How to Replace Your Dishwasher

Start by gathering all your tools. Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker and test to confirm it’s off. Use the shut-off valve to cut the water supply to the appliance.

Take time to disconnect everything attaching your existing dishwasher. Use a screwdriver to remove the access panel on the front of the dishwasher and disconnect the wiring. Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the old dishwasher water line from the house supply line and the drain hose from the dishwasher. Be prepared to catch any falling water in an empty bucket and cleaning cloths. Remove any screws holding the dishwasher into the counter or cabinets.

Protect the floors using a thick fabric drop cloth and slide out the dishwasher. Place it out of the way. Make sure the electrical wires you need to install the new unit are where you can reach them.

Remove your new dishwasher from its packaging but leave any surface protectants in place until the dishwasher is installed. Locate the area where you’ll need access to plumbing and electrical attachments — some models may need to be tipped on their back for easier access. Then remove the dishwasher’s access panel.

Your new dishwasher should come with an elbow-shaped fitting. Attach it to the dishwasher water inlet valve and the new water supply line. Navigate the new water line to get it close to the shut off valve. Use painter’s tape to keep this line in place while you finish setting up the dishwasher.

Connect the drainage hose to the new dishwasher. Feed the hose through the existing cabinet opening to reach the sink drain. Don’t connect it just yet, use a piece of painter’s tape to keep it in place. If there’s extra hose length, attach it somewhere out of sight that won’t get in the way of pushing the new dishwasher in place.

Using your dishwasher’s installation instructions, connect the electrical per their specifications. Once that’s complete, gently push the dishwasher in place in the cabinet opening.

Now that the dishwasher is in place, connect the water supply line to the shut off valve. Tighten the connection with an adjustable wrench. Then attach the drainage hose to the drain tailpiece or garbage disposal. To ensure there’s no backflow of water, secure the hose above the drain inlet. Turn the water supply on and check for leaks.

Make sure the dishwasher is sitting flush with your cabinets and is sitting level. If it’s not level, adjust the dishwasher’s front legs. Then secure the dishwasher in place using the provided hardware. Replace the front panel.

Turn the power back on and do a test load of dishes. It’s smart to do a trial run while you’re in or close to the kitchen just in case of any issues or leaks.