Granite has become an increasingly popular and countertop option. However, its delicate surface may leave you wondering how to remove a dishwasher from under it—but it's actually quite simple. For your convenience, we have researched the steps to do it.
Here are the steps to remove a dishwasher from beneath a granite countertop:
- Empty the dishwasher
- Disconnect the dishwashers plumbing
- Remove the glue connecting the countertop
- Unscrew the dishwasher
- Slide the dishwasher forward
If you still have more questions about the process, don't worry. In this post, we'll discuss the process in more detail. The main thing to remember is to avoid damaging the granite during the process, so caution is an absolute must. Continue reading to learn more about how to safely remove the dishwasher without harming the countertop.
Steps to Remove a Dishwasher Beneath a Granite Countertop
Things you'll need:
- Electric screwdriver
- Easy-off Oven cleaner (or another adhesive remover)
- Putty knife
- 2-gallon bucket
- Workman's gloves
1. Empty the dishwasher
Before unscrewing anything, make sure that the dishwasher is completely free of any dishware and silverware.
Also, remove the top and bottom drying racks and drain any dishwasher detergent that may be in the dishwasher compartment.
2. Disconnect the dishwashers plumbing
Next, disconnect the plumbing by removing the drain and water supply hoses from the wall.
You may want to have a 2-gallon bucket nearby to catch any water that may be inside the drain hose. Before disconnecting the supply valve, be sure that the water supply is completely turned off.
The water supply tube is a small plastic or copper-covered tube that has a wire mesh cover. It will run from the back of the dishwasher and connect to the water shut-off valve.
You may need a pair of pliers to disconnect the tube from the valve.
Note that the outlet valve may be a single valve or a double valve that controls the hot water from the sink and the dishwasher. And in some cases, the dishwasher may have been installed without a shut-off valve.
In this case, you will need to disconnect the coupling nut or a compression fitting that attaches the dishwasher's supply tube to the sink's hot water pipe.
Note that if your dishwasher doesn't have its separate shut-off valve (something that is common in homes that are over 100 years old), you'll want to use this time to install one as this is a building code requirement.
3. Remove the glue connecting the countertop to the dishwasher
Dishwashers aren't screwed or nailed into the bottom of a granite countertop, as doing so would damage the countertop.
They are, however, attached using various types of adhesives. To remove the dishwasher, you'll need to apply an adhesive remover to the area above the dishwasher.
It's best to use a remover that has a spray nozzle to reach the tight area between the two structures. The time it takes for the adhesive to soften and loosen up to where the dishwasher can be removed will vary.
Find this Goo-Gone adhesive remover on Amazon.
However, you may need to apply the solution one or two times before it dissolves completely. You can use a putty knife to help loosen the glue as it softens.
Find this putty knife set on Amazon.
In some cases, the dishwasher will be housed in a completely separate compartment. If this is the case, you may only need to remove the brackets attaching the dishwasher to the sides of the cabinet.
And in other cases, the dishwasher itself may have mounting brackets connected directly to the side cabinetry that will need to be removed.
4. Unscrew the dishwasher
Before you can remove the dishwasher out of position, you will need to unscrew the legs and lower it to the floor. To do this, remove the faceplate located on the lower front panel of the dishwasher.
The dishwasher may have a few mounting screws or brackets holding it in place, but you should be able to remove it using a screwdriver.
Once the front panel is removed, the legs of the unit will become visible. Twist the leg counterclockwise to lower the dishwasher.
Lower the unit as far down as it'll go until there is a space between it and the bottom of the granite countertop.
5. Slide the dishwasher forward
After you remove the legs of the dishwasher, you can now slide the unit forward. It's best to have an assistant hold one side of the dishwasher while you hold the other, as these units can be pretty heavy.
Slowly lift the dishwasher off of the floor and slide it forward to remove it from beneath the countertop. In some cases where the fit is tight, you may need to wiggle the unit a bit to completely dislodge it from its position.
However, you'll want to lift it at least an inch or two off the ground to avoid scratching your floor in the process.
To help avoid this, place a drop cloth on the floor right before you remove the dishwasher. You may not want to do it before this step, as it can cause you to slip while you are disconnecting the various components from the dishwasher.
Check out this dropcloth set on Amazon.
There may be some scenarios where hiring a contractor will be needed. This is usually the case when a dishwasher is hardwired into the kitchen electrical circuit.
Disconnecting the dishwasher in this scenario means switching off the circuit breaker and then disconnecting wires inside of a dishwasher.
If you don't have experience with electrical components, you may want to leave this job to the pros to avoid hazardous situations—especially if you are doing a completely new install.
In many cases, the installers will remove the old dishwasher for you.
Want to see this project in process? Check out this video:
Does granite need support over the dishwasher?
It depends on the countertop and the size of the dishwasher. It can be helpful to have some type of support for the granite if you are planning to install a dishwasher beneath it.
There are typically a couple of scenarios where you won't need extra support for the granite countertop. Let's take a look at them.
The dishwasher is not of average size
As long as the dishwasher is 24 inches wide or narrower (the average width of most dishwashers), you typically won't need additional granite support.
If it's not, the installer will typically apply a mesh cover to the bottom of the countertop if the granite is about an inch thick. If it's thinner, they may apply plywood sub tops to act as additional support.
The countertop has a bar overhang
A countertop that has a bar top overhang can create a bit of an unbalanced load. Meaning that if you place any considerable weight on the end of the countertop, the granite can be compromised.
In this case, you will definitely want to add additional support for the edge of the countertop.
You can do this by installing a piece of mesh or adding additional separate smaller slabs of granite or plywood.
You can also add brackets or additional shelving beneath the cabinet to work as standing posts that can support the countertop. Note that this process can get a bit tricky, so it's best to leave it to the professionals.
How do I know if my dishwasher is hardwired or plug in?
Chances are that if you can't locate the plug for the dishwasher, it's probably hardwired.
If this is the case, the circuits will need to be disconnected by an electrician unless you have experience working with electrical components.
This is due to the fact that you won't be able to remove the dishwasher from its position without pulling out the wires. Doing so haphazardly can be dangerous.
Will Home Depot uninstall old dishwasher?
No. Home Depot will not uninstall an old dishwasher if they are coming to install a new one.
However, if the dishwasher is unplugged and removed, they will haul it off for you. They may charge an additional fee for this, however. The fee can range anywhere from $20 to $40.
Wrapping Things Up
The steps to remove a dishwasher from beneath a granite countertop will vary depending on how the dishwasher was installed.
However, the more important thing to remember is to exercise patience if the dishwasher is attached using glue.
And if the unit was installed using brackets, always ensure that you have removed every bracket before attempting to dislodge the dishwasher from its position.
We hope this post has helped illustrate how this process goes. And if you run into any problems, seeking the advice of a professional can never hurt.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:
Can You Stop A Dishwasher Mid Cycle?
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