A faulty heating element reveals itself through cold washes, lukewarm water, extended cycles, tripped breakers, and error codes. Prompt testing with a multimeter—backed by regular descaling and proper water-level maintenance—lets you restore full cleaning performance safely and affordably, often with nothing more than a simple element swap
The heating element is the component responsible for warming water inside washing machines, dishwashers, and other water-using appliances. Typically a metal tube containing an electrically resistive coil, it heats water to the temperature selected for the cycle, enabling effective removal of grease, stains, and bacteria. In washing machines, hot water is essential for sanitizing laundry, dissolving detergent properly, and breaking down oily soils. In dishwashers, the element also helps dry dishes at the end of the cycle.
Because the heating element works in constant contact with water and is switched on and off thousands of times over its life, it is one of the more failure-prone components in any appliance. Hard water scale buildup, corrosion, electrical burnout, and physical damage from trapped objects all contribute to element failure. When it stops working correctly, the appliance may still run through its cycles normally—making the fault easy to miss until cleaning results noticeably deteriorate. Recognizing the behaviors listed below helps you identify a failing element early and take corrective action before wasted energy, poor cleaning results, or electrical hazards develop.
Common Behaviors and Their Solutions
| Faulty Behavior | Likely Cause | Potential Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wash water stays cold throughout the cycle | Element has burned out completely, or its electrical circuit is broken (open circuit) | Test the element with a multimeter for continuity; if the circuit is open, replace the heating element |
| Water heats only partially or lukewarm | Scale (limescale) buildup on the element insulating it, or partial coil failure | Descale the appliance with a citric acid or commercial descaler; replace the element if heating remains weak |
| Element trips the circuit breaker or RCD | Ground fault caused by a cracked insulator or moisture entering the element housing | Stop using the appliance immediately; test resistance to ground; replace the element and inspect wiring for damage |
| Wash cycles take much longer than normal | Control board extends the cycle while waiting for water to reach target temperature that the weak element never achieves | Test element resistance against manufacturer specifications; replace if readings are out of range |
| Dishes come out wet in a dishwasher (poor drying) | Element failure during the drying phase, or a faulty thermostat/hi-limit switch | Test the element and the high-limit thermostat; replace whichever component fails testing |
| Visible burn marks, blistering, or warping on the element | Severe overheating, often caused by running the heater dry or heavy scale accumulation | Replace the element immediately and investigate why it overheated (water level sensor, thermostat, or low water pressure) |
| Burning smell during hot cycles | Overheating element, damaged wiring, or melted connectors at the element terminals | Disconnect power immediately; inspect terminals and wiring; replace the element and any damaged connectors |
| Error code displayed (e.g., “E5,” “HE,” or heating fault) | Control board detects water not heating within the expected timeframe | Test the element, temperature sensor (thermistor), and thermostat; replace the faulty component identified |
| Appliance stops mid-cycle and will not restart heating | Intermittent element failure or a faulty thermostat cutting power prematurely | Test the element for intermittent continuity; check thermostat operation; replace failing parts |
Tips for Testing and Prevention
Always disconnect the appliance from power before testing. A healthy element typically reads between 10 and 30 ohms; an open circuit (infinite resistance) confirms failure, while near-zero resistance indicates a short. In hard-water areas, run a descaling treatment every few months to prevent limescale from insulating the element and causing premature burnout. Ensure the appliance fills properly before heating cycles, since an element operating without full water coverage overheats rapidly. Replacement elements are model-specific, so always match the part number to your appliance’s model when ordering.