How can you check the heating element of a washing machine? The main signs of a heating element malfunction

There are several ways to check the heating element of a washing machine. A malfunction can be identified by weak heating of the door glass, an unpleasant odor or a tingling sensation (in rare cases, the unit will begin to shock). If the damage is serious, you will need to replace the heating element. How to do this is described in detail in the article.

Signs of a heating element malfunction

Even in a modern car, the heating element gradually fails due to hard water, as well as the settling of small particles of debris on the surface. Because of this, the water does not heat up well, the heating element works at its limit and burns out.

At the same time, identifying signs of a malfunctioning heating element in a washing machine is not always easy. To do this, you need to analyze the state of the device according to several parameters:

1. The water does not heat up to the required level. To make sure of this, you need to turn on the wash at maximum temperature, for example, in a program for cotton 60. When the process starts, you need to touch the glass of the door. If it remains cold or slightly warm, the heating element has clearly failed.
2. Another reliable way to check the operation of the heating element in a washing machine is to look at the error code. Almost all modern models conduct self-diagnosis and display a corresponding message on the display. It is easy to decipher by studying the instructions.
3. The device receives an electric shock - a similar situation in the language of specialists is called a “breakdown to the body”. This is a very dangerous phenomenon, which indicates that the breakdown of the heating element is in an advanced stage. You can verify this by the characteristic tingling sensation when you touch the body. You must immediately unplug the plug from the socket and call a specialist.
4. An unpleasant odor indicates that powder or a foreign object has burnt to the heating element and accidentally fell into the tank. It is also urgent to disconnect the device from the network and fix the problem.
5. But it also happens that no described signs are found, and the machine does not work correctly. Then you need to turn it off and take out the heating element. If it is covered with a fairly large layer of scale, there are signs of carbon deposits, the part is also not usable and requires cleaning or replacement.

How to replace heating element

If the heating element burns out in the washing machine, the signs will be associated with an unpleasant odor or a tingling sensation (the machine will begin to shock). Both situations are dangerous for both the unit and the person, so there is only one solution - replace the heating element with a new one.

Its location depends on the specific model - the element can be located at the back or front. In any case, the heating element can be found underneath the tank. To dismantle correctly, proceed as follows:

1. First you need to make sure that the machine is unplugged. It is also necessary to turn off the tap and remove the hoses for supplying and draining water.
2. Remove the back panel by unscrewing the bolts or screws.
3. After this, you can immediately see the outer part of the heating element with external contacts.
4. Next, you need to remove the wires from the heating element.Moreover, it is recommended to first photograph them from several angles, so that later you can accurately install the new part.
5. Loosen the nut, which is located in the center of the heating element, so that it only holds at the end of the thread. Next, it is pressed inward along with the pin.
6. After this, you can remove the heating element by carefully prying it with a knife or screwdriver. You should act carefully, since the surface of the heating element is quite vulnerable.
7. After cleaning the seat from dirt, deposits and scale, it is lubricated along with the seal.
8. Place the new part in place and secure it with a nut.
9. Connect the wires and terminals using previously taken photographs.
10. The machine body is assembled and run in test wash mode at maximum temperature.

After this, the signs of a burnt heating element in the washing machine should completely disappear. If the door glass warms up well within 15-20 minutes, this means that the repair was completed correctly.