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how do you remove a knockout plug from a dishwasher

by Laurine Pfeffer DVM Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Your dishwasher needs to be hooked up to the garbage disposal in order to drain successfully. To do this, you should remove the knockout plug from inside your garbage disposal and install the dishwasher drainage tube. In order to remove the knockout plug, you need a hammer and a screwdriver.

Part of a video titled How to Remove the Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug
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The way I typically do it is I put something down that won't damage the disposal. Or the surface soMoreThe way I typically do it is I put something down that won't damage the disposal. Or the surface so with a common everyday hammer and a screwdriver. Simply knock the plug out.

Full Answer

How do you remove a knockout plug from a garbage disposal?

In order to remove the knockout plug, you need a hammer and a screwdriver. Locate the plug by poking into the drainage hole on your garbage disposal. If it inserts easily, the drainage plug has already been removed and the drainage problems are not caused by the knockout plug.

How do you remove a garbage disposal plug from a dishwasher?

The plug is similar to the knockout plug on a metal electrical box, and you remove it the same way: Lay the garbage disposal on its side with the dishwasher drain opening facing you. Insert a screwdriver into the drain opening far enough to contact the plug, then tap the screwdriver firmly with a hammer to knock out the plug.

What is a knockout plug in a dishwasher?

In this instance, the culprit is often what's called a knockout plug. Luckily, as its name implies, solving this problem is as simple as knocking out a plastic plug. Doing this allows water to travel freely from the dishwasher through the garbage disposal drainage pipe.

How do you unclog a dishwasher drain hose?

Remove your dishwasher drainage hose by loosening the clamp. Pull the hose from its barbed fitting and place it into the bucket. Loosen the clamps on both sides with the dishwasher drain connector. Then, take the copper pipe cap fitting and push its open end into the smaller side of your drain connector.

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How do you remove knockout plugs?

To remove a knockout, position the tip of a regular, blade-tip screwdriver just inside the edge, on the side opposite the attachment points. That ought to partially dislodge the knockout, allowing you to remove it the rest of the way by twisting back and forth until the attachment points snap.

What is a knockout plug in a dishwasher?

Knockout plugs are often used to connect dishwashers to garbage disposals. A knockout plug is a removable piece of material that blocks an unused orifice. Each knockout plug is typically stamped from the same type of material as the tube or hole it blocks.

How do you remove knockout plug on LG dishwasher?

1:133:23Dishwasher Garbage Disposal Knockout ModWDF550SAFSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a screwdriver and hammer. You can use needle nose pliers to remove the plug after knocking it.MoreUsing a screwdriver and hammer. You can use needle nose pliers to remove the plug after knocking it.

Where is the knockout plug on a Whirlpool dishwasher?

Inspect the connection point at the disposal to ensure the knockout plug has been removed. The knockout plug is recessed into the inlet and is not visible when looking at if from the side. Insert a pencil into the inlet and feel for the knockout plug.

Where is the dishwasher knockout plug?

0:001:37Dishwasher not draining after Garbage Disposal installation ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you have blunt instrument inserted into discharge inlet. And knock it out with a hammer heat aMoreSo if you have blunt instrument inserted into discharge inlet. And knock it out with a hammer heat a few times until it comes out. This is how the plug looks like.

How do you install knockout plugs?

0:120:45Snap-in Style Knockout Seals... SNAP Series - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply place the knockout seal. Inside the hole and then you give it a little tap with a screwdriverMoreSimply place the knockout seal. Inside the hole and then you give it a little tap with a screwdriver or a hammer.

How do you remove the plug from a GE dishwasher?

0:513:28GE Dishwasher Not Draining - How to Fix DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust kind of lift it up. And pull that out. Over here on the light you can see that. That's reallyMoreJust kind of lift it up. And pull that out. Over here on the light you can see that. That's really plugged up so we'll we'll clean that before putting it back in.

Where is the knockout plug on Maytag dishwasher?

Inspect the connection point at the disposal to ensure the knockout plug has been removed. The knockout plug is recessed into the inlet and is not visible when looking at if from the side. Insert a pencil into the inlet and feel for the knockout plug.

Where is the drain plug on a GE dishwasher?

0:181:59How To Drain Your GE Dishwasher - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd all you do is hold it. Down. For three seconds. And you hear that it is draining your dishwasherMoreAnd all you do is hold it. Down. For three seconds. And you hear that it is draining your dishwasher all right so you can hear it draining over there on the side like in the sink.

Why is there water in the bottom of my Whirlpool dishwasher?

If it's not draining very well or if an inch or more of standing water consistently collects in the bottom of the tub, you likely have a clogged dishwasher. With all of the little worries of the day, the last thing you need is a malfunctioning appliance.

What would cause my Whirlpool dishwasher not to drain?

A common reason why a dishwasher doesn't drain is a clogged drain valve. When we use our dishwasher, especially if we don't always scrape food particles off, the debris gets left behind and eventually begins to accumulate around the drain valve.

How do I clean my Whirlpool dishwasher drain?

1:015:28How to repair a dishwasher, not draining cleaning - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it is just wash it off in the sink. And this filter just pulls straight up you want to make sureMoreIf it is just wash it off in the sink. And this filter just pulls straight up you want to make sure all the holes are free and clear if there's anything stuck wash that out too.

Where is the knockout plug on Maytag dishwasher?

Inspect the connection point at the disposal to ensure the knockout plug has been removed. The knockout plug is recessed into the inlet and is not visible when looking at if from the side. Insert a pencil into the inlet and feel for the knockout plug.

Where is knockout plug on garbage disposal?

Usually located near the top of the unit is a drainage port where the dishwasher's drainage tube gets attached. If this tube is attached already, disconnect it using the appropriate screwdriver for the job. Inside the garbage disposal, behind this tube mount, is where the knockout plug lives.

Is it better to hardwire or plug in a dishwasher?

Best Connection Method In the time it takes to run to the breaker box to turn off the breaker, the dishwasher could deposit an inch or two of water on the floor. A hard-wired connection, on the other hand, avoids the need for an extra receptacle under the sink, where there may not be room for one.

Are new dishwashers hardwired or plug in?

No, not all dishwashers are hardwired. Instead, you can purchase dishwashers that come prepared with an electrical cord and a three-prong plug. These units will easily connect to a regular wall socket that you'd have in your household kitchen.

How to remove a knockout plug from a garbage disposal?

Removing the Knockout Plug. Using the hammer, lightly tap the back of the screwdriver against the knockout plug repeatedly. Move the screwdriver around the perimeter of the plug, tapping all the while with the hammer, so you can cleanly remove the whole knockout plug. Before long, the plug will fall back into the disposal unit.

How to know if a disposal plug is knockout?

If the hole is fairly smooth – no jagged edges – and the opening is as wide as the tube feeding into it, then you're finished with the knockout plug. If there are any jagged edges, a small file or paring knife can round out the hole. But this shouldn't usually be an issue – after all, these plugs are designed to be knocked out.

Why does my dishwasher not drain?

Just like with children, sometimes it takes a little guidance to get your appliances to play well together. Whether you've installed a new dishwasher with an existing garbage disposal or vice versa, overlooking one small detail can cause the unfortunate problem of having your dishwasher fail to drain. In this instance, the culprit is often what's called a knockout plug. Luckily, as its name implies, solving this problem is as simple as knocking out a plastic plug. Doing this allows water to travel freely from the dishwasher through the garbage disposal drainage pipe.

What to do if you forgot to remove the dishwasher plug?

Its purpose is to prevent water from escaping, so if you forgot to remove the dishwasher plug from the garbage disposal, it isn't going to let in any water from the dishwasher and it has to go. You can usually do this without dismounting the garbage disposal: Turn off the power to the garbage disposal. Either unplug it or, if it's hardwired, turn ...

How to retrieve a drain plug from a garbage disposal?

Retrieve the plug by reaching into the garbage disposal (which is safe to do, because it's unplugged) or inverting the garbage disposal and shaking it out. It's important to retrieve the InSinkErator drain plug because if you leave it in there, it will cause as much damage as a handful of nails when you try to use the garbage disposal.

Why did the installer forget to remove the drain plug?

The installer forgot to remove the garbage disposal drain plug, which is there to prevent a leak when you don't connect a dishwasher . This is an easy mistake to correct, especially if the garbage disposal is an InSinkErator. The best time to do it is when you're installing the garbage disposal, but you can do it afterward, ...

Why do you have to make a high loop in the drain hose?

Remember to make a high loop in the drain hose by securing it to the underside of the countertop. This loop is mandated by code to prevent the contents of the sink drain from contaminating the dishwasher if the sink overflows.

Can you remove the plug from a dishwasher?

It is not difficult to remove the dishwasher plug.

Can you disconnect the electric cable under the sink?

You may lack room for your tools in the cramped space under the sink, in which case you have no choice but to disassemble the drain, disconnect the electric cables if the unit is hardwired, dismount the garbage disposal and remove the drain plug as you would if you were installing the garbage disposal for the first time.

How to remove a knockout plug from a disposal?

However, if the screwdriver hits something solid, this is the knockout plug. Use the hammer to lightly tap the back of the screwdriver around the perimeter of the plug until it falls into the disposal unit. Use your hand or pliers to reach down through the sink opening to retrieve and remove the plug.

What Is A Knockout Plug?

All garbage disposals will come equipped with a knockout plug that is housed inside of the unit. When your garbage disposal has one in place, you likely won’t have any leaking problems but your dishwasher may be not be draining properly.

What is wrong with my dishwasher and garbage disposal?

Another common issue with the dishwasher and garbage disposal is a dishwasher that is not hooked up properly, and has drainage problems. In this instance, you likely just recently installed a new dishwasher and a small detail was overlooked.

Why won't my dishwasher drain?

First, if you recently installed or replaced the dishwasher, the knockout plug may still be in place. If this plastic plug inside of the garbage disposal is not popped out , your dishwasher won’t drain and water will pool inside of the appliance. If this is not the case, the air gap or garbage disposal might be clogged, or the dishwasher may simply be too old and need replacing.

Why is my dishwasher not hooked up to the garbage disposal?

Your dishwasher needs to be hooked up to the garbage disposal in order to drain successfully.

What happens when a dishwasher is no longer installed?

When the dishwasher is no longer installed, you essentially have a hole in your disposal. While this isn’t necessarily a major concern, it can cause problems when the garbage disposal is in use or when it gets backed up. In order to prevent any issues from occurring, you need to cap off the dishwasher drain on your garbage disposal.

Why does my garbage disposal leak water?

Leaking water from the base of the garbage disposal (often the reset button), usually means that a seal on the interior shell has become damaged or the shell itself is cracked. In this case, to correct the leaking, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.

What is a knockout in electrical?

A "knock out" or "KO" is a partially stamped opening in electrical enclosures that allows quick entry of a wire, cable or pipe via connector or fitting to the interior. With the right information and technique, you should be able to remove a "KO" from electrical panels and other electrical enclosures without any problems.

How to bend a KO screwdriver?

Insert the blade of the screwdriver into the opening as shown so that the tip just extends beyond the opening. The tip should be as far away as possible from the point of attachment. The blade should not extend beyond the the outer edge of the inner ring. Gently pry the screwdriver's tip into the box. Only the inner ring of the KO should bend inward.

What is a reducing washer?

A pair of "reducing washers" will allow a connector to be supported in an over-size opening. Reducing washers are properly sized by determining a.) the size of the existing opening in the box and b.) the size of the fitting. For example, a "2 x 1/2" (two by half) would be selected to install a 1/2" connector into an existing two inch hole. Two washer per opening are required.

How to remove sharp edges from a KO?

These sharp edges may be removed with electrical pliers. Simply insert the head of the pliers into the hole and twist until has completely circumscribed the opening. The metal is usually soft enough for the pliers to dull any burrs that may be present.

How to tighten a locknut?

Insert the connector into the opening from the outside of the box. Spin the locknut onto the connector. Hold the connector in place to keep screws accessible while hand tightening the locknut. Tighten fully by placing the blade of the screwdriver in a "valley" of the locknut, and rap sharply with pliers or hammer.

How to secure a KO?

The single size KOs and smallest of multiple KOs are generally secured in a single location. Press the edge of a screwdriver against the inner-most KO's stamped edge, away from this point of attachment, and press (or rap sharply if needed) to push the KO away from the wall of the box.

What size trade opening for a KO?

Twist the KO back and forth with fingers or pliers to fully remove. The smallest KO is usually a 3/8" or 1/2" trade size opening. Most modern connectors require a minimum 1/2" trade size opening.

How to get a plug out of a rattling chamber?

if the thing won't budge at all and just hums or blows, you need to use the little wrench thingy to reverse the rotation and back out the obstruction. if it's still moving and the plug is plastic, you can probably just grind it away, using a tray or two of ice cubes as lube.

Can a woman reach a disposal?

If there is a woman or kid in the house, they may be able to reach what you can't. Prove to them the disposal is unplugged or not powered before attempting. (Assuming they have smaller hands than you)

Why is it important to turn off the water before removing a dishwasher?

If water comes pouring out, it could flood the kitchen cabinet and floor. Wood cabinetry and flooring could be irreparably damaged if that happens. Dishwashers can have different types of drain configurations. The drain line could run ...

How does a dishwasher drain hose work?

Dishwashers are often connected to garbage disposal inlet valves, which transfer the water from the dishwasher into the plumbing and out of the house. Before a dishwasher is pulled out, the drain hole must be plugged up or clamped; by doing this, the sink can still be used until a new dishwasher is installed.

What is an air gap fitting?

Air gap fittings are safety devices found on countertops or sinks, and the dishwasher hose passes through it as it travels to the drain. This creates a pressure break in the line and prevents dirty water from traveling into a clean dishwasher. The high loop alternative loops up the drain line under the sink base cabinet.

Can a dishwasher drain through a garbage disposal?

Dishwashers can have different types of drain configurations. The drain line could run through an air gap to the garbage disposal or directly to the drain. Alternatively, the drain line could have a high loop configuration to the garbage disposal or a high loop directly to the drain, explains Home Inspection Geeks.

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1.Videos of How Do You Remove A Knockout Plug From A Dishwas…

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2 hours ago  · Removing the plug in a garbage disposal is important, because without doing so, the water won't go down the drain. Find out how to remove a knockout plug bef...

2.How do you remove a knockout plug from a dishwasher?

Url:https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-remove-a-knockout-plug-from-a-dishwasher

4 hours ago  · Dishwasher leak not draining water after new Garbage Disposal replacement install How to remove knockout drain plug Kenmore Frigidaire Whirlpool GE Bosch Kit...

3.Home Appliances : How to Remove the Garbage …

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3 hours ago To do this, you should remove the knockout plug from inside your garbage disposal and install the dishwasher drainage tube. In order to remove the knockout plug, you need a hammer and a screwdriver. Locate the plug by poking into the drainage hole on your garbage disposal.

4.How to Remove the Dishwasher Plug on an InSinkErator …

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13407887/how-to-remove-the-dishwasher-plug-on-an-insinkerator

27 hours ago  · It is simple to remove this: Find the dishwasher inlet. It’s on the same side as the garbage disposal. In the intake hole, insert a screwdriver and carefully tap it with a hammer. Do not hit it too hard since this will penetrate the plug rather than remove it. The knockout plug will become lodged within the garbage disposal.

5.Dishwasher not draining after Garbage Disposal …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_BPsXAs5S4

21 hours ago The plug is inside getting chewed up by the disposal blades. You should be able to just reach in there and feel around for it, and pull it right up out of the sink drain with your fingers. If you hear it every time you turn on the disposal, it HAS to be down in there.

6.How To Cap Off Dishwasher Drain on Garbage Disposal

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