The heating element in a dishwasher plays a crucial role in ensuring your dishes dry properly and the water reaches the right temperature for effective cleaning. If your dishwasher is not drying dishes or if the water is not getting hot enough, a faulty heating element could be the culprit.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to troubleshoot the heating element of a dishwasher, from identifying symptoms to performing tests and fixing common issues.
1. Signs of a Faulty Dishwasher Heating Element
Before troubleshooting, it’s essential to determine whether the heating element is actually malfunctioning. Here are some common signs of a failing dishwasher heating element:
1.1 Dishes Are Still Wet After a Cycle
If your dishwasher doesn’t dry dishes properly, the heating element may not be working. Modern dishwashers rely on heat to speed up the drying process.
1.2 Water Doesn’t Get Hot Enough
Dishwashers use hot water to break down grease and sanitize dishes. If the water is not heating properly, your dishwasher might not be cleaning effectively.
1.3 Plastic Items Stay Cold
Since plastic doesn’t retain heat well, it is usually the first to show signs of an ineffective heating element. If plastic dishes are cold and wet while glass and ceramic items are warm, there could be an issue with the heating element.
1.4 Error Codes on the Dishwasher Display
Many modern dishwashers display an error code if the heating element is not working. Check your user manual to identify what the error code means.
2. Causes of a Dishwasher Heating Element Failure
Several factors can cause a dishwasher heating element to stop working properly:
✔ Burnt-Out Heating Element – Over time, the heating element may burn out due to wear and tear.
✔ Faulty Thermostat – If the thermostat is defective, it may prevent the heating element from turning on.
✔ Broken Wiring or Connections – Loose or damaged wires can disrupt power flow to the heating element.
✔ Malfunctioning Control Board – The dishwasher’s control board may fail to send power to the heating element.
✔ Limescale Buildup – Hard water deposits can cover the heating element, making it less effective.
3. How to Troubleshoot a Dishwasher Heating Element
Before starting any troubleshooting, unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker to avoid electrical hazards.
3.1 Inspect the Heating Element for Damage
✔ Open the dishwasher and locate the heating element-usually a metal coil at the bottom.
✔ Look for visible damage, such as cracks, breaks, or discoloration.
✔ If the element appears burnt or broken, it likely needs replacement.
3.2 Test the Heating Element with a Multimeter
A multimeter can help determine whether the heating element is functioning correctly.
Steps to Test the Heating Element:
- Turn off power to the dishwasher.
- Remove the bottom panel of the dishwasher to access the heating element terminals.
- Set the multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting to check for continuity.
- Place the multimeter probes on the heating element terminals.
- A working heating element should read between 10-50 ohms of resistance.
- If there is no reading (infinity or zero), the heating element is defective and needs to be replaced.
3.3 Check for Loose or Burnt Wiring
✔ Inspect the wiring connected to the heating element for signs of burns, melting, or looseness.
✔ If wires are damaged, they may need to be replaced or reconnected.
3.4 Test the High-Limit Thermostat
The high-limit thermostat prevents overheating. If it fails, the heating element may not work.
How to Test the Thermostat:
- Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the thermostat.
- If it doesn’t show continuity, replace the thermostat.
4. How to Fix a Faulty Dishwasher Heating Element
If troubleshooting confirms the heating element is faulty, you will need to replace it.
4.1 Replacing the Dishwasher Heating Element
Tools Needed:
✔ Phillips screwdriver
✔ Adjustable wrench
✔ Multimeter
✔ New heating element
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide:
- Disconnect the Power – Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker.
- Remove the Bottom Panel – Unscrew the access panel beneath the dishwasher door.
- Disconnect the Heating Element Wires – Use a wrench to remove the nuts securing the wires to the element.
- Take Out the Old Heating Element – Carefully lift the heating element from inside the dishwasher.
- Install the New Heating Element – Place the new element in the correct position and secure it.
- Reconnect the Wires – Attach the wires to the new heating element securely.
- Reassemble the Dishwasher – Replace the bottom panel and secure it with screws.
- Restore Power and Test – Turn the power back on and run a dishwasher cycle to ensure the new element works.
5. Preventing Future Heating Element Problems
To extend the lifespan of your dishwasher heating element, follow these maintenance tips:
✔ Use a Water Softener – If you have hard water, limescale can build up on the heating element. Using a water softener prevents mineral deposits.
✔ Clean the Heating Element Regularly – Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner to remove buildup.
✔ Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher – Overloading can block airflow, making it harder for the heating element to dry dishes effectively.
✔ Check for Error Codes – If your dishwasher displays an error, troubleshoot the problem immediately to prevent further damage.
✔ Inspect Wiring Periodically – Loose or damaged wiring can cause the heating element to fail.
6. When to Call a Professional
If you have tested the heating element and it seems fine, but your dishwasher is still not heating, you may have a more complex issue. Consider calling a professional if:
✔ The control board is malfunctioning.
✔ Wiring issues are beyond basic repair.
✔ You are unsure how to replace components safely.
Hiring a professional can save time and prevent further damage to your dishwasher.
A dishwasher heating element is essential for drying dishes and heating water to the proper temperature. If you notice that your dishes are still wet or the water is not hot enough, troubleshooting the heating element is the first step to fixing the issue.
By following this guide, you can identify common heating element problems, test for faults, and replace a faulty element if needed. With proper maintenance, your dishwasher will continue to run efficiently for years to come.
If you ever feel unsure about electrical repairs, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure safety and proper functioning.
