tile and can be used to catch the feet as you lift and pull them out. Be careful not to trip on the towel as you work, as it can potentially fold or slide under your feet.

If the dishwasher still seems very tightly snug in its bay, consider adjusting the feet. Tighten the washer feet by screwing them into the dishwasher body to make the dishwasher just a little bit shorter. This can help you rock and pull your dishwasher out if it fights back. 

Lift and Pull

Finally, lift your dishwasher from the bottom and slide the towel under the feet. Then work on rocking and pulling your dishwasher, gripping from the bottom, until it slides out of the bay. When the back feet present themselves, slip the towel underneath the back feet as well. You may also want to put a new towel over the top of the dishwasher as you pull from the top back to avoid cutting your hand on the top of the appliance. Don’t forget to pull the plug as it pulls away from the back wall. 

Congratulations!

Pat yourself on the back. You have just successfully uninstalled your dishwasher. For more helpful repair guides, insights, or professional assistance, contact us today!