✅ Replacing the dishwasher heating element with your own hands: 12 simple steps

Currently, the dishwasher is gaining increasing popularity among citizens. If previously only about 5% of respondents said they had this item of household appliance, now the demand for dishwashers is steadily growing.

In terms of its structure, a dishwasher has a number of similarities with a washing machine. At the same time, it is designed much more simply and includes a much smaller number of parts. The material below will discuss the problem of repairing parts, in particular, what to do if the heating element for a dishwasher breaks. Regardless of the manufacturer, a dishwasher can work flawlessly for several years, or even after a year it can start acting up. In any case, dishwasher repair should not be shelved and at the first sign of a malfunction, take appropriate measures.

Remember: in a dishwasher, all the parts of the mechanism are interconnected, and if one of them breaks, the operation of the entire system is disrupted. In the future, this can lead to damage to the dishwasher itself. In this case, you will have to purchase a new one. Agree, not very pleasant. Therefore, we strongly advise you not to ignore danger signals and take preventive and protective measures by periodically inspecting spare parts.

When might such a need arise?

Automatic diagnostics provide important assistance, but sometimes problems may arise when no error code is issued and the heating element needs to be checked. For example, everything works, but heating is much worse than in most cases. In this case, preventive measures are taken:

The machine is disconnected from the network, the water is drained and the dishes are unloaded.
You must wait long enough for the machine to dry.
Now you need to turn the dishwasher over and open it. How to do this depends on the model of the unit. In some cases you will have to remove the bottom panel, in others it is enough to remove the side wall. This is done in order to get to the sensor and carry out a check.
You can check the heating element by visual inspection or use a multimeter for this. It is necessary to pay special attention to the serviceability of the wiring and contacts of the heater, and measure the resistance of the heating element. It is important to check for melted areas or burning.
If there is a malfunction, but nothing could be found, you need to either continue troubleshooting or contact a specialist.

It is important to think about the feasibility of repairing the heating element. If replacing the heating element together with the heating element is carried out on an outdated machine, the price of which is low, then you need to weigh what is more desirable for the owner: to carry out repairs or think about purchasing a new dishwasher.

Diagnosis of failure

Advanced dishwashing machines from Bosch are equipped with an electronic self-diagnosis system. If it detects a malfunction of a particular spare part, a corresponding alphanumeric signal is sent to the dashboard. But it happens that water heating occurs slowly, and the system does not detect operational disturbances. In this case, you will have to think for yourself and do manual diagnostics of the Bosch dishwasher.

The inspection is carried out as follows:

Install the dishwasher with the bottom panel facing up.
Remove the back panel (if the device is not built-in) or remove the bottom wall (for a built-in model). To successfully dismantle the panels, disconnect the drainage system pipe from the water tank, then carefully pull the wall towards you and it will be easily removed.
Using a multimeter, check the condition of the temperature sensor, carefully inspect the wiring and contacts for damage to the insulation and signs of melting.
If inspection of the sensor does not reveal critical faults, you will have to inspect the heating element for the Bosch dishwasher.

Remember, the final dismantling of the panel is not provided for by the design, and you don’t need it. To get to the necessary components, it will be enough to slightly bend the wall.

Checking the temperature sensor

What does this node look like?

In modern dishwashers from Siemens and others, the design provides for the complete replacement of faulty components with new ones in most cases. The heater on most modern brands is removable.

However, it is not always possible to change the heating element separately from other components. For example, in Bosch, Electrolux or Indesit machines it is not possible to make a replacement separately. In the cases under consideration, this can only be done together with a heating block. However, there are also brands where, for repairs, it is enough to replace the old heating element with a new one without additional effort.

It is important to understand that if for a given dishwasher model it is stipulated that the heating element can be changed separately, then fastening elements can be visually detected on its plastic body. If it is changed together with other components, then its separate heater mounts will be provided.

How to make a replacement

The following is a step-by-step instruction explaining how to replace the heating element:

In order to begin this work, you need to open the hopper door and empty the machine of the dishes.
All operations are carried out with the machine turned off; it is necessary to disconnect it from the outlet and from the water supply in advance.
If you look at the bottom of the dishwasher, you can see a plastic spray arm. It must be removed by pulling it towards you.
A plastic glass can be seen next to it. A filter is placed in it. It also needs to be removed.
Next, you need to remove the stainless steel mesh lying here.
Next, you need to unscrew the five mounting screws and remove the heating block.
In order to continue working further, you need to turn the dishwasher upside down.
Now you need to open the back wall and take out the bottom panel.
You can see that the heating element is connected to the pump. You need to grab it with your hands and turn it half a turn clockwise. Having done this, just pull this unit to the side and it can be easily removed. Now it's time to disconnect the sensor.
You can see that the heater from below is held in place by a rubber piece. It needs to be removed. This is easy to do by sticking your hand under the plastic casing.
Now all that remains is to disconnect the wires leading to the heater sensors, the pipes and remove the faulty heating element. A new, serviceable heating element is installed in this place.

After completing the replacement procedure, you need to assemble the car. To do this, the steps listed here must be performed in reverse order.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the heating element

Have you decided to replace a faulty heating element in your dishwasher yourself? Prepare the following set of necessary tools:

2 screwdrivers – flat and Phillips;
screwdriver;
multimeter or ohmmeter;
pliers and awl.

The algorithm for independently replacing an electric heating element is as follows.

Step #1. Check the serviceability of the new heater on a measuring device: the resistance reading should not be higher than 20-30 Ohms.

If it is more, then there is a break in the spiral; if the resistance is normal, then the part can be safely installed to replace the damaged one.

Step #2. Open the machine's hopper door and remove the dish trays, unplug the household appliance, and remove the hoses. Pull upward to remove the plastic spray arm and stainless steel mesh filter cup.

Step #3. Now you need to remove the lower rocker arm: to do this, simply grab the part and lift it up.

Step #4. Release the pipe connected to the heating element - use a screwdriver or screwdriver to unscrew the 5 screws that support the pipe connected with clamps to the flow-through electric heater, then turn the housing over so that the bottom is on top.

Step #5. Remove the back panel. If the car has a retractable wall instead, then pull it out. The heating element is connected to the pump.

To disconnect it, grab it and turn it half a turn to the right, pull it to the side, then the pump will be in your hands. All that remains is to remove the sensor from it.

Step #6. Remove the fasteners holding the heating element. In Bosch dishwashers, the heating elements are fixed from below with rubber fasteners. You need to put your hand under the body and disconnect them.

In the process, you will need to use an awl to pick up the plastic clamps holding the pipes

If you accidentally damage them, you can replace them with new ones, but it’s better to act carefully

Step #7. Remove the burnt TEN. Disconnect the installation plugs of the sensors, pipes and remove the burnt and depressurized heating element.

If the pipes do not give in immediately, grab them with pliers, acting extremely carefully so as not to inadvertently damage the plastic parts: today their cost is quite high. Step #8

Install a new heating element. Replacing the heater with a new one will not take much time

Step #8. Install a new heating element. Replacing the heater with a new one will not take much time.

It is important to act extremely carefully, assembling all elements in the reverse order of the dismantling procedure. This replacement process can be clearly seen in the videos shown in the last block of the article

After installation, continue to monitor the performance of the heating element by regularly descaling it by mechanical cleaning or using chemical ingredients.

How to replace the heating element in the dishwasher yourself

No matter what brand of dishwashers they make, they all break over time. One of the most common faults is a broken heating element. At such moments, the machine begins to wash dishes poorly; work is carried out in cold water. Replacing the heating element in a dishwasher is a task that is possible for the average user. To make it feasible, follow our instructions.

Types of heating element in a dishwasher

Bosch, Ariston, Electrolux, and Candy dishwasher models contain two types of heating elements:

Flowing or dry.
Tubular with a spiral, or wet.

The first type is connected to the pump and pipe. Water is driven through its tube by a motor, so it heats up instantly. Such parts are less susceptible to scale and therefore have a long service life.

The second, submersible, element is combined with a circulation pump. Since it is constantly in water, it is more susceptible to scale deposits. Over time, the amount of salts on the surface interferes with normal heat transfer, causing the element to overheat and burn.

How do you know if the heater is broken and it’s time to replace it? Typical symptoms of a problem are described below.

Causes of heating element malfunction

Most often, the heating element in Bosch, Ariston, Electrolux, and Candy dishwashers fails due to overheating and burns out. Manufacturers and experts recommend installing flow filters and voltage stabilizers on the dishwasher: they are necessary for long-term and safe operation.

Hard water in pipes promotes scale formation. Heavy limescale deposits on the internal parts of the PMM, including the heater. To avoid this, filters are used and special salt is added.

Uneven voltage in the network requires the installation of a stabilizer. This device will protect the electronic part of the equipment from burnout.

If the heating element fails, it cannot be repaired, only replaced.

How to replace the heater

Prepare components for replacement. You may need a new heating unit, as well as a temperature sensor if it is faulty. Tools you will need:

slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
pliers;
awl;
multimeter tester.

Before purchasing new elements, make sure that the old heater is faulty. On Bosch, Electrolux, and Indesit machines, the heating element cannot be replaced separately; the entire unit will have to be removed.

How do you know if you have a non-separable block? Look at the fastenings. If there are screws or latches around the perimeter, then you can try to disassemble and remove the heating element separately.

If the dishwasher has already served for 8-10 years, it is easier to think about buying new equipment. After all, a heating unit costs from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles.

Proceed to dismantle and replace the part. Sequence of work:

Disconnect the machine from the communications, pull out the plug from the socket.
Open the tank door and remove all baskets and trays.
Pull up to remove the lower rocker arm.
Unscrew the drain filter. There may be a metal mesh behind it, remove it.
There may be water in the planting container. Remove it with a sponge.
Unscrew the five bolts securing the circulation pump.
Lay down an old blanket or towel and turn the car on its back or upside down.
Remove the decorative bottom panel.
Disconnect the bottom - it is secured with screws or latches. Some models come without a cover. A float sensor can be attached to the bottom if “Aquastop” is provided. Then disconnect its wire and unscrew the fastening screw.
A drain pump is connected to the side of the heater. Grab it with your hand and twist it counterclockwise.
Disconnect the wiring and remove the pump.
Disconnect the rubber clamp that holds the heater in place.
Disconnect hoses, wires and pipes.
Remove the faulty heating element.

Heater diagnostics are carried out with a multimeter. Place the probes on the contacts and measure the resistance.

Do not use faulty wire for rework or insulation. If the insulation in the wiring is broken, it is better to immediately replace it with a new element.

After installing new parts, test run the machine.

As you can see, you can make the replacement yourself. Take care of your dishwasher, then breakdowns will bypass the dishwasher. Watch the video on the topic:

The water in the dishwasher does not heat up - diagnosing problems

First you need to determine where exactly the problem lies. To do this, diagnostics are carried out:

Reboot.

Remove the plug from the dishwasher, wait 1 minute, and then plug it back into the outlet.

Turn off power at the panel fuses/power switch. If you have removed the machine and then returned it to its original position, it is important to ensure that the tube is not kinked or crushed and that the tap is fully open. Clear filters and spray arms of any obstructions. Turn on the dishwasher, select the appropriate cycle and run it. If the loop starts and runs normally, the problem is solved.

Start the intense cycle and check to see if the car is warm inside when the cycle ends.
Contact an authorized service center - specialists will help you sort out the difficulties.

What else is important to remember when using dishwashers?

It is best to prevent any breakdown, and this directly depends on how correctly you operate your household appliances. It is very important to carry out regular cleaning of the device, which will preserve your kitchen appliances for a long time.

Be sure to use your dishwasher regularly, since during periods of prolonged inactivity, bacteria can form inside the unit, which will negatively affect the health of your family.
This appliance should only be cleaned when it is completely free of detergent and dishware residues.
The first thing to check is the rotating sprayers, because there should be no blockages in them: very often these small holes become clogged with small debris from food and other things.
Carefully check and remove debris from all elements of the machine; you can use thin tweezers or a toothpick for this.
Be sure to wipe all doors and gaskets, you can do this with detergent, and an old toothbrush can help effectively clean hard-to-reach places. Treat the spaces between the gaskets well.
Pay attention to the bottom of the door, since this area in many devices is dead and water does not enter here. A damp cloth can easily remove all debris and other contaminants.
Pay special attention to the area at the bottom of the unit around the drain: to gain full access, remove the baskets and carefully remove all solids and other debris.

To protect yourself from injury, unplug the appliance before cleaning. Unfortunately, none of us are immune from absurd accidents that can result in breakdowns. If you need to replace the heating element for a Bosch dishwasher, then immediately think: can you handle the repair yourself, or is it better to use the help of a specialist.

Bosch, Ariston, Electrolux, and Candy dishwasher models contain two types of heating elements:

Flowing or dry.
Tubular with a spiral, or wet.

Causes of breakdowns and subtleties of choice

Problems with one of the main structural elements of the dishwasher can occur for various reasons. We invite you to take a closer look at possible problems, and also provide a number of tips for choosing a new TEN.

Why might TEN break?

According to user reviews, the most common failures of the electric heater in a dishwasher are burnt out spiral threads and electrical shorts at the tube terminals.

Burnout is a direct consequence of thinning of the refractory element located in the hermetically sealed heater.

Flow-through heating elements in dishwashers often burn out.

This may happen if:

there is a leak in the heating element;
there was a sharp surge in voltage in the power supply network (if such surges are a common occurrence, then it would not be a bad idea to purchase and install a stabilizer);
the filter is very dirty;
the machine is not being used correctly (it is advisable to read the operating instructions for the dishwasher before using it);
wear, accumulation of a significant layer of scale on the heating element (if the layer thickness exceeds 2-3 mm, then failure of the element is inevitable).

With such serious breakdowns, there is nothing left to do but replace the burnt element with a new one. But before that you have to buy it, choosing the right one - any model will not work. In this matter, a number of features must be taken into account, which we will discuss below.

The nuances of choosing a new heating element

When ordering a spare part from online or service stores to replace it yourself, you must provide complete information about the model, including the serial number. The information is on the machine's label. We have provided detailed recommendations on finding and selecting quality spare parts for dishwashers here.

Also, when choosing a heating element, it is important to pay attention to its technical characteristics: carefully check its general purpose, power and voltage parameters, diameter similar to the factory ones, as well as compliance of the device with a standard connector for connection.

We advise you to pay attention to maintaining tightness at the output ends of the purchased device.

Design features are also important. On the plastic body of the heating block there are outlets for connection to pipes and output ends for sensors

Electric flow heaters heat quickly, but consume a lot of electricity. We recommend taking this into account: if you have a dishwasher and an electric kettle running at the same time, the plugs may fly out and the machine will turn off the power to the entire apartment.

Electric thermal heaters designed for installation in BOSCH dishwashers are available in the following designs:

submersible (wet) – in contact with the working liquid medium, heating it;
dry - surrounded for protection by a special flask made of durable composite material steatite.

Dry heaters are considered by professional craftsmen to be more effective in practice, because by eliminating direct contact with liquid they can last a very long time.

The wide flask of the dry heater helps to heat water very quickly, prevents the accumulation of scale, protects the machine from dry plugs, and can be easily dismantled

In various modifications of Bosch dishwashers, sensors for the distribution of water flows, water turbidity and an electric relay can be installed on heating elements, which is switched by a membrane moving under water pressure.

For Bosch dishwashers, heating elements are sold that are included with the pump. This is one single piece, so it is considered non-separable. Its cost is quite high and can vary in a wide price range: from 7,000 to 11,000 rubles.

What types of heating elements are there and what are their advantages?

Modern heating elements can be not only tubular, but also flow-through. The first are, as mentioned above, a spiral, which is placed at the bottom of a special washing chamber. Flow devices are a heated water-conducting tube that is located outside the chamber. It is the flow-through heating elements that cope with their task much faster than tubular ones, but at the same time they consume a huge amount of energy.

Tubular heating elements for Bosch dishwashers are more economical, but they require careful care. As a rule, such devices oblige housewives to use only carefully selected dishwashing detergents, as well as additional solutions or powders, to prevent the formation of scale. Tubular elements heat water by converting electrical energy into thermal energy.

Water heater device

The electric heater installed in the body of the dishwasher belongs to the category of water heating elements that provide stable heating of circulating water up to 100 °C. Some models may be equipped with thermostats.

Electric heating device TEN for dishwasher. This is a special tube filled with a heat-capacity insulator, in the center of which there is a nichrome thread (spiral)

The tubular heating element contains an electrically conductive spiral, which transmits the design power to the entire outer surface of the heating module.

The main components of the heating element include:

a tube;
heating element;
contacts;
insulating layer.

The pump pumps water into the dishwasher through the top of the heating element. This is how the water is heated to the desired dishwashing temperature, which is controlled by a sensor.

Electric heaters for dishwashers with a tubular design are produced by industry with the following parameters:

power – 15 W-15 kW;
voltage – 12 V-380 V;
length – 250-630 mm;
external diameter – 6.0-24.0 mm.

If you have a 3rd generation Bosch machine, then it contains an improved pumping motor with a heating element built into it.

Signs of malfunction. How to check the heating element?

The problem can be determined by indirect signs. Also, modern PMMs report a problem by displaying an error code on the display. Almost all Hotpoint Ariston, Indesit, Siemens models are equipped with a self-diagnosis system. If there is a problem, a test mode is launched, as a result of which all nodes are tested.

An additional sign is poor dishwashing. If previously the dishwasher washed the utensils normally, but now a greasy residue remains on the surfaces, the problem is probably in the heating element.

Where is the element? It is located at the bottom of the housing, near the engine and pump. First, you can inspect the condition of the temperature sensor. It directly determines whether the heater will turn on or not.

Disconnect the device from the network and communications.
Place a towel on the floor and place the car on its side.
Remove the base panel.
Inspect the thermistor and its wiring. If traces of scorch are visible, replace the part.

To diagnose the heating element, apply the multimeter probes to the contacts to measure the resistance.
A working part will show values around 22 ohms.

If it turns out that the element has failed, a complete replacement is carried out.

Parts such as heating elements cannot be repaired at home. And the price you will pay for repairs is no less than the cost of a new part.

Prepare tools for replacement:

Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers.
Pliers.
Awl.

The components you will need are a full heating block. The heating element is not installed separately in such models. Namely in cars: “Bosch”, “Electrolux”, “Indesit”, “Ariston”.

If diagnostics show that the heating element in a Siemens or other brand machine is faulty, then buy a new part. You can find it in an online store or order it from the manufacturer. Here is the sequence of work:

Unplug the dishwasher.
Turn off communications.
Open the hatch door.
Remove the trays from the hopper.
Remove the lower sprayer by pulling it towards you.
Take out the drain filter and remove debris from it at the same time.

Water remains in the hole behind the filter. Remove it with a sponge.
There are five bolts at the bottom. They attach the heating block.

Lay the PMM body on its side or turn it upside down.
Remove the bottom panel.
Rotate the pump and remove it from its place. Disconnect the sensor from it.

Unclench the fasteners, turn off the wiring chips and remove the heater.

The new element is installed in the reverse order.

Water heater device

Electric heating device TEN for dishwasher. This is a special tube filled with a heat-capacity insulator, in the center of which there is a nichrome thread (spiral)

The tubular heating element contains an electrically conductive spiral, which transmits the design power to the entire outer surface of the heating module.

The main components of the heating element include:

a tube;
heating element;
contacts;
insulating layer.

The thermoelectric segment of the heating element is available in a variety of designs. There are practically no disadvantages in the devices, except for the large area for installation and the need for repairs if the spiral burns out.

The pump pumps water into the dishwasher through the top of the heating element. This is how the water is heated to the desired dishwashing temperature, which is controlled by a sensor.

Electric heaters for dishwashers with a tubular design are produced by industry with the following parameters:

power – 15 W-15 kW;
voltage – 12 V-380 V;
length – 250-630 mm;
external diameter – 6.0-24.0 mm.

If you have a 3rd generation Bosch machine, then it contains an improved pumping motor with a heating element built into it.

A heating element is an electrical device that heats liquid with a built-in spiral made of a special material. The conductive element is located in a sealed tube, which is isolated from the machine body. The heater is placed in a water jacket, and an electric vane pump is used to circulate the liquid. The joint line between the parts is sealed with a rubber gasket, which prevents water from entering the contact elements.

On some modifications of dishwashers, there are dry-type units, distinguished by the installation of a heating tube in a separate housing. The gap between the walls is filled with a thermally stable compound, which further insulates the electrical components from water.

Signs of failure of the heater and elements associated with the device:

displaying an error code containing the numbers 09 on the liquid crystal display;
supply of overheated or cold water due to a breakdown of the thermal regulator;
the appearance of voltage on the surface of the housing due to breakdown of the heating element;
extraneous noise that occurs when the built-in pump wears out or breaks down.

Can I replace it myself?

Monitor the operation of the equipment to avoid serious malfunctions. Clean the filters from blockages in a timely manner, do not overload the chamber with dishes. It was not for nothing that the manufacturer compiled the operating instructions, try to follow them.

Today, every consumer would like to avoid expensive repairs, or at least reduce costs to a minimum. Therefore, more and more often they think that replacing an electric heater for dishwashers is not such an impossible task. On the one hand, this is true, because you just need to replace one failed part with another – a new one. However, in reality everything can be much more complicated, especially for those who have never encountered the repair of large equipment.

Therefore, the best way out of this situation would be to call a qualified technician who will not only replace the part, but will also be able to determine with one hundred percent certainty what exactly caused the breakdown. If you have never encountered the repair of such devices before, you can simply damage the equipment and completely disable it. If you decide to make the repair yourself, then remember a few points that will allow you to replace the part as carefully as possible.

To begin, unplug the device from the power supply and turn it upside down.
The heating elements in Bosch dishwashers are placed in the washing chamber, so you need to remove the bottom and find the part.
In order for the faulty element to be removed, you need to unscrew the bolts.
To make sure that a part is faulty, check the conductivity of electricity - failed parts do not conduct it.
Install the new part and check the operation of the machine.

What indicates a breakdown of the heating element?

Almost all modifications of modern dishwashers have in their designs a complex of complex mechanical and electronic “stuffing”, ranging from a system of water supply and drainage pipelines with pumps, ending with a digital control unit.

The programs in the devices are also varied in their functions.

If error code “09”, “E09”, “F09” appears on the control panel of the dishwasher, this will mean that there is a serious problem with heating the water in the unit.

Most likely, a damaged heating element, also known as a tubular heating element, is to blame for this, and other elements of complex equipment may also be affected.

German dishwashers are famous for the quality of their impeccable original assembly, but over time, the working units of this complex equipment can fail

Problems with water heating can also be caused by the following troubles:

short circuit in the residential power supply circuit;
emergency oxidation of contacts located on the terminals of the heating device;
excessively hard water entering the machine from the water supply.

In such cases, owners need to decide to replace the electric heating unit themselves or invite a service specialist.

Owners of electric dishwashers need to carefully monitor the digital display: the machine will display on it error codes that arose during the operating process of the device. The list of codes is provided in the instruction manual

It is not for nothing that heating elements are considered the heart of PMM of any configuration, regardless of the popularity of the brand and “sophisticated” functions. The use of dishwashers in domestic conditions proves this.

After all, damage to heating elements brought to a critical level can in 100% of cases render the entire complex mechanism of the machine unusable. Why expose such an expensive thing to unjustified risk?

A specialist from a service organization will install the heating element in a qualified manner, but if this is not possible, then the owner of the equipment can install this part into the machine himself, according to the instructions

Abnormal (incorrect) operation of heating elements in dishwashers is a dangerous prerequisite for more serious negative consequences both in the subsequent operation of the device and in the lives of people who directly use the equipment.