DIY Dishwasher Removal and Installation

I heart projects and I heart my husband more for always being the first one to jump in and say I will handle it.  What you all have come to know about me is that I am fanatical about particulars, such as lines, organization, matching things, etc. it is that OCD part of me and it is a mixed blessing.  Yes, this is my husband and myself after the completed install, and yes we are still smiling, even though I am the most crazed, perfectionist.. well he is not far behind when it comes to installations and all diy.  Hands-on to us is best because we know what went into the setup.  It’s now time for a new dishwasher and this is my story of a DIY Dishwasher Removal and Installation as we lavishly live my OCD life out loud!

Hiring people to do installs is not always a good thing.  The bad thing about appliance installs is that more often than not, the people we have had install things have not really cared if they got it ‘just’ right, rather they delivered, removed and set up just to, ‘get in, get out and be done’ to move on to the next one.  We had cabinets installed and the put the shelves in on an angle, he had to redo it because the dishes were falling back.  We had local large kitchen appliance deliver a stove, they just had to install it, and they forgot to PLUG IT IN!  While accidents happen, taking the time to correct them is just time wasted or that we could have used to install it ourselves.  I can’t stand the imperfections that come along with the delivery process, so my husband, takes over and makes sure it is done right the first time.

Gather Everything You Need Before  You Begin

You are going to need screw drivers, a drill, a level, sealant, towels, buckets(or small containers), a flashlight, knowledge and the ability to access to the electrical and water supplies in your home. Additional equipment you might use would be a vacuum for any drilling mess, as well as the area that was left untended below the dishwasher being removed and a cleaning agent to be able to wipe that area all down to start fresh again!

You will need access to the area under the sink where the dishwasher is connected, so make sure to clear that area out if it is loaded for easier access.  I personally used this as a chance to toss out anything not being used in that cabinet!

Removal of the Dishwasher

Before you do anything Cut the power to the dishwasher and turn OFF the water supply.  Make sure you have towels readily available because even if you have not recently run the dishwasher it is only natural that the dishwasher will have residual water in it and when you tips it or move the old one OUT .

Now you can begin taking out the old dishwasher and then make sure to place a towel under the tubing that was connected to the dishwasher as it will still drip as it sits waiting for the new installation.

This is our How TO Video, it is a good overview of what you can expect when changing up dishwashers.

We did work on the leveling process for a while to make sure it fit the area just right, and that the counter LINED UP Perfectly with the controls, otherwise it would drive me insane every-time I looked down at it.  I think this process too the most time, not the installation, but again, I am very particular, and that is a personal preference.

This process does take a bit of time, so carve out a few hours, you may not need it, but between clean up and installation you may.  Remember to restore the power and the water service once you have installed the new unit and read the directions on how to FIRST use the new one.  Lavishly live the installation of a new dishwasher out loud in a few easy steps.  What appliances have you installed?