How to Replace the Heating Element in a Dishwasher

The heating element in your dishwasher plays a crucial role in washing and drying cycles. During washing, it heats the water to help dissolve detergent, remove food particles, and sanitize your dishes. In the drying cycle, it heats the air to evaporate moisture from your dishes. When this component fails, you might notice dishes coming out cold, wet, or not fully clean.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing a dishwasher heating element and get your dishwasher back to peak performance.

Signs Your Dishwasher Heating Element Is Failing

Before you begin the replacement process, it’s important to confirm that the heating element is indeed the problem. Here are common indicators that your dishwasher’s heating element needs replacement:

• Dishes remain wet at the end of the cycle
• Water isn’t getting hot during the wash cycle
• Dishes aren’t getting clean properly
• The drying cycle takes much longer than usual
• The dishwasher runs but doesn’t heat up
• Error codes related to heating elements appear (varies by brand)

You can also test the heating element using a multimeter to check for continuity. A properly functioning heating element should show some resistance, typically between 10 and 30 ohms depending on the model. If the multimeter shows no continuity (infinite resistance), the element has failed.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering all necessary tools and materials before you start will make the replacement process smoother:

• Replacement heating element (specific to your dishwasher model)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Nut driver or socket set
• Multimeter (for testing)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Towels to absorb water
• Work gloves
• Flashlight
• Owner’s manual for your dishwasher model

How to Replace a Dishwasher Heating Element

Step 1: Prepare and disconnect the dishwasher

Safety should always be your priority when working with appliances:

1. Turn off the power to the dishwasher by unplugging it or shutting off the appropriate circuit breaker.
2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
3. Place towels under the dishwasher to catch any water that might spill during the repair.
4. Remove any dishes or racks from the dishwasher.

For easier access, you may need to pull the dishwasher out from under the counter. In some cases, you might need to disconnect the water supply line, drain hose, and power cord to move the dishwasher far enough out for comfortable access.

Step 2: Access the heating element

The heating element is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. To access it:

1. Remove the lower dish rack by sliding it completely out.
2. Remove the spray arm if it blocks access to the heating element. This usually involves unscrewing it or pressing tabs to release it.
3. If your dishwasher has a filter or screen covering the heating element, remove it according to your owner’s manual instructions.

The heating element usually appears as a circular or horseshoe-shaped tube attached to the bottom of the dishwasher tub.

Step 3: Remove the old heating element

Now it’s time to remove the faulty heating element:

1. Locate the heating element’s mounting brackets or nuts. These are usually on the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
2. Use your nut driver or socket to remove the nuts securing the heating element.
3. If your dishwasher has an access panel on the bottom or side, you might need to remove it to access the heating element’s electrical connections.
4. Once you can access the wiring, take a photo or note which wires connect to which terminals. This will help with reassembly.
5. Disconnect the electrical wires from the heating element terminals. You may need to use needle-nose pliers to remove the connectors.
6. Carefully lift out the old heating element from inside the dishwasher tub.

Some heating elements are attached to a plate or bracket that needs to be removed as a unit. In this case, you’ll need to remove the entire assembly before separating the heating element.

Step 4: Install the new heating element

With the old element removed, you can now install the replacement:

1. Compare the new heating element to the old one to ensure they match.
2. Place the new heating element in the same position as the old one.
3. If your heating element attaches to a bracket or plate, assemble these components before installation.
4. Secure the heating element with the mounting nuts or brackets, but don’t over tighten as this could damage the dishwasher tub.
5. Reconnect the electrical wires to the appropriate terminals on the new heating element. Make sure the connections are secure.

If your dishwasher has a rubber gasket or seal where the heating element passes through the tub, make sure it’s properly positioned to prevent leaks.

Step 5: Reassemble and test the dishwasher

Now that the new heating element is installed, it’s time to put everything back together:

1. Reinstall any filters, screens, or spray arms you removed.
2. Replace the lower dish rack.
3. If you moved the dishwasher, slide it back into place and reconnect the water supply line, drain hose, and power cord.
4. Turn on the water supply to the dishwasher.
5. Restore power to the dishwasher by plugging it back in or turning on the circuit breaker.

Run a short cycle to ensure there are no leaks and that the heating element is working properly. You should be able to feel the water warming up during the wash cycle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, you might encounter some issues:

• If the dishwasher doesn’t run at all after replacement, check that you’ve reconnected all wiring properly and restored power to the unit.
• If there’s a leak, turn off the dishwasher immediately. Check that the heating element is properly seated and that any gaskets or seals are correctly positioned.
• If dishes are still not getting hot or dry, there might be another issue, such as a faulty temperature sensor or control boar

Summary

Replacing a dishwasher heating element is a manageable DIY task that can save you money on service calls while restoring your dishwasher’s performance. By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to complete the replacement within an hour or two.

Remember that safety should always be your priority when working with appliances. Always disconnect the power before starting any repair, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you encounter any complications or feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the replacement process.