Dealing with a dishwasher that leaves your dishes soaking wet is a real drag, isn’t it? You run a full cycle expecting sparkling, dry dinnerware, only to find a puddle-filled mess. Nine times out of ten, the culprit is a burnt-out heating element. The good news is that learning How To Replace A Dishwasher Heating Element is a totally manageable DIY project. I’ve been there, and with a little patience and the right guidance, you can save yourself a hefty repair bill and get your machine back to its steamy, sanitizing best. Let’s walk through this together.
First Things First: Is Your Heating Element Really the Culprit?
Before you start ordering parts, let’s play detective. A faulty heating element is the most common reason for poor drying performance, but it’s smart to confirm. The symptoms are usually pretty clear: your dishes are clean but consistently wet and cool to the touch at the end of the dry cycle.
The most definitive way to check is with a tool called a multimeter, which tests for electrical continuity. If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds.
How to Test Your Heating Element
- Disconnect the Power: Unplug your dishwasher or turn off the corresponding circuit breaker. This is not optional—safety first, always.
- Access the Terminals: You’ll need to locate the two terminals where the heating element connects to the dishwasher’s wiring. This usually requires pulling the dishwasher out and tilting it to access the bottom.
- Test for Continuity: Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting (Ω). Disconnect the wires from the element’s terminals and touch one probe to each terminal. A healthy element should give you a reading between 15 and 30 ohms. If you get a reading of infinity (no connection) or zero (a short), your element is officially toast.
“Testing the element with a multimeter before you buy a new one is the number one thing I tell homeowners,” says Michael Chen, an appliance repair technician with over two decades of experience. “It saves you time, money, and the headache of replacing a part that wasn’t broken in the first place.”
Gathering Your Tools and the Right Part
Alright, diagnosis complete. It’s time to gear up. You won’t need a professional-grade workshop, just a few common tools.
Your DIY Toolkit:
- A set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Pliers (needle-nose are especially helpful)
- An adjustable wrench or socket set
- A multimeter (for the initial test)
- Old towels or rags (trust me, there will be some water)
- Work gloves to protect your hands
- Your new heating element kit
Finding the correct replacement part is crucial. Look for the model number of your dishwasher, which is typically on a sticker inside the door frame or on the side of the door. A quick search online with “[Your Brand] [Model Number] heating element” will point you to the right part. Be sure to buy from a reputable supplier.
The Step-by-Step Guide on How to Replace a Dishwasher Heating Element
Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s dive in. Take a deep breath—you’ve got this.
- Kill the Power and Water Supply: I’m saying it again because it’s that important. Unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet. Then, find the water supply valve under your sink and turn it to the “off” position.
- Disconnect the Hoses: Place a towel under the connections to catch any residual water. Use your wrench or pliers to disconnect the hot water supply line and the drain hose from your sink’s plumbing.
- Slide the Dishwasher Out: The dishwasher is usually secured to the countertop with a couple of small brackets. Unscrew these. Now, gently pull the dishwasher straight out from under the counter. It might take a bit of wiggling.
- Access the Underside: Carefully lay the Dishwasher On its back on top of some towels to protect your floor. This will give you a clear view of the old heating element and its connections at the bottom of the tub. Now is a great time to take a quick photo with your phone of how the wires are connected. It’s a simple trick that can save you a lot of guesswork later.
- Disconnect the Old Element: Using your pliers, gently pull the wire connectors off the terminals of the old heating element. They should slide off, but might need a little persuasion if they’re tight.
- Remove the Old Element: Inside the dishwasher tub, the heating element is held in place by two retaining nuts (usually plastic or rubber). Unscrew these. Now, from the bottom, you should be able to carefully pull the old element out.
- Install the New Heating Element: This is basically the reverse of the removal process.
- Carefully guide the terminals of the new element through the holes from inside the tub.
- Make sure the new rubber gaskets that came with your kit are properly seated to prevent leaks.
- From inside the tub, screw on the new retaining nuts. Tighten them until they are snug, but do not overtighten, as this can crack the plastic or damage the tub.
- From the bottom, reconnect the electrical wires to the terminals. Refer to that photo you took if you’re unsure which wire goes where.
- Put It All Back Together: Carefully tilt the dishwasher upright. Reconnect the drain hose and the water supply line. Gently slide the dishwasher back into its spot under the counter and re-secure it with the mounting brackets.
- The Moment of Truth: Turn the water supply back on. Plug the dishwasher in or flip the breaker back on. Run a short rinse cycle and check carefully for any signs of leaks around the new element’s connections and the water line. If everything is dry, congratulations! Run a full cycle and enjoy the bliss of perfectly dry dishes.
When to Call a Pro vs. DIY
Learning how to replace a dishwasher heating element is a great entry-level appliance repair. It’s generally straightforward. However, if you’re not comfortable working with wiring, if the space is incredibly tight, or if you suspect a more complex electrical issue (like a problem with the control board), there’s no shame in calling a professional. A simple repair is always better than causing a bigger problem.
Keeping Your New Heating Element in Top Shape
Now that you have a shiny new element, let’s keep it that way. Proper dishwasher maintenance is key.
- Load Smart: Avoid letting plastic items or large utensils fall to the bottom of the tub where they can melt on the hot element. Our guide on [how to load a dishwasher correctly] has some great tips.
- Clean Regularly: Hard water mineral buildup can coat the element and reduce its efficiency. Using a dishwasher cleaner or running an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack every month can work wonders.
- Choose the Right Cycle: Using cycles with a heated dry option ensures your new element gets to do its job, but for energy efficiency, air-drying is also a great option when you’re not in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a dishwasher heating element typically last?
A: On average, a dishwasher heating element can last about 5 to 10 years. Its lifespan can be affected by the frequency of use, water hardness in your area, and overall dishwasher maintenance.
Q: Can I still use my dishwasher if the heating element is broken?
A: Yes, you can. The dishwasher will still clean the dishes using hot water from your home’s water heater. However, it will not be able to effectively dry them, and the sanitizing function, which relies on high heat, will not work properly.
Q: How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher heating element?
A: If you do it yourself, the main cost is the part itself, which typically ranges from $20 to $60, depending on the brand and model. A professional repair service will likely charge between $150 and $300 for parts and labor.
Q: Why are my plastic dishes still wet after the drying cycle?
A: This is completely normal, even with a brand new heating element. Plastic doesn’t retain heat as well as ceramic or glass, so water doesn’t evaporate from its surface as effectively. It’s a limitation of the material, not your dishwasher.
Q: Is a burning smell from a new dishwasher heating element normal?
A: It’s common to notice a slight plastic or “hot” smell the first one or two times you run the dishwasher after installing a new heating element. This is usually just a factory coating burning off. If the smell persists or is very strong and acrid, turn off the dishwasher immediately and double-check your installation and wiring.
Replacing your own dishwasher heating element is more than just a repair; it’s a confidence booster. By following these steps, you’ve not only fixed a problem but also extended the life of your appliance and saved some serious cash. So give yourself a pat on the back, and enjoy those perfectly dry, sparkling clean dishes. Now that you’ve mastered how to replace a dishwasher heating element, you’re well on your way to becoming the DIY hero of your home.