KitchenAid KD-21A Series Dishwashers Installation Instructions
Before Starting
Please read these installation instructions COMPLETELY AND CAREFULLY. They will save you time, work, and help to ensure optimum dishwasher performance.
For Replacement Installation: Review these complete instructions to be sure that previous connections are compatible.
For New Installations: Plumbing and electrical connections must be provided before the dishwasher is moved into place.
These instructions are intended for use by qualified workers who will observe all local codes and ordinances for plumbing connections as well as local codes and/or the national Electrical Code for electrical connections.
You Will Need These Tools
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Adjustable Wrenches (2) (if copper fittings are used)
- Pipe Wrenches (2) (if galvanized or iron fittings are used)
- Nut Driver or Socket Set
- Wire Cutters
- Tape Measure
- Spirit/Bubble Level
- Electric Drill
- 1" Drill Bit or Hole Saw
- Square
And These Materials
- 1/2" OD Copper Tubing (of sufficient length for your installation), Shut-off Valve, and Fittings (for copper water supply line)
- 3/8" Pipe (of sufficient length for your installation), Shut-off Valve, and Fittings (for galvanized water supply line)
- 3/8" NPT Street Elbow (you will need 2 for galvanized water supply line) or 90° Compression Elbow (3/8" NPT one end, for copper water supply line)
- 9/16" ID Heat and Detergent Resistant Rubber Hose and Clamps or 5/8" OD Copper Tubing and Fittings (of sufficient length to accommodate your drain line)
- 10" Length of 5/8" OD Soft Copper Tubing, Formed Into a Semicircle (if high loop drain is required)
- 115 Volt, 15 Amp, 2 Wire, Properly Grounded, Branch Circuit
Specifications
Electrical: 115 volts, 60 hertz, 1 phase
Operating Load: 13.5 amperes
Maximum Protective Device Size: 15 amperes
Minimum Circuit Size: 15 amperes
Water Temperature: 140°F or lower depending on model (refer to Use & Care Guide)
Water Pressure (Flowing): 20 to 120 psi
Cabinet Opening: 33⁷⁄₁₆" to 35" high, 24" wide, 23½" deep (min.)
Here Are The Basic Steps of Installation
- Choosing the Location
- Preparing the Location
- Placing the Dishwasher in Its Location
- Connecting the Water Supply Line
- Connecting the Drain Line
- Connecting the Electrical Supply
- Final Check List
- Front Panel Variations
- Seasonal Storage
1 Choosing the Location
For easy access to plumbing, it is most convenient to have your dishwasher located near the kitchen sink.
Any built-in dishwasher must be fully enclosed on the top, both sides, and the back. Therefore, the cabinet space below your kitchen counter is probably the best location. If the dishwasher is being installed at the end of a cabinet or free standing, then side panels and a wood top can be purchased from your KitchenAid dealer to enclose the dishwasher.
The cabinet opening should be square with dimensions as follows: Height - 33⁷⁄₁₆" to 35"; Width - 24" minimum; Depth - 23½" minimum. If the dishwasher height of 33⁷⁄₁₆" is too high, it may be reduced to 33⁷⁄₁₆" by removing the leveling feet. If side panels are used, cabinet height should be 34½" minimum to 35" maximum using the adjusting legs.
Fig. 1: Illustration of a kitchen cabinet opening for a dishwasher, showing dimensions for height (33⁷⁄₁₆" to 35"), width (24" minimum), and depth (23½" minimum).Fig. 2: Diagram showing a dishwasher in a corner, illustrating the necessary clearance for opening the door.CAUTION: To protect against possible rupture of the fill valve, water lines leading to the dishwasher, as well as water lines in the dishwasher MUST be protected against freezing. Such ruptures are not covered by the warranty.
2 Preparing the Location
Access holes in the cabinets, floor, or rear wall for the hot water supply line, drain line, and electrical supply must be located within the shaded area in Fig. 3 in order to avoid interference with the dishwasher frame or other components.
Fig. 3: Diagram showing the underside of a kitchen counter, indicating the shaded area where access holes for water, drain, and electrical lines should be located to avoid interference with the dishwasher frame or other components. This wall area must be free of pipes and wires.Hot Water Supply Line
WARNING: PLUMBING CONNECTIONS MUST COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE SANITARY, SAFETY, AND PLUMBING CODES.
Water supply should be 140°F or lower depending on model (refer to Use and Care Guide).
The hot water supply line should be 1/2" OD copper tubing or 3/8" galvanized pipe. The dishwasher fill valve has a 3/8" NPT female connection.
After determining where the water supply line will enter the dishwasher opening, drill a 1" access hole and run the line to the approximate fill valve location as shown in Fig. 4.
Fig. 4: Illustration of water supply line connection to the dishwasher's fill valve, showing recommended placement of shut-off valve and union, and approximate distance from the floor.CAUTION: To prevent heat damage to the fill valve, ALL solder connections must be made BEFORE the water line is connected to the dishwasher.
Drain Line
The drain line should be 9/16" ID (minimum) flexible hose or 5/8" OD copper tubing. Flexible hose must be resistant to heat and detergent and may be obtained from a plumbing, hardware, or automotive supply outlet. DO NOT use any fittings anywhere in the drain line that are less than 1/2" ID. The access hole for the drain line should be 1".
If drain line is copper, clamp a 12" length of 5/8" ID flexible hose (heat and detergent resistant) to the end of the copper tubing. This will facilitate connection of the drain line to dishwasher check valve.
If the drain line is going to be connected to a food waste disposer, BE SURE to remove the knockout or plug from the fitting on the disposer before connecting drain line. Rubber adapter fitting may be required (KitchenAid part number 115739 or available from local hardware or plumbing stores).
Fig. 5 & 6: Diagrams illustrating typical drain connections to sink plumbing and an air gap. These show the required minimum height for the drain line connection point (20" above floor) or the formation of a high loop.If drain is routed to a connection point less than 20" above the floor, the drain line MUST be made to form a high loop tube (shown in Fig. 7).
CAUTION: Failure to provide either the proper drain connection height (20" above floor level) or a 20" high loop will result in improper draining of the machine which may cause damage to the machine.
Fig. 7: Diagram showing how to form a high loop for the drain line to prevent siphoning and ensure proper drainage height. It emphasizes making sure no kinks develop in the hose or copper tubing.6 Connecting the Electrical Supply
WARNING: ELECTRICAL AND GROUNDING CONNECTIONS MUST COMPLY WITH THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE AND/OR OTHER LOCAL CODES.
WARNING: DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY.
The electrical supply must be a 115 volt, 15 amp, properly grounded, positioned as shown in Fig. 8, and should be installed by a qualified electrician. No other appliances or outlets should be on this circuit.
Fig. 8: Diagram showing the electrical supply connection point behind the dishwasher, indicating approximate dimensions and location.Fig. 9: Detailed view of the dishwasher's lower panel, kickboard, and adjustment mechanism, showing screws and tabs for removal and reattachment.Process:
- Remove junction box from dishwasher.
- Install a UL Listed connector or strain relief bushing.
- Connect white lead to white lead and black lead to black lead with wire nuts, and secure ground wire under the green ground screw (Fig. 16).
- Reinstall junction box.
When house wiring is aluminum, use UL listed aluminum to copper connectors.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT WATER SUPPLY LINE, DRAIN LINE, AND WIRING DO NOT TOUCH ANY EXPOSED TERMINALS OF DISHWASHER WIRING.
Fig. 16: Diagram showing the electrical junction box and ground screw connection, illustrating how to connect the wires. (Note: This figure is also referenced in the drain line section, but appears here in the context of electrical connection diagrams).3 Placing the Dishwasher in Its Location
The adjustable kickboard and lower panel (Fig. 9) must be removed for access to dishwasher connections. Remove the kickboard (5) by removing the two screws (one with lock washer) that secure it. Remove two screws (1) and pull out the bottom of lower panel to unhook tabs (2) from frame. Remove the lower panel by pulling it downward to slide panel flanges (3) from behind the support channel (4).
Set the dishwasher in front of the prepared cabinet opening and evenly adjust the four leveling feet to the desired height.
Slide the dishwasher into the cabinet opening, being careful to avoid damage to the floor or interference with water, drain, and electrical lines. DO NOT remove the rear cross channel.
Fig. 10: Illustration of how to secure the dishwasher to the cabinet using the rear cross channel. It shows steps for loosening/removing screws and aligning holes.Unlatch and open the door and remove the foam shipping cushions from upper corners of the door. Check to assure that cabinet clearance is equal on both sides of the dishwasher and that cabinet interference does not distort dishwasher tank.
With the door still open, place a spirit/bubble level against the front tank flange (Fig. 11) and level the dishwasher front-to-back and side-to-side by adjusting the leveling legs (Fig. 12) in or out as necessary.
Fig. 11: Diagram showing how to use a spirit/bubble level against the front tank flange to check for levelness.Fig. 12: Illustration of adjusting the leveling legs to ensure the dishwasher is level and properly aligned. It also shows how to anchor the dishwasher to the floor with a lag bolt if countertop brackets are not compatible.If the dishwasher is not properly leveled or if it is distorted by cabinet interference, the door may not seal properly and may leak. If necessary, the leveling leg may be further adjusted to correct any distortion and align tank for equal clearance on both sides (Fig. 12).
To maintain dishwasher position and alignment, locate the adjustable brackets at the upper tank corners as shown in Fig. 13 and secure them to the counter top with self drilling flat head wood screws (supplied). CAUTION: Make sure screw heads will not interfere with the top of the door. If these brackets are not compatible with your countertop, the dishwasher may be anchored to the floor with a 1/4" lag bolt (not supplied) through the hole in each side of the dishwasher frame as shown in Fig. 12.
Fig. 13: Diagram showing how to attach adjustable brackets to the countertop for dishwasher alignment.4 Connecting the Water Supply Line
The water supply line should be flushed to clear any foreign material BEFORE connecting to dishwasher.
Make sure there are no sharp bends or kinks which might restrict water flow.
To facilitate connection of the water line from the rear of the dishwasher, it is recommended that a 3/8" NPT street elbow be connected to the fill valve and a 90° compression elbow (3/8" NPT one end) be connected to the street elbow. The supply line can then be connected to the compression elbow (see Fig. 14). NOTE: If galvanized pipe is used, substitute a second 3/8" street elbow for the compression elbow.
Turn on water supply and check for leaks.
Fig. 14: Detailed view of the water supply line connection to the dishwasher's fill valve, showing compression fittings, compression sleeve, and the 90° street elbow and 90° compression elbow.5 Connecting the Drain Line
Remove the red plug from the dishwasher check valve and use a hose clamp (not supplied) to connect the prepared drain line directly to the dishwasher check valve (Fig. 15).
Make sure there are no sharp bends or kinks anywhere in the drain line which might restrict water flow.
Fig. 15: Close-up of the dishwasher's check valve where the drain line connects, showing the removal of a red plug.Fig. 16: Diagram showing the electrical junction box and ground screw connection, illustrating how to connect the wires. (Note: This figure is also referenced in the drain line section, but appears here in the context of electrical connection diagrams).7 Final Check List
Open the dishwasher door and remove all cardboard, and literature. DO NOT remove the white plastic plug buttons (Fig. 17) from sides of door or the white plastic bumpers on front corners of the lower rack. DO NOT remove the two spring retainers (Fig. 18) attached to the tank water heater if dishwasher is so equipped.
Fig. 17: Illustration of the dishwasher door, highlighting parts not to be removed (white plastic plug buttons).Fig. 18: Illustration of spring retainers on the tank water heater.Turn on the electrical power supply.
Test Dishwasher Operation:
- Push button models: Close and latch the door. Press Cancel Cycle button, timer will automatically advance to off. Lift the door handle and allow several seconds for the timer to reset. Latch the door handle, press Normal Wash button, and allow the dishwasher to run through a complete cycle.
- Cycle Selection Dial Models: Close and latch the door. Turn the dial clockwise until it clicks into the Normal Wash position. Press Start or Normal Wash button and allow the dishwasher to run through a complete cycle.
- Solid State Models: Close and latch door. "PF" appears in display. Press Cancel.
Turn off the electrical power and check for leaks under the dishwasher. Make sure that no kinks have developed in the fill or drain lines.
The lower panel and adjustable kickboard (Fig. 19) must be replaced. Line up panel flanges (3) to fit under lip of channel (4). Slide panel up until it stops and then push up tabs (2) to hook over the frame. Secure the lower panel with two screws (1). Replace the kickboard using two screws (one with lock washer). Check to assure that the opening at the bottom of the kickboard is not obstructed (e.g., by carpet, molding, etc.). This area must be open to provide air circulation to cool the motor.
Fig. 19: Diagram showing how to reinstall the lower panel and kickboard, referencing screws and tabs.This completes dishwasher installation. For more information about the dishwasher, please refer to your Use and Care Guide.
8 Front Panel Variations
Vari-Front Panel Pack: All KitchenAid dishwashers are equipped with reversible front panels. If you wish to change the color of your dishwasher panels, consult your Use and Care Guide for instructions on how to reverse these panels.
Custom Panels: If custom wood or decorator front panels are to be used, they should be 1/4" thick. Length and width dimensions should be the same as the Vari-Front panel inserts. If wood panels are less than 1/4" thick, they must be shimmed up to the required 1/4" with appropriately sized back up board (corrugated cardboard, masonite, etc.). If wood panels are thicker than 1/4", the edges will have to be trimmed down on all four sides as shown in Fig. 20. CAUTION: The finish applied to custom wood panels should be applied to the front, back, and all edges, and must be waterproof since a certain amount of moist air is discharged from the machine.
Fig. 20: Illustrations showing how to prepare custom front panels, including trimming edges to fit.The use of custom panels may necessitate adjustment of the door tension. The door should be counterbalanced (i.e., doesn't fall open when unlatched or pull itself closed from the open position).
If the door pulls itself closed from the open (horizontal) position, close the door and adjust the door springs by moving the adjustable door spring brackets (Fig. 21) upward to alternate holes. Move brackets downward if the door falls open too quickly.
Fig. 21: Diagram showing adjustable door spring brackets for adjusting door tension.If the custom panels are too heavy and the door still falls open when unlatched, heavy duty door springs should be ordered from your KitchenAid dealer.
9 Seasonal Storage
CAUTION: To protect against possible rupture of the fill valve, water lines leading to the dishwasher, as well as water lines in the dishwasher MUST BE PROTECTED AGAINST FREEZING. Such ruptures are not covered by the warranty.
For installation where the dishwasher is to be left unused and subjected to freezing temperatures, it must be prepared as outlined in your Use and Care Guide.
