How to remove a dishwasher from a built-in kitchen

Built-in dishwashers have become so commonplace that many homeowners view them as mere furnishings, but they are appliances that may one day require attention. Removing the dishwasher from the kitchen is a challenge, and it's not as easy as it might seem. With the right skills, you can remove the machine in just a few minutes, and we'll explain in detail how to do this in this article.

Why remove the machine?

Indeed, why remove the washing machine from the built-in kitchen? What's the purpose? It's been there for years and should have stayed that way.

1. The first and most obvious goal is to repair the machine. Many faults can be fixed by accessing the machine's tray components, which can only be achieved by removing the built-in dishwasher. There are no other options.
2. The second goal is to replace the dishwasher. The old appliance can be sold to someone else, and the proceeds can be used to purchase a new one. However, to sell the old machine, it must be removed properly to avoid damage and permanently ruin the appliance's marketability.

Incorrect removal of the dishwasher may result in it not being possible to reinstall it.

3. The third goal is more comprehensive: renovating the entire kitchen, including replacing the cabinetry. While disassembling the kitchen cabinets, it's impossible to leave the dishwasher inside. It needs to be removed, and this must be done carefully, as the "home helper" will be used in the future.

As you can see, there are more than enough reasons. If any of them affect you, read our article to the end and you'll understand how to properly remove your dishwasher.

Why not invite a professional?

The reasons are purely economic. If you have the money and don't mind spending a little money on a professional, then there's no need to read this article to the end. Call a specialist; they'll come quickly and get the job done. If you don't want to pay extra, consider our reasons.

Firstly, a repairman almost always charges a separate fee for dismantling a Bosch or other dishwasher. This service can cost up to $40. And if diagnostics and repairs are needed later, you'll pay extra for that. Secondly, calling a repairman is a waste of time, as technicians are rarely quick to arrive due to busy schedules. Thirdly, men, and even some women, want to be independent, if not in all matters, then in many. Everyone wants to feel like a jack of all trades. While this kind of ego boost isn't always the right approach, in our case, it's acceptable.

The process of removing the machine

So, you've decided to remove the washing machine yourself from under the countertop or from the cabinet. Let's get to work, but first, let's gather our tools. Inspect the machine's fastenings and select the appropriate screwdrivers and wrenches. In most cases, a screwdriver with a set of bits will do the job. Grab it and head to the washing machine.

1. First, unplug the power cord from the socket and turn off the water supply to the machine.
2. Next, unscrew the narrow front panel strip located under the dishwasher door. Not all dishwasher models have this strip. Take, for example, the Electrolux line of dishwashers. If you have such a machine, skip this step.
3. Unscrew the inlet hose and place a bucket underneath to catch the remaining water.
4. We find the place where the drain hose connects to the siphon fitting and disconnect the hose.

Most likely, the hose is held to the fitting with a clamp, so be prepared to loosen it or cut it off if the clamp is plastic.

5. Open the sink door, locate the exposed fasteners, and remove them. These screws secure the appliance to the countertop.
6. We unscrew the locking screw and lower the machine's feet to the limit.
7. Grab the machine body and use a rocking motion to pull it toward you. Be careful not to drop the machine on your feet.

This concludes the removal process. Some built-in dishwashers have cabinet fronts that can also be removed beforehand, but this is not necessary. You can pull the car out with the front panel, but it's better to remove it to avoid accidentally scratching or chipping it. It's easy to do. Just open the washing machine door, unscrew the screws along the inside edges, and pull off the front panel.

Be careful, as the front panel is quite heavy and may slip out of your hands. Remove the front panel by sliding it slightly upward and then toward you.

So, you are convinced that dismantling a dishwasher from a built-in kitchen is a fairly simple matter, not to mention a complete disassembling a dishwasherYou can do everything yourself and save your family some money. Just follow our instructions, and everything will be fine. Good luck!

   

1 reader comment

1. June 14, 2021 at 1:03 PM

   Archie:

   Thanks for the article, although it's hard to understand without pictures.
   In practice, several questions still arise. One of them is:
   What should I do with the salt in the brine tank? Leave it in or pour it out? If I do pour it out, how should I do it?

   Answer