Is the water in your washing machine not heating up as it once did? A burned-out heating element is a frequent source of this problem. In order to effectively remove dirt and stains from your clothes, it is imperative that the heating element be used when washing them at the proper temperature.
Your washing machine may continue to operate even if the heating element fails, but the water won’t get heated. This may result in improper cleaning of your clothes and, in time, more serious problems with your appliance. You can avoid wasting time and money on repairs by being able to recognize a burned-out heating element.
This post will explain the symptoms of a heating element issue and demonstrate how to check and replace it as necessary. You can identify the problem and restore your washing machine’s functionality with a few easy steps.
- How to understand that the heating element has failed?
- Buying a replacement part
- Video on the topic
- Burned out heating element in the washing machine
- First signs of a burnt out heating element in the washing machine and replacing the heating element with your own hands
- Why do heating elements burn out in an LG washing machine?
- How to check (ring out) a heating element with a multimeter for INSULATION BREAKDOWN | WASHING MACHINE KNOCKS OUT THE MACHINE
How to understand that the heating element has failed?
For a "newbie," figuring out that the tubular heater is the problem is not so simple. Because modern machines are intricately constructed, the absence of water heating could be a sign of a temperature sensor malfunction, semiconductor burnout, or broken tracks on the control board. You will need to diagnose the washing machine in order to pinpoint the exact problem. Several indicators can be used to predict when the tubular heater will break down:
- the machine does not heat the water to a given degree. It is necessary to monitor how the machine works on the program, for example, “Cotton 60”. Periodically touch the hatch glass – if it remains cold throughout the cycle, you can suspect a problem with the heating element;
- the washing machine displays a fault code a few minutes after the start of the cycle. Modern automatic machines are equipped with a self-diagnostic system, and if an error appears on the display, immediately look at its decoding. Perhaps the unit is just indicating a breakdown of the heating element;
- the automatic machine is shocked. Breakdown on the body is a very dangerous situation. When the tubular element is already in a "deplorable" state, it can pose a threat to the health of users. Therefore, if you feel a noticeable tingling sensation when touching the washing machine, immediately de-energize the equipment and begin checking the internal parts;
- an unpleasant smell emanating from the equipment. When powder or a foreign object that has fallen into the tank burns to the body of the tubular element, the heating element begins to smell bad. This sign can also indicate problems with the heater;
- a thick layer of plaque on the parts. If, after removing the heater from the housing, you find that it looks “unattractive” – covered with scale and has traces of carbon deposits, you should not delay replacing it. However, first test the heating element with a multimeter – if it is in order, a thorough cleaning of the element will help.
It is best to check the heating element right away if you observe one of the symptoms listed. Nonetheless, it malfunctions more frequently than the control module or temperature sensor. We will examine in greater detail how to locate the heating element in an automatic machine and what steps to take to do so.
One possible cause of improperly heated water in your washing machine could be a burned-out heating element. Early diagnosis can be facilitated by being aware of the symptoms of a malfunctioning heating element, which include clothes that come out cold or the machine not finishing wash cycles. Your machine’s functionality can be restored with ease by replacing the heating element, sparing you from expensive repairs or replacement.
Buying a replacement part
It is possible to fix a washing machine on your own, without consulting a professional, if the heating element has burned out. Special skills and abilities are not needed for this work; all you need to do is be patient and carefully follow the directions. A multimeter is required in order to diagnose a tubular heater.
You’ll need a standard set of tools, including a screwdriver, another screwdriver, and a 10 socket head, to disassemble the heating element.
Buying an appropriate replacement heating element is crucial. Removing the machine’s "factory" part and taking it to the store is the best course of action. Regardless, you should think about the following when purchasing a heater:
- marking applied to the body of the old heating element;
- model and serial number of the automatic machine;
- power of the tubular heater. In most cases, modern washing machines have heating elements with a nominal value of 1800-2000 watts.
Generally, purchasing a new tubular heater is trouble-free. You can buy a device with the necessary specs online or at a specialty retailer. Additionally, you have the option to call the service center, where the staff will assist you in ordering a suitable replacement part.
| Sign of Burned-Out Heating Element | How to Fix It |
| Water doesn"t heat up during wash cycle | Replace the heating element |
| Washing machine trips the circuit breaker | Check and replace faulty heating element |
| Washing cycle takes longer than usual | Inspect heating element, replace if needed |
| Clothes are still dirty after washing | Test heating element, replace if it"s not working |
| Strange noises or burning smell | Turn off the machine, replace the heating element |
Maintaining the effectiveness and functionality of your washing machine requires knowing the warning indications of a burned-out heating element. Through the identification of common symptoms such as lukewarm water, prolonged wash cycles, or unusual error codes, you can stop further damage to your appliance and identify problems early on.
A simple way to verify whether the heating element is malfunctioning is to check it with a multimeter. If it turns out that the heating element has burned out, changing it is an easy fix that will get your washing machine back in working order. To protect your safety, always remember to turn off the power before beginning any repairs.
The heating element in your washing machine can last longer with routine maintenance and sporadic inspections. You can prevent unplanned malfunctions and make sure your clothes are thoroughly and effectively cleaned each time you wash them by following these easy steps.
