The heating element for the washing machine is of key importance. It heats the cold water in the process, providing conditions for quality washing and removing traces of dirt, stains, and streaks of any complexity.

With prolonged use, the physical properties of this product deteriorate and malfunctions can occur. In this case, it is not necessary to get rid of the machine. It is enough to simply replace the old element with a new one and continue using it as usual. But how to do it, not having experience in repairing appliances?

We will help you to deal with this issue.

How to diagnose the problem?

To recognize a malfunction it is not necessary to disassemble the washing machine and test the heating element with a multimeter.

The following failures that appear in operation will tell about the problems:

– water during washing does not heat up to the programmed temperature;

– the machine heats up the water, but quickly stops washing or completely shuts off after 5-6 minutes;

– almost immediately after the activation of the machine in the house or apartment knocks out electrical plugs;

– in the room during operation one feels an unpleasant, burning smell;

– the quality of washing noticeably deteriorates;

– the housing gives an electric shock when touched.

If at least one of these problems is detected, the heating element should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

What do I need to know before repairing?

In order to conduct repair work on the replacement of the heating element as simply as possible, and in the process not arise unforeseen situations, it is desirable to become more familiar with its location and the causes of failure.

Location of the device

In many washing machines of different brands and manufacturers, the heating element is located at the bottom. To carry out repair measures or replace the part with a new one, you will have to remove the housing cover of the machine.

The design of each individual washing machine depends on where it is more convenient to get to the heating part – from the front or from the back. This question the home handyman decides independently on the basis of personal convenience and preferences.

In some models, the heating element is located on the side, and to check or troubleshoot it is necessary to remove the side wall.

Causes of heating element failure

The main reasons why the part fails and loses its performance can be summarized in two positions.

The first is a factory defect. It occurs infrequently, however, it is impossible to insure against this kind of trouble.

Even buying a luxury technique of the last generation can stumble upon a defective model. If the machine is under warranty, the problem is solved very simply – the manufacturer will change the malfunctioning heating element for a similar, but fully operational, one free of charge.

The second main reason is limescale. It is it settles on the metal body, negatively affects the heating element, and eventually deprives it of performance.

The low thermal conductivity of limescale prevents the device to transfer the heat generated to the water, and he himself thus begins to overheat, experiencing an increased load. In the end, it simply burns, not being able to withstand such a volume of thermal energy.

In addition to these negative phenomena, scale creates conditions for the formation of corrosion on the surface of the module. Over time, this leads to damage to the integrity of its metal shell.

The device, which has lost its tightness, becomes vulnerable to external influences and the risk of short circuits, fires, and other fire hazards increase significantly.

The heating element can be put out of action by using the wrong detergents, e.g. hand washing powders, or by constantly exceeding the amount of detergent per procedure.

As a result of unreasonable actions by the user, a dense, impenetrable film of soap concentrate forms on the surface of the part. It creates an obstacle to normal heat exchange, provokes overheating of the heating element, and leads to its subsequent burnout.

To avoid this, it is necessary to properly care for the machine, using descalers for washing machines.

Whether you can find the breakdown on your own or at some stage of the search, calling a handyman is up to you. Not only that, in the absence of experience disassembly and assembly of washing machines is better to limit the external examination and search for simple damage, and then call our master. Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company is proud to offer efficient washing machine repair services in and around San Diego County. Our team of experts is well-equipped and ready to handle all types of washing machine repairs, no matter how complicated they are. We strive to provide excellent repairs using only high-quality replacement parts backed by a manufacturer’s warranty, so you can rely on a washing machine repair technician to fix the problem and make sure your machine will work properly for a long time.

Contact us

(619) 880-5508