How to Trim Excess Dishwasher Drain Line

Open the cabinet doors underneath the kitchen sink and remove all items from the area to provide plenty of room to work. Lay a large towel under the drain area to catch any water spillage.

Locate the end of the drain pipe, which is at the side of the main sink drain or the garbage disposal. Detach the line by squeezing together the wings of the spring clips that hold it on. Some drain lines use hose clamps with a screw. To remove hose clamps, turn the screw counterclockwise with a screwdriver until it loosens and then slide the clamp back along the hose.

Place a bucket nearby and grasp the hose with one hand. Pull it back away from the sink drain or garage disposal and insert it immediately into the bucket, since it typically contains water. Wait until no more water drains out.

Hold the drain line back up and pull it toward the drain connection. Create a raised hump just before the connection at the drain, ensuring the top of the hump reaches the counter. This hump prevents clogs and backwash from occurring. Mark the location where the line meets the connection location using a marker. Add 1/2 inch to the location, just to ensure you don’t cut it too short. Lower the drain line and cut through it at the marked location using a utility knife.

Reconnect the drain line by reversing the steps you took to detach it.