How to replace heating element in a washing machine

Automatic washing machines have long ago become a mandatory and even standard attribute, indicating a comfortable human life in modern society. Older generations no longer even think about remembering hand washing.

This is all good, but there are also situations in which the washing machine may stop functioning. And these problems are possible. And the main cause of breakdowns is the breakdown of the heating element, or tubular electric heater.

How to check the heating element on a washing machine (diagnosis of failure)

It is clear that without appropriate heating, washing almost any clothing and fabric will be ineffective.

And, even though delicate washing means washing in cold water (up to 40 degrees), most items are washed at water temperatures up to 95 degrees. Only in hot water can you wash off any, even stubborn stains, regardless of their volume.

You can detect a malfunction in one of two ways:

15–20 minutes after starting the wash at high temperature, you must touch the glass. It should be at least warm. If the glass is cold, this means that the washing machine is not heating the water.

Second way – after finishing washing at elevated temperatures, the laundry still remains cold. Such a test will be correct if the washing cycle was not set to rinsing the washed clothes in cool or cold water.

Important point: The vast majority of washing machines are equipped with an automatic diagnostic system. Therefore, if there is such a system in the machine, it will report a malfunction with the corresponding error code.

Determining the location of the tubular electric heater

In order to find out exactly where the tubular electric heater is located, you can use one of three methods:

1. Determining location "by eye". If the washing machine has a very large lid on the back wall, this means that the heating element is located at the back;
2. Determining location by brand. In washing machines from manufacturers such as Indesit, Ariston, as well as in Whirlpool and Candy washing machines, the heating element is located at the back, and in Bosch, Samsung and LG washing machines it is located mainly at the front. If the washing machine has a vertical loading, it can also be located on the side. In order to get to it, you need to remove the side panel (this is one of the easiest ways to get to the element);
3. Determination of location using the experimental method. Due to the fact that the back cover can be easily dismantled, it is recommended to begin disassembly with this step.If there is no tubular electric heater there, this means that it is located at the front, so it is necessary to disassemble the front panel.

How to properly disassemble the machine

First you need to prepare the following tools:

• Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
• Hammer;
• Wrenches with different sizes;
• Pliers, as well as pliers and wire cutters.

Important point: all working tools must be sufficiently insulated.

Disassembling the washing machine must begin by removing the top part, that is, the first thing you need to do is remove the lid of the washing machine.

Almost always, the cover is attached to the washing machine with two bolts located on the back side. In order to unscrew these bolts, you must use a Phillips screwdriver. After this, you need to push the cover of the machine from the front to the back. Now the cover can be removed.

The next step is to dismantle the dispenser. Most often, in order to remove the dispenser, you need to press the point located in the middle of the plastic tray, and then pull this tray. Also, after this, you need to unscrew the screws that secure the control panel.

After dismantling the clamp, it is necessary to remove the cuff located on the front wall of the machine. The next step after this is to unscrew the two bolts that secure the hatch and lock it.

After this, all that remains is to remove the fixing parts and remove the front wall.

Removing the tubular electric heater from the washing machine;

As a general algorithm, you need to do the following:

• Completely de-energize the equipment, that is, in this case, disconnect it from water and power;
• Unscrew the fixing screws holding the top cover of the washing machine in one position;
• Disconnect all existing latches securing the powder receiving compartment;
• Remove the clamp placed in the sealing rubber of the hatch. To remove the clamp, you need to loosen the spring;
• Remove the seal from the front panel, and then fill the seal into the tank;
• Disconnect the wires from the sunroof locking system;
• Unscrew the screws securing the front part.

Replacing the heating element with your own hands

To replace it yourself you need:

• Disconnect the machine from power supply;
• Remove water from the machine. This can be done by unscrewing the filter cap to drain the water;
• Remove the terminals from the heating element itself;
• Unscrew the central fastening nut;
• It is also necessary to press in the axle on which the nut and washer are attached. In order to do this, it is necessary to either press in the axle, or gently squeeze it out using light taps with a hammer;
• The heating element is located on the seal, and it is the seal that poses an obstacle to removing the heating element. To remove the seal, you need to pry it off from different sides one by one.

Unforeseen situations (important points)

Among the important points to note are the following:

• It is necessary to install the heating element only in the position in which its predecessor was installed. In order for the heating element to work well, it is extremely important to install it evenly, that is, without displacements or distortions. After installation, you need to tighten all the nuts and assemble the equipment;
• You can diagnose and check the quality of work. It is necessary to run the machine in the wash at a temperature of 60 degrees. If the new element was installed correctly, after 2-3 minutes the hatch window will become warm.

Replacement depending on the brand of washing machine (individual features)

Replacement in Samsung

To replace the tubular electric heater on a Samsung, you need to follow these steps:

• De-energizing the machine (we are talking about de-energizing the machine from water and electricity);
• The heating element is located behind the front panel or under the tank;
• Having found the node, you need to disconnect the temperature sensors;
• After this, you need to unscrew the heating element of the fastening and pull it out;
• Next, you need to clear the location of particles;
• The next step is installing the new one and assembling the machine.

Replacement in LG

To replace it with LG you need to follow these steps:

• The heating element is located in the center of the tank, that is, its bottom, so it is necessary to remove the top cover of the machine, and then the back wall;
• Next you need to remove the screws securing the back wall;
• The next step is dismantling and installing a new one.

Replacement in Indesit

As for the Indesit machine, you need to look for an element in the back of the machine. Therefore you need:

• Disconnect communications;
• Remove the cover from the back;
• Remove the drive belt;
• The heating element is located at the bottom left;
• You need to disconnect the temperature sensors and wires from it;
• Next, you need to unscrew the fastening bolts and remove the element;
• After this, you need to clean the tank and install a new one;
• After this, you need to repeat the steps in reverse order.

Replacement at Bosch

On a Bosch machine:

• The heating element is located at the front, so the panel must be removed from the latches;
• Next, you need to open the hatch and remove the clamp, as well as the cuffs and the front part;
• The next step is to remove the screws on the panel;
• The next step is to remove the temperature sensor and wires from the tubular electric heater;
• Removing fasteners and dismantling;
• After this, you need to install the heating element and perform the steps in reverse order.

Conclusion

If for some reason the machine does not heat the water, there is a possibility that the heating element has failed.You can replace it yourself without resorting to the help of a specialist.

The most important thing is to adhere to the algorithm of actions and choose a new heating element according to the model of the washing machine in various modes. Correct installation of a new element to replace the old one will help get rid of many problems with the machine.