The device
As already mentioned, the heating element is an electric device, the main purpose of which is to heat the liquid by a built-in spiral, which is made of a special material. Current-conducting part is in a tube, characterized by tightness. By the way, it is insulated from the body of the dishwasher. The heater is usually located in a special water jacket. And to circulate the liquid, a special electric pump of paddle type is used. The joints of the parts are sealed with a rubber gasket, which allows you to protect the contact parts from water.
When electric current flows through the coil, heat is released. Sensor measurement is responsible for regulating the heater. Sensor monitors the programmed temperature and when the temperature reaches a predetermined level, the heater is switched off. When the water cools, and its temperature falls below a certain level, the heating is carried out again. It should be added that the Bosch tubular heaters, mounted in dishwashers, manufactured after 2010 are additionally equipped with a pump. Such models with a pump are distinguished by a more intense circulation of water, which allows to significantly accelerate the heat exchange.
In a number of models of the mentioned manufacturer you can find dry units. Their characteristic feature is that the heating tube here will be mounted in a special housing. And the space between the walls is filled with a special compound that is resistant to high temperatures. Its task is to provide additional insulation against the liquid’s impact on the various electrical parts.
All about Dishwasher heating elements
Every dishwasher owner can benefit from knowing the structure and operating principles of the dishwashers and their individual systems. It is not uncommon for the heating elements, which are responsible for heating water to the required temperature for washing dishes, to malfunction. It is necessary to understand where the heating elements in specific models of the machine are located, what type they belong to and how they are replaced if it is impossible to repair.
Device and principle of operation
A heating element is an electrical device that heats liquids with a built-in coil made of a special material. Current-conducting element is located in a sealed tube, which is insulated from the body of the machine. The heater is placed in the water jacket; the electric vane pump is used to circulate the liquid. The joints of the parts are sealed with a rubber gasket that prevents water from getting onto the contact elements.
When electric current passes through the coil, heat is released, to adjust the heater’s operation, measuring sensors are used. Sensor monitors the set temperature; when the set temperature is reached, the heater shuts down. As soon as the water cools down below the programmed threshold, the power supply is resumed.
Some dishwashing machines have dry type assemblies, which feature a heating tube installed in a separate housing. The gap between the walls is filled with a thermally stable compound that additionally insulates the electrical components from water.
Signs of heater and appliance related components failure:
- Displaying of an error code on the liquid crystal display, containing the digits 09;
- The supply of overheated or cold water due to a broken thermal regulator;
- Appearance of tension on the surface of the casing due to breakdown of the heating element;
- Extraneous noise that occurs due to wear or breakage of built-in pump.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the heating unit
All dishwashers have a significant disadvantage. newer models are more vulnerable and prone to breakdown than older ones. However, if you notice that the heating element is broken, begin repair work immediately. You can buy original spare parts in any suitable store in your town, or you can order them online. As soon as you have the necessary parts, start.
All dishwashers are hooked up to the water mains, which is where the water is pumped from to fill the reservoirs. Turn off the tap and loosen the clamps and plugs. Try not to spill water.
- Unplug the dishwasher. Shut off the water supply through the suction hose.
- Remove the dishes and the trays from the inside of the machine so that you have full freedom of action.
- Unscrew all the hoses.
- Remember: there could be dirty water left in the drain tank. Proceed carefully so as not to flood the floor.
- At the very bottom of the dishwasher, there is a sprayer for water mixed with lye. Gently pull it up and remove it.
- The next step is to remove the filter. It has the shape of a cup. Carefully unscrew it.
- The filtration system also includes a metal mesh. It is made of steel that is not subject to corrosion. Remove it as well.
- Now the most important step. You have to unscrew the five screws that hold the heating unit and the spigots. Now you’re ready to replace the thermoblock.
- The next step is to directly replace the defective part. Follow the previous instructions: first of all, turn the dishwasher upside down.
- Unscrew the back wall and remove the panel. That’s how you get to the heating element and can begin to replace it.
- Next you have to disconnect the pump. Squeeze it with your hands and turn it half a turn clockwise. Next, pull it to the side.
- Done! The pump is removed. Now disconnect the sensor. If your dishwasher is one of the three models previously mentioned, where the heating element and sensor are replaced along with the thermoblock, then remove the entire thermoblock in which the flow heater for your dishwasher is installed.
- The bottom of the part is secured with a rubber slide. You’ll have to look for it blindly, but it’s very easy to disconnect.
- Now all that’s left to do is disconnect the sensor sockets and plugs.
Done! The disassembling operation may be considered complete. You can repair the heating element in your dishwasher or replace it with a new one. Now it’s just a matter of putting the dishwasher back together. It’s not complicated and won’t take much time. But the system of water heating in the dishwasher will now be set up.
Important! Some dishwasher makers build in the heat sink separately from the thermoblock. In this case, you will just have to replace the burned out heater with a working one, without replacing the entire unit.
What this assembly looks like
In modern dishwashers Siemens and other designs provide for complete replacement of defective assemblies with new ones in most cases. The heater is removable on most modern brands.
However, it is not always possible to replace the heating element separately from the other parts. For example, in Bosch, Electrolux or Indesit machines, it is not possible to perform the replacement separately. In the cases under consideration, this can only be done together with the heating unit. However, there are some brands where it is sufficient to replace the old heating element with a new one without any additional effort.
It is important to understand that if this model of dishwasher provides that the heating element can be replaced separately, then you can visually detect the fastening elements on its plastic body. If it is replaced along with other assemblies, then the separate mounts of the heater will be.
What is needed for replacement
The thermoblock is one of the most difficult parts to repair and vulnerable to mechanical damage. Repairing a dishwasher heating element on your own is extremely difficult. For this you will need to enlist the help of professionals, professional repairmen. It’s often easier to replace the fan with a new one. For this, you will only need a certain set of tools:
Done! You can start with the disassembly. Dishwasher repair specialists advise you to only begin when you are 100% sure your heating element is faulty. In this case, depending on the model, you will have to replace the heating element or the entire thermoblock. For example, if you have a Bosch, Electrolux or Indesit dishwasher you have to replace the whole thermoblock.
The thermoblock consists of the nozzles and the sensor pipe. The body of the part is made of plastic. If there are fasteners, you can unscrew these parts and remove the faulty heater. If it is not, you will need to replace the entire thermoblock.
Important! Perform a routine inspection about once a year. This will help to spot problems early and correct them before the entire system is destroyed.
We advise you to go beyond the inspection and repair of the thermoblock. When inspecting the “insides” of the dishwasher, you might find mineral salt particles settled on pipes and parts, or dirt clogging the filters. In the future this will save you a great deal of time and money in the event of malfunctions, e.g. problems with the discharge of used water.
Conclusion and useful video
The sequence of replacement of the heating element, a detailed explanation of the nuances of the work. Tips for the practical application of heaters applicable to specific modifications of dishwashers.
The heating system of the heating element is placed in the dishwasher close to the other control units. Because of this fact, its replacement or the replacement of the entire pump-heater unit seems to be a troublesome and complex undertaking. But the repair will be safe and successful if you follow the instructions.
The main condition for replacement is the strict observance of the sequence of disassembly of the inoperable unit of the machine and care when installing the new element.
How to choose a new heating element
First of all, open your dishwasher‘s documentation (or the label on the cabinet) and find out the exact model name. In case of loss of documents, you can find information on the Internet. As a rule, the consultants at the Internet-shop All.For more information, visit.ru this is enough to offer you the part you need. Can be found here. But it is fair to tell about the differences between one and the other.
For example, electric instantaneous heaters heat water quickly to a comfortable temperature, but use way too much energy. Such high consumption is fraught with a situation when your apartment simply blow a fuse when you connect several appliances at once: kettle, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, etc.д. Another option. Electric heaters, produced in two varieties: wet (immersion) and dry. These are used in Bosch dishwashers. The second heaters (dry) masters consider more qualitative and durable, since they are not in contact with water.
Also, when choosing a heating element, it is important that it meets the requirements of power and voltage, the connection of the contacts and the diameter of your model.
Checking the temperature sensor and the heating element
The temperature sensor can be checked both with a specialized diagnostic tool and visually. Pay attention to the contacts and wires. They must not be burnt or melted. If a visual inspection doesn’t help, you’ll have to unscrew the dishwasher.
To check the working order of the heating element and the temperature sensor a special device. a multimeter is used. It is usually available in every home. If you have not yet acquired this necessary measuring equipment, you must buy it. With this tester you can test the electrical circuits, check the continuity of radio components, measure the voltage at the outlet, and much more. The device has a compact size and combines several devices: ammeter, ohmmeter, voltmeter.
To check the efficiency of the heating element, put the device in the ohmmeter mode. Pre-calculate the resistance of your heater. For this purpose divide the value 48400 by the nameplate power of your heating element (see Fig. 1). instructions). For example, if the power of the heating element is 2,8 kW, the resistance of the heater will be 17,29 Ohm.
Whirlpool Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement #W10518394
The next step is to disconnect the device from the mains, get to the heating element and disconnect the wires, touch the probe of the tester to the pins of the heating element. If the value is almost identical to the calculated value (in our example, 17.29 ohms). the element is in good condition. If it reads 0, 1 or infinite. the heating element is out of order and must be replaced.
After that check the element for current leakage. To do this, set the tester in buzzer mode and place one probe on the power contact and the other on the body (or on the ground terminal). If the device beeps, you have a ground fault, if not, you’re fine.
To check the insulation resistance set the device in megohmmeter mode and set the tester to the 500 limit, hook the alligator clip on the car body and place the probe on one of the contacts of the element. A resistance of 2 megohms or greater would be normal.
Modern models most often use a thermistor as a temperature sensor. This element changes its resistance depending on the temperature. To check its condition put the tester in ohmmeter mode and connect to its contacts and measure the resistance. Prepare beforehand a pot of boiling water and put the thermistor in it. the resistance should change greatly upwards, if not. the component is defective.
