Door leaks on new Kitchenaid dishwasher

[Dan]

I just installed a Kitchenaid KUDK03ITBL dishwasher which was delivered today. On the 1st run, I noticed if the door is opened during the cycle (even with the recommended 5 second delay after unlatching the handle) about a tablespoon of water pours out of the right hand corner of the door after it is re-shut. Same amount each time, regardless of how long the door is open. The bottom edge of the door extends beneath the front of the stainless steel tub when open, and it seems a bit of water leaks into the extended door bottom, then runs out onto the floor when the door is re-shut. The water level in the machine seems about right, just below the mid-line of the bottom heating element. Also, the fill float which determines the amount of water moves freely & is not adjustable. The machine is brand new, so returning it is the obvious solution, but I'm wondering what might be the cause of this. The machine is level in all planes & the various seals appear to be fine. The door does not leak while the machine is running, just briefly immediately after opening/shutting. I should add this is at least the 10th dishwasher I have installed, but I'm wondering if anything I may have over-looked might account for this leak & save me the hassle of a return.

TIA

Dan

[Edwin Pawlowski]

The obvious solution is to NOT return it but to find the problem and fix it or have it fixed. Do your really want to drag it out again?

First step is to determine the cause. I wonder if when the unit was packed if something got caught in the gasket and it deformed a bit. Now that it is installed, if that was the problem the gasket may come back to proper shape.

Take a look at where the water runs when you open the door. Remember, the water is splashed all about and it may not be running down properly, or it may drip from the top rack. Make sure nothing is impeding the gasket or the door closing. A missed piece of packing tape can be a PITA.

Next step is to just let it run. I'd bet that once the machine starts, we don't open the door at all but maybe once or twice in a year to add something. As bad as the TV can be, it is far more entertaining than watching the spray arm of a DW come to a halt. "Hey Bubba, bring over a six pack tonight and we'll watch the dishwasher fill and drain."

[Dan]

I get your points, but I don't agree. I have a good amount of experience with appliances, and it's not something obvious. Needless to say I'd prefer it just WORK, and I thought I'd post on the outside chance someone had the same experience with this model and knew of an answer, but pulling out a dishwasher's not that big a deal. I'd rather return it now (exchange it, they can pick up this one when they drop off the new one) then piddle around with it until they are less inclined to just do an exchange. Frankly after looking at this thing again, it may be a design flaw. There's very little space between the water level & the top of the tub. I even tried canting it backwards slightly to lower the water level in the front, same deal. I see what you mean about how often it's opened during the cycle, but I've owned more dishwashers than I can remember living various places & this it the 1st one I've encountered that did this. It soaks the insulation, which will get mildewed, cause rust etc. A dishwasher can last 10 years or so, I'm not getting stuck with a $600 lemon for that long.

Dan