Replacing the heating element of a washing machine with your own hands

Failure of the heating element is a common breakdown of washing machines. The reason for this may be accumulated scale, a broken thermostat, natural wear, improper connection of the device, or factory defects. You can return the previous functionality of the washing machine yourself. To do this, you should diagnose the breakdown, select a new heating element and replace the faulty heating element, following the step-by-step instructions.

What is a heating element and what is it responsible for in a washing machine

A heating element is an element whose main part consists of a W-shaped or V-shaped tube. Inside it is a spiral, separated from the outer walls by a dielectric material. It is this material that accumulates the heat that comes from the spiral and transfers it to the outer part of the tube.

An anodized layer is used to cover the outer side of the tube. Electricity is supplied to the element through contacts that are soldered to the ends of the element. The thermal unit is located nearby. The heating element can be located at the bottom of the housing, in front or at the back, depending on the model of the device. The location can be determined by the rear removable cover (large size - the element is at the back, small - at the front).

The main task of the heating element is to heat the water in the washing machine to the desired temperature. When the device is activated, a signal is sent to the heating element. The element heats up and brings the water temperature to the value set by the program. The thermostat sends a signal to the control unit to stop heating.

How to understand that the heating element needs to be replaced

You can determine if the heating element is faulty by several signs:

• The water does not heat up (the glass of the hatch for loading laundry is cold)
• The laundry has an unpleasant smell after washing
• An error code appears on the device display (in modern models)
• The quality of washing has deteriorated
• The machine switches off a few minutes after the heating is turned on
• The case gives an electric shock when touched
• The device trips the RCD immediately after activation or during the process of heating the water

If the only problem identified from the above is the lack of water heating, it is recommended to check the correct connection of the hoses to the machine. You should also pay attention to the selected mode, as some programs involve washing at 30 degrees.

How to choose a new heating element

Before buying a new heater, you should familiarize yourself with its features. All heating elements have the same operating principle but differ slightly in power and external design. By paying attention to this, you can purchase an element with the required parameters and return the functionality of the washing machine.

It is not recommended to make a purchase in non-specialized stores and especially to buy a used heating element. There is no guarantee that such a heater will serve properly and for a long time. In addition, a low-quality part can harm the washing machine.

Form

The heater can be straight or curved. Straight heating elements are used in most models of different well-known brands. Curved heating elements have a similar configuration, but a different bending angle at a certain distance from the outer bracket. The operating principle of straight and curved models is the same.

The shape affects the installation of the heating element. If the basic factory package of the device includes a straight one, when replacing it, you need to choose a product of the same shape. Otherwise, the part simply will not fit into the right position in the compartment, which will lead to a breakdown of the washing machine during operation.

Length

The parameter is measured from the metal part (flange) to the outermost point of the heating tube. It is permissible to install a heater 1-2 cm shorter. If the washing machine had a short heating element, then a long one may not fit into the compartment.

Power

In different models of devices, the power can reach 2200 W (the higher the indicator, the faster the water heats up). The permissible difference between the old and new element is +-100 – 300 W. If you install a heating element with a higher or lower power, only the speed of water heating will change.

External coating

Typically, heaters have a steel surface with a protective anodized coating. It protects the product from corrosion, has good water resistance and heat resistance. Some brands like Samsung use ceramic spraying. The applied layer reliably protects the heater from scale formation. You can choose a heating element without a coating - it will also last a long time.

Step-by-step instructions for replacement

After purchasing a new heating element, you can begin replacing it. The necessary tools are: a screwdriver, an 8-10 inch socket/wrench. The procedure is simple - just follow the step-by-step instructions, maintaining the sequence of actions.

Heating element at the back

If the back cover is large, the heater is most likely located at the back. This is typical for most models of washing machines. Once you are sure of this, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply
• Disconnect the device from all connected communications.
• Remove any remaining water using the drain filter.
• Remove the cover by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver, disconnect the wires
• Using a socket wrench, unscrew the nut (not completely), press the bolt inward, remove the heater
• Clean the tank thoroughly and install the new heating element in the reverse order of dismantling.
• Connect the wires, screw on the cover

Heating element in front

If the back cover is small, the element is located at the front at the bottom under the drum. Also disconnect the device from the network, communications, drain the remaining water and follow the following instructions:

• Remove the top cover by unscrewing 2 screws with a screwdriver
• Remove the detergent drawer by unscrewing the 2 screws and moving the latch.
• Remove the steel hoop and rubber seal.
• On the front panel, unscrew the screws and remove the cover.
• Disconnect the wires from the door blocker near the hatch, remove the panel
• Remember or take a photo of the location of all the wires on the end of the heater.
• Remove the 2 terminals, ground wire and take out the temperature sensor.
• Using a socket and open-end wrench, unscrew the nut (not completely), press the bolt inward, remove the heating element
• Clean the container from scale and debris
• Insert the new heating element into the desired location, connecting all the temperature sensors and wires to it.
• Assemble the device in reverse order.

Where should I go to replace the heating element?

The replacement procedure itself is not particularly complicated, but disassembling and assembling the washing machine is an energy-consuming and lengthy process. If you are doing it for the first time, there is a high risk of doing something wrong, and you will have to think about repairing other elements of the washing machine. Instead, you can always contact a qualified technician who will come to your home and carry out all the work in your presence. In addition to confidence in the result and a guarantee of the machine's operability, you will also get a good chance to observe how the work is done, thus gaining experience for subsequent independent work.

The heater replacement service is quite affordable. You can call a technician by phone 9597694428 or by filling out the form.

In addition to replacing the heating element, you can delegate its correct selection to us. Write to our mechanic the model of your washing machine, and we will select the necessary part, which the technician can bring with him for replacement for a modest surcharge.

Don't complicate your life. Trust the mechanic of their craft and enjoy the result.