So, you’re tackling a kitchen move, and that bulky dishwasher is staring you down. You’re probably wondering, "How do I move a dishwasher without causing a leak or damaging my kitchen?" It’s a common question, and with good reason!
As your trusted NJ movers, we at Pick and Pack Moving have handled countless kitchen appliances and know the ins and outs of moving heavy and fragile items like these. While some tasks are perfect for a DIY spirit, moving a dishwasher involves water, electricity, and some heavy lifting.
This guide will walk you through the entire process safely, so you can decide whether to grab your toolbox or leave it to the professional movers.
Getting Ready: Your Pre-Move Checklist
Before you even think about disconnecting a single hose, a little preparation is your best friend. Rushing this process is how mistakes happen. Taking 15 minutes to plan will make the job infinitely smoother and safer.
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
You’ll need more than just muscle. Having the right gear on hand will protect your appliance and your home.
- Protection & Moving: Moving blankets, packing tape, and an appliance dolly.
- Tools: An adjustable wrench (or crescent wrench), screwdrivers (flat-head and Phillips), and pliers.
- Safety: A voltage detector pen to confirm the power supply is off, and a bucket or towels for residual water.
- Fasteners: Zip ties or rope and tape to secure the unit during transport.
Plan Your Escape Route
A dishwasher is heavier and more awkward than it looks. Mapping the path from your kitchen to the moving truck will prevent last-minute struggles and damage to your walls.
- Measure Everything: Measure the dishwasher's dimensions and the width of all doorways, hallways, and stairs.
- Clear the Path: Remove any rugs, floor mats, or obstacles that could cause a trip.
- Protect Your Floors: Lay down old blankets or cardboard to protect the flooring from scratches and drips.
Safety First: Cutting Off Power and Water
This is the most critical step. Dealing with water and electricity requires caution. If you are unsure at any point, it is always best to stop and consider hiring professional movers who are trained for this.
Safely Shutting Off the Power
Your dishwasher needs an electrical connection, and we need to make sure it’s completely dead before we proceed.
- Locate the Circuit Breaker: Find your home’s circuit breaker box and switch off the breaker that controls the dishwasher. It should be labeled.
- Double-Check with a Tester: For absolute safety, use a voltage detector pen at the dishwasher’s electrical box to confirm no power is flowing.
- Pro Tip: If you can’t identify the correct breaker, or if the dishwasher is hardwired directly into your home's electrical system, it’s a strong sign to call a professional electrician or your moving team.
Turning Off the Water Supply
Now, let’s prevent a mini-flood. The water supply is typically located under the kitchen sink.
- Find the Valve: Look for a small valve (often braided stainless steel) connected to the water supply line running to the dishwasher.
- Turn it Off: Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This shuts off the water supply valve.
- Relieve Pressure: Run the dishwasher on a quick cycle for a few seconds to relieve any water pressure in the lines, then turn it off again at the breaker.
Freeing Your Dishwasher: The Disconnection Process
With the utilities safely off, it’s time to free the dishwasher from its spot. Most units are secured at the top and have adjustable legs at the bottom.
Releasing the Countertop Brackets
The top of the dishwasher is usually screwed to the underside of the kitchen counter to keep it from tipping forward.
- Open the Door: Look inside the top front corner of the dishwasher tub. You should see small bracket screws on each side.
- Unscrew the Brackets: Using a screwdriver, loosen these screws. You don’t always need to remove them completely—just enough to free the unit from the counter.
Adjusting the Leveling Legs
Dishwashers have leveling legs in the front that can be adjusted to raise or lower the unit. Lowering them will make it easier to slide out.
- Find the Feet: Look at the front two adjustable feet of the dishwasher.
- Lower the Unit: Turn the legs counterclockwise to lower the dishwasher. This gives you more clearance to pull it out from under the countertop.
Dealing with the Plumbing and Drainage
This is where that bucket and towels come in handy. Even after turning off the water, there will be some residual water in the lines and the dishwasher pump.
Safely Releasing Water Connections
You’ll be disconnecting the water supply line and the drain hose.
- Disconnect the Water Line: Place your bucket under the connection. Using your adjustable wrench, loosen the nut connecting the water supply line to the dishwasher’s water feed tube.
- Cap the Line: If possible, use a cap or wrap a bag and tape over the end of the supply line to prevent any lingering drips.
Handling the Drain Line Disconnection
The drain hose is typically a large-diameter hose connected under the kitchen sink to the sink plumbing connection or garbage disposal.
- Locate the Connection: Under the sink, find where the dishwasher’s drain hose is attached to the drain pipe.
- Remove the Clamp: You may find a hose clamp securing it. Use pliers or a screwdriver to loosen the clamp and gently pull the hose free. Be ready for a small amount of water.
The Final Pull: Removing the Dishwasher
You’re in the home stretch! With all connections free, it’s time to maneuver the dishwasher out of its cabinet space carefully.
Do a Final Check for Attachments
Before you pull, do one last visual and physical inspection.
- Look and Feel: Slide your hand along the back and sides to ensure no wires or hoses are still connected.
- Secure Loose Wires: If the unit has a power cable, gently pull it through the access hole in the cabinet. For hardwired units (with white, black, and copper wires), this step should be handled by a professional.
Maneuvering the Dishwasher Out
This is a two-person job. The unit is heavy and awkward.
- Tilt and Pull: Carefully tilt the dishwasher back onto a moving blanket. One person should pull from the front while another guides from the side, ensuring it doesn’t snag on the kitchen cabinet or floor.
Prepping for the Journey: Wrapping and Securing
Your dishwasher is out! Now, we need to protect it from scratches and damage during transit.
Wrap it Up to Prevent Damage
The exterior finish is easily scratched.
- Use Moving Blankets: Wrap the entire unit in moving blankets, focusing on the corners and the door.
- Secure with Tape: Use packing tape to hold the blankets in place. Avoid taping directly onto the stainless steel or painted surfaces, as it can leave residue.
Secure it for Transport
How you position the dishwasher in the moving truck is crucial.
- Keep it Upright: Always transport a dishwasher in its normal, upright position. Laying it on its back or side can loosen dishwasher components and cause internal damage.
- Use an Appliance Dolly: Use an appliance dolly and a loading ramp to safely get it into the truck.
- Brace and Secure: Place it against a wall in the truck and use straps or other items to brace it so it cannot tip or slide during transit.
Your Quick Dishwasher Moving Checklist
| Task | Tools Needed | Check ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Gather Tools & Supplies | Moving blankets, wrench, screwdriver, voltage pen, bucket | |
| Plan Exit Route | Measuring tape, clear path | |
| Shut Off Power | Locate circuit breaker, use voltage detector pen | |
| Turn Off Water Supply | Find valve under sink, turn clockwise | |
| Release Counter Brackets | Screwdriver | |
| Lower Leveling Legs | Adjustable wrench or pliers | |
| Disconnect Water Line | Adjustable wrench, bucket | |
| Disconnect Drain Hose | Pliers, bucket | |
| Perform Final Attachment Check | Visual and physical inspection | |
| Remove & Wrap Unit | Moving blankets, packing tape, appliance dolly | |
| Transport Upright | Secure in moving truck |
When to Call the Pros at Pick and Pack Moving
Let's be honest—that was a lot of steps! While we believe in empowering you with knowledge, we also know that your time and safety are precious. Moving a dishwasher is a complex task that blends plumbing, electrical work, and heavy lifting. One missed step can lead to water damage, electrical issues, or a damaged appliance.
This is exactly the kind of challenge we handle every day. When you hire Pick and Pack Moving, our professional movers don’t just lift boxes. We are trained to safely handle all your kitchen appliances, ensuring they are disconnected, protected, and transported according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Why risk the stress? Let our secure, insured, and experienced team handle the heavy and complicated stuff. We’ll make sure your dishwasher—and everything else in your home—arrives at your new home ready for its next cycle.
Ready to leave the hard work to us? Contact Pick and Pack Moving for a free quote today.
