How To Move and Replace Your Dishwasher

Did you just (finally) invest in a dishwasher? Or has your family upgraded to a fancy new model? Good for you - this is one appliance that is vital to the efficiency of a modern home. Who wants to scrub dirty dishes for hours anymore?

Now it's time to try your skills at moving the old model out. If this is your first dishwasher, look for a place in the cabinets that has been left free and clear for this appliance - unless you're living in a century home it's going to be there somewhere. That is where the new dishwasher will fit snugly. The connections should be happily waiting for you.

For all the rest of you that bought a replacement, it's time to get that old one out.

Plumbing and Electrical
The plumbing behind a dishwasher is fairly limited. There is a feed tube and a disposal or drain tube. Keep an eye out for the power supply as well.

When disconnecting your old dishwasher, be sure to turn the power off first. Very important step. Then follow the power lines back to a junction box where they can be easily unplugged and neatly rolled up.

Figure out your water lines by following the trail. Start at the dishwasher, pick a line and follow it back. If the plumbing ends at the garbage disposal or sink drain pipe, that's your disposal tube. Check. By process of elimination, the other one is your feed tube.

Disconnect these and clean up any water with a towel. Keep the area as dry as possible to prevent slipping.

Wheel It Away
If you have a dolly, now is the time to use it. If you don't, get one. No excuses.

Gently load the dried, disconnected dishwasher onto the dolly. Pay attention to the bottom plate as it's often just a removable piece that will fall off when the appliance is moved. Some people like to lay the dishwasher on its front panel to move it. Your choice, but it's a good idea to cover the front panel with a blanket regardless to avoid scratching and damage.

Bring in the New One
With another dolly (or after removing the old one and scooping back the first dolly), roll the new dishwasher over and set it in place. Basically you're going to be hooking up the same lines in the same order - feeding tube, disposal tube and power.

You'll also need to level the appliance and possibly attach it to the cabinets. Check the owner's manual for your unit to find out exactly how that is done (cause it's different for each type). Leveling helps to cut down on dish damage and noise, while attaching to the cabinet simply keeps the appliance square and secure - good news. Keep it dry back there and do not turn on the power until all is tight and ready to go.

See? That wasn't so bad. Now you have a brand new dishwasher and no plumber bills.