Removing a dishwasher from your kitchen is quite easy. If your dishwasher drain is connected to your garbage disposal, there is an open hole left once you remove this flexible drain. We have to plug this so that dirt can’t get out of this part. Let’s take a look at how this is done.
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How to remove a dishwasher drain from a garbage disposal
If you have a garbage disposal with a dishwasher drain, there’s probably a reason for that. It’s short and simple: You can connect your disposer to the drain of your dishwasher, allowing both appliances to share the same drain pipe. In many cases, this eliminates the need for an additional drain pipe (and potential leak site) somewhere in your kitchen.
There is a flexible drain between the dishwasher and the garbage disposal. This needs to be removed if we want to get rid of the dishwasher.
You turn both appliances off and unplug them. It is also necessary to turn off the water supply. This is done by closing a valve on the water pipe. If there is no valve nearby, you might have to close the main water supply. Check that no one is using water before you do this. You might interrupt someone’s shower otherwise.
Once this is done, we can remove the flexible drain. Have a bucket nearby as this can drip. You can always hold the drain up to stop the flow of water. Don’t bend this drain too much as it can break. If you get a new dishwasher, it is a good idea to replace this drain as it can contain a lot of dirt and dust.
How to disconnect the dishwasher drain
You should see a flexible drain running from the side of the garbage disposal to the dishwasher. Remove this drain from your garbage disposal. You can remove this by turning the connector counterclockwise. You might have to use a wrench to do this if you don’t get it removed by hand.
If the connector is just a metal clamp, you can use a wrench or pliers to get it removed. In some instances, you will need a Phillips screwdriver to remove a screw. We have discussed how you can deal with stubborn screws here.
Now we can remove the dishwasher. This is a heavy appliance so you might need help to do this. You can also look into getting a cart for this so that you don’t have to carry it. This can make the installation of a new dishwasher easier.
The final step is to close the hole in your garbage disposal. Let’s take a look at how this is done.
How to install a garbage disposal Drain Plug
After you’ve hooked up your appliances, you need to install a plug in the disposer’s drain. The plug is a small piece of rubber about the size of a quarter (¾ inch). The plug is designed to keep water from backing up into the sink and floor. It can also reduce the amount of noise that your garbage disposal makes. Furthermore, it can also reduce the smell that it emits. During hot summer days, you could get flies in this area if you don’t close it off properly.
To install the plug, first, make sure the disposer is switched off. Next, open the kitchen cabinet, and look for the open hole in the garbage disposal. Simply insert the rubber part. You can use a hammer to give it a slight nudge as well. Don’t overdo this though as you can damage your drains or garbage disposal. That is it!
This piece of rubber can be found in most hardware stores. You can measure the diameter of the hole in your garbage disposal to find the right size. Given that it is rubber, it should last a long time. It is important that it doesn’t fall in your garbage disposal though as it can damage it or clog your drains. The top part of the plug should be wider than the bottom part. This ensures a tight fit.
This piece shouldn’t cost a lot. You can also try to use an aluminum foil that you hold down with rubber bands. Anything that can close off the hole and can handle some heat should work.
You can also order a piece from the manufacturer. You will need the brand and the model number for this. The model number can often be found on the garbage disposal itself. If you don’t know it, you can take a picture and send it to the manufacturer. They should be able to tell the model number of your garbage disposal. Once you have this, you can find the right part. This is a more expensive option though but can give a better-looking result.
A home inspector can make a remark if this part is not closed off. They can consider it as something that needs to be fixed. It is better to do this yourself.
Finishing thoughts: how to plug dishwasher drain on the garbage disposal
Removing a dishwasher from your kitchen is quite straightforward. You just have to follow the right steps to turn off the water and electricity. This can also be a great moment to maintain and clean your garbage disposal. A lot of people skip this step and it can result in a smelly garbage disposal. Small steps can go a long way in a kitchen.
If you remove the dishwasher from your kitchen, chances are that the drain of the dishwasher is connected to your garbage disposal. Removing this flexible drain is quite straightforward. The main challenge is closing the hole in the garbage disposal. You just need the right tool to do this. A small piece of rubber is sufficient. Check the manual of your garbage disposal to see if the manufacturer offers another solution.
You can always ask a plumber to do this for you if you think that it is too much work. Plumbers can remove or replace a dishwasher in less than 1 hour.
Resources
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/85405/Kenmore-Garbage-Disposal.html
