Moving a new large appliance can be exciting and a sign that things are going very well. However, it does come with questions such as, can you transport a dishwasher on its side? After all, you don’t want to invest hundreds of dollars on a new piece of equipment only to break it before you ever get it home. Properly padding and securing your dishwasher, so it stays secure in transit will help. However, it pays to know whether you can lay it down. Some appliances need to travel standing up. Refrigerators, for example, must stand up to move safely. Your new dishwasher isn’t a refrigerator, and it has different requirements. I’ll explain everything you need to know to make that move without incident. Once you hook it up, you’ll be doing the dishes in no time with a few savvy tips.
Can you transport a dishwasher on its side? You can transport a dishwasher on its side. Although appliances with refrigeration units need to be transported standing up due to the coolant, you can lay down other appliances. Always pad and secure your dishwasher for transit, but otherwise, it should be fine.
How To Move A Bosch Dishwasher
Before you can transport your dishwasher, either on its side or upright, you need to disconnect it properly. It may seem overwhelming at first, but I assure you, any DIYer can handle this task. You’ll need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, a small towel, and a digital camera to make sure you can put everything back in place properly on the other end. Additionally, you may want a plastic Ziploc-type bag to put screws inside, so you don’t lose them.
Bundling up a new dishwasher is different from moving an existing appliance. Unlike your fridge, you can’t simply empty the insides and then unplug to wheel it away. Though you should always unload, the following list shows how to disconnect and move a Bosch dishwasher.
Ten Easy Steps To Move Your Bosch Dishwasher
These steps will get the dishwasher ready to go. Make sure you pay close attention to where you put any screws or parts you remove. Additionally, the orientation of the wires you disconnect is vital. If you’re worried about remembering, grab your phone and take a before and after picture of each step so you can reassemble and install it easily on the other end.
- Turn off the power supply to the dishwasher by flipping the breaker for that area of the house.
- Shut off the water supply valve by turning the handle that connects to your dishwasher.
- Remove the lower access panel by removing the screws.
- Underneath your Bosch Dishwasher, you can disconnect the water supply valve. It is normal for some water to be trapped in the line, and it will come out when you disconnect the dishwasher. You may want to have a small towel on hand for this step.
- Disconnect the drain hose from your garbage disposal or sink. You may want to feed it through the hole in the cabinet at this point.
- Open your junction box by removing the mounting screw. Inside are three wires. You need to loosen these wires and then remove the screw from the bracket behind it.
- Remove the bracket and the nut that holds the wires to the bracket.
- Next, open the door of your dishwasher. At the top, you will need to remove the mounting screws that hold it to the counter.
- If the dishwasher is leveled, remove the screws and re-adjust the leveling legs to a flat position. Once level, you should be able to pull the cabinet straight out. Be careful and take your time with this step to avoid damaging your fingers or the machine.
- Load your dishwasher on a dolly and wheel it out for transport. You may want to use movers’ blankets for padding and tie-downs if you’re moving on an open flatbed or pickup. Otherwise, your Bosch is ready to go anywhere.
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Can A Dishwasher Fit In An SUV
It might surprise you to learn that you can transport a dishwasher on its side in your SUV. Or rather, you can move most dishwashers in most SUVs. When in doubt, measure it out.
First, measure the dimensions of the dishwasher. It would help if you had a height, width, and depth measurements to cross check. Fortunately, if your vehicle doesn’t have enough clearance to move a dishwasher standing up, you can lay it down on one side. Remember to measure the box if it’s a brand-new dishwasher.
Now measure the save in the back of your SUV. Most models will have more than enough space for a full-sized dishwasher. You may need to move some seats, but that’s why they’re Sport Utility Vehicles.
Warranty Warning
If you are buying a brand new, still-in-box dishwasher, you may not be able to lay it on its side to transport it. Some companies such as Frigidaire specifically forbid storing or transporting dishwashers on their sides. Doing this is a violation of your warranty terms.
Although it’s unlikely, you could damage part of your dishwasher, or accidentally cause residual test-water to get into the electrical circuitry. In this case, you’re better off moving it upright. However, for older models that have no warranty, the risks are minimal and you’re not voiding what you don’t have.
How Heavy Is A Dishwasher
Dishwashers come in a number of sizes and dimensions to fit various living circumstances. However, whether you transport it upright or on its side, a dishwasher is heavier than you expect. According to The Movers, the average dishwasher weighs between a hundred-fifty pounds and one-seventy-five.
You can find modern models that weigh far less. Moreover, if you prefer a portable dishwasher, then they can get quite small. That said, if you want to move a full-size dishwasher, don’t plan to pick it up yourself. You’re going to need a couple of other adults to help. Otherwise please make sure you have an excellent dolly, straps, and a ramp to avoid any injuries.
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Can You Lay A Portable Dishwasher On Its Side
Like a full-size dishwasher, your portable unit lacks internal compressors and has no refrigerant to worry about. You should be able to lay and move a portable dishwasher on its side with no problems. I still recommend using extra caution and taking the time to wrap it in movers’ blankets or other padding to prevent accidental damage.
Portable dishwashers are remarkably like their larger cousins. Mostly the difference is size, and complexity. Portable to movable dishwashers may have wheels, and they often hook directly into the faucet of a sink. When you’re done, they unhook for easy storage.
How To Drain A Dishwasher For Moving
To drain a dishwasher for moving there are two lines you need to empty. Since moving a dishwasher with water inside will be heavier, it’s more dangerous, plus that water may leak even if you lay it on its side. Skip that headache and make sure you empty the lines first.
Standard dishwashers have two water-carrying lines. The first is the water supply line and the second is for draining used or wastewater. In both cases the process is the same. You disconnect the hose and dump any remaining water into a bucket. Gravity will do most of the job for you.
Once your lines are empty, you can wrap the ends in towels, or allow them to dry out for a few hours to prevent small drips. Mostly, the water falls right out once unhooked. In fact, you want to have a bucket under the line before you unhook it if possible, or you’ll need a towel to clean up.
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Final Thoughts
It’s nice to know how easy it is to move a dishwasher. Luckily, since it lacks refrigerant, you can easily transport your dishwasher lying on its side. However, it still pays to be cautious. Lay your dishwasher down gently and give it plenty of padding to absorb any extra shaking or bouncing as you drive.
I don’t recommend transporting appliances on their backs. The chords and other vital components tend to be seated at the rear. Sadly, a simple broken cord can ruin your new dishwasher.
Always take the extra time to check that your tie-downs are secure when transporting a dishwasher. A couple of minutes can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble.
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