How to Cut Out Drywall Behind a Dishwasher

Locate the breaker that controls the kitchen and turn it off. If the dishwasher runs off its own breaker, turn it off too. Most dishwashers use a direct connection to the panel and do not have a plug that you can remove from an outlet. Eliminating electricity when cutting into a wall is important, as you could possibly cut into an electrical wire.

Locate the water supply shut-off valve for the dishwasher under the sink and turn it off.

Remove the cover from the front kick panel of the dishwasher. The kick panel is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. You need a screwdriver to remove the kick panel.

Disconnect the supply hose coupler from intake port located behind the kick panel with channel lock pliers. Expect some water to drain from the hose. Drain the water into a bowel.

Locate the band clamp that secures the dishwasher drain hose to the pump located behind the kick panel. Loosen the screw on the band clamp and then pull the drain hose off the pump.

Locate the terminal box for the electrical wires located behind the kick panel. Draw a diagram that shows you which wire connects to which terminal and then loosen the terminal screws. Remove the wires from the terminal screws.

Pull the dishwasher straight forward and out from under the countertop so you can easily access the area behind the dishwasher.

Mark the area you plan to cut on the drywall with a pencil.

Place the tip of your key hole saw against the drywall, where you plan to start your cut and then shove the keyhole saw directly into the wall. The sharp point on the end of the keyhole saw makes it easy to shove the saw into the drywall.

Reciprocate the saw blade in an in-and-out pattern as you force the saw along the line you scribed on the wall.