Dishwasher Heater Element Replacement (5 Signs of a Faulty Heater Element)

The Short Answer is:

If your dishwasher is not heating or drying properly, it may be necessary to replace the heating element. Before replacing the heating element, it is important to diagnose the issue to ensure that the heating element is the problem. Some common signs of a faulty heating element include dishes not drying or only warm water when washing. If you have replaced the heating element and are still experiencing issues, it may be necessary to replace other components such as the high limit thermostat or control board. It is also important to note that running a diagnostic test before testing the heating element may save you time and money.

If your dishwasher is not heating or drying properly, it may be necessary to replace the heating element. The heating element is responsible for heating water during the wash cycles to help improve wash performance and is also used at the end of the wash cycle to help with drying.

If the heating element fails, the wash cycle may not be as effective, and dishes may not dry properly. In this article, we will explore the topic, “Dishwasher Heater Element Replacement”

Signs of a Faulty Heater Element

If your dishwasher is not heating or drying properly, it may be due to a faulty heating element. Some common signs of a faulty heating element include dishes not drying or only warm water when washing.

Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your dishwasher’s heating element needs to be replaced:

1. Visible damage such as corrosion, blistering, or cracks on the heating element
2. Dishes not drying properly
3. Only warm water during the wash cycle
4. Grease and milk-based food not cleaning from dishes properly
5. Long cycle times or error codes displayed on the dishwasher

If you notice any of these signs, it may be necessary to replace the heating element on your dishwasher.

Common Causes of Heating Element in Dishwasher Not Working

There are several common causes of a faulty dishwasher heating element. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Damaged heating element or thermostat
2. Faulty control board
3. Short in the supply wiring or a bad circuit breaker
4. Sediment buildup
5. Power outage caused by a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker
6. Pilot light issues
7. Gas supply issues

If you are experiencing issues with your dishwasher’s heating element, it is important to diagnose the issue to ensure that the heating element is the problem before replacing it.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

When replacing the heating element on your dishwasher, it is important to have the right tools and materials on hand. Here are some of the tools and materials you will need to replace the heating element on your dishwasher:

1. Screwdriver
2. Pliers
3. Multimeter
4. Replacement heating element
5. High-limit thermostat (if necessary)
6. Control board (if necessary)
7. Owner’s manual

Before beginning the replacement process, it is important to consult your owner’s manual to ensure that you have the correct replacement part and to follow any specific instructions for your dishwasher model.

Additionally, it is important to turn off the power to your dishwasher before beginning any repairs to avoid electrical shock.

Safety Precautions

When replacing the heating element on your dishwasher, it is important to take safety precautions to avoid injury. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind when replacing the heating element on your dishwasher:

1. Turn off the power to your dishwasher before beginning any repairs to avoid electrical shock.
2. Wear protective gloves and eyewear to protect your hands and eyes from sharp edges and debris.
3. Use caution when handling the heating element as it may be hot or sharp.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that you are using the correct replacement part and that you are installing it correctly.
5. If you are unsure about any aspect of the repair process, consult a professional to avoid injury or damage to your dishwasher.

By taking these safety precautions, you can ensure that your dishwasher heating element replacement is completed safely and effectively.

Steps by Step Guide on How to Replace Dishwasher Heater Element

Dishwashers are an essential appliance in any modern kitchen. They are designed to make cleaning dishes easier and more efficient. However, like any other appliance, dishwashers can break down over time.

One of the most common issues with dishwashers is a faulty heating element. If your dishwasher is not heating up properly, it may be time to replace the heating element. Here are the steps on how to change dishwasher heating element:

Step 1: Accessing the Dishwasher Element

The first step is to turn off the power supply to your dishwasher and shut off the water supply valve. Then, remove the lower dish rack and the lower access panel or panels. This will give you access to the heating element.

Step 2: Disconnecting Electrical Wires

The heating element is connected to the dishwasher via two mounting nuts. Open the dishwasher door and locate the base of the heating element.

The mounting nuts will be on the corresponding side of the bottom of the dishwasher. There will be two wires connecting to the mounting nuts. Gently pull the wires away to disconnect them, and use a crescent wrench to remove the mounting nuts.

Step 3: Removing the Old Heater Element

Once you remove the nuts, you can slide the heating element out of its housing. Open the dishwasher door, and remove the heating element from the base of the dishwasher by sliding it out of its sockets.

Carefully lay your dishwasher backward, to lie on its back. You may need another towel. You will see a ring of wire nuts. Use your crescent wrench to remove them and detach each from the wires.

Step 4: Installing the New Element

Situate your new heating element in place of the old one. Slip the terminals through the holes in the base of the dishwasher. Replace each of the lock nuts. Use a crescent wrench or a pair of pliers to tighten them in place.

The seals of the new heating element need to be lubricated. For the dishwasher, use a small amount of rinse aid to lubricate the seals on the leads of the new heating element.

Step 5: Reconnecting Electrical Wires

Push the wires completely onto the leads of the heating element. Make sure that the wires are connected to the correct terminals. Use a crescent wrench to tighten the wire nuts in place.

Step 6: Reassembling the Dishwasher

Once the new heating element is installed and the wires are reconnected, it’s time to reassemble the dishwasher. Carefully tip the dishwasher back upright and replace the lower access panel or panels.

Reconnect the water supply line to the inlet valve. Replace the lower dish rack and close the dishwasher door. Finally, turn on the power supply to your dishwasher and turn on the water supply valve.

Replacing a dishwasher heating element can be an easy and inexpensive DIY project that can save you from costly repairs or having to replace the entire machine. With these simple steps, you can tackle the repair and have your dishwasher heating up properly in no time.

Testing and Verification

After replacing the heating element on your dishwasher, it is important to test and verify that the repair was successful. Here are some steps to test and verify the repair:

1. Turn on the power supply and water supply to the dishwasher.
2. Run a wash cycle to ensure that the heating element is working properly. Check to see if the dishes are drying properly and if the water is hot during the wash cycle.
3. Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the heating element. If the multimeter reads zero ohms, the heating element is working properly.
4. If you are still experiencing issues with your dishwasher’s heating element, it may be necessary to replace other components such as the high limit thermostat or control board.

By testing and verifying the repair, you can ensure that your dishwasher is functioning properly and that the heating element replacement was successful.

Troubleshooting Tips

When replacing the heating element on your dishwasher, you may encounter some common installation problems. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you address these problems:

1. Double-Checking Connections: Make sure that all connections are secure and that the heating element is properly installed. Loose connections can cause the heating element to malfunction.
2. Testing the Heating Element: Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If the multimeter reads zero ohms, the heating element is working properly. If the heating element is not working properly, it may be necessary to replace other components such as the high-limit thermostat or control board.
3. Checking the Power Supply: Make sure that the power supply to the dishwasher is turned on and that the circuit breaker is not tripped. If the power supply is not working properly, the heating element may not function properly.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can address common installation problems and ensure that your dishwasher heating element replacement is successful.

When to Call a Professional

While replacing the heating element on your dishwasher is a manageable DIY repair, there may be instances where it is best to call a professional. Here are some situations where it may be necessary to call a professional:

1. Lack of Experience: If you are not experienced in appliance repair, it may be best to call a professional to avoid causing further damage to your dishwasher.
2. Electrical Issues: If you are experiencing electrical issues with your dishwasher, it is important to call a professional to avoid electrical shock or damage to your dishwasher.
3. Warranty Coverage: If your dishwasher is still under warranty, it may be best to call a professional to avoid voiding the warranty.
4. Complex Repairs: If the repair is complex or involves other components such as the high-limit thermostat or control board, it may be best to call a professional to ensure that the repair is done correctly.

By calling a professional in these situations, you can ensure that your dishwasher is repaired safely and effectively.

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance and care of your dishwasher can help extend its lifespan and prevent the need for costly repairs. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your dishwasher:

1. Clean the dishwasher regularly: Remove any food debris or buildup from the dishwasher’s interior and exterior. Use a dishwasher cleaner to remove any buildup or residue.
2. Check the dishwasher’s spray arms: Make sure that the spray arms are not clogged or damaged. Clean the spray arms regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.
3. Use the right detergent: Use a high-quality dishwasher detergent that is designed for your dishwasher. Avoid using regular dish soap, as it can cause damage to your dishwasher.
4. Run hot water before starting the dishwasher: Run hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure that the water entering the dishwasher is hot.
5. Load the dishwasher properly: Load the dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the dishes are properly cleaned and that the dishwasher is not overloaded.

By following these tips, you can help maintain and care for your dishwasher and prevent the need for costly repairs.

Conclusion on Dishwasher Heater Element Replacement

In conclusion, replacing a dishwasher heating element is a manageable DIY repair that can save you from costly repairs or having to replace the entire dishwasher. The cost to replace a heating element varies depending on several factors such as the brand, model, and location.

On average, it costs between $150 to $350 to replace a heating element. However, the cost can range from $25 to $375, depending on the parts and labor involved.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your dishwasher, it is important to consider the age of the dishwasher, the cost of the repair versus the cost of a replacement, and the complexity of the repair.

By following proper maintenance and care of your dishwasher, you can help extend its lifespan and prevent the need for costly repairs.