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When the washing machine stops heating water, the cause is most likely a burnt heating element. He is responsible for heating the washing water to improve its quality. It looks like a tube in which a spiral is installed, heating up and cooling down during operation. The specifics of such operation of the heater, together with hard water, which forms scale, lead to its breakdown.
If it breaks, then the most important thing you must do is ensure that the new heating element is connected correctly in the washing machine. If something is confused, it can burn out again and even explode, which means that the repair will “fly into the pipe”.
Next, we will tell you how to connect the heating element and provide you with a diagram according to which you need to install the part.
Where is the heating element in the washing machine
To replace a part with a new one, you first need to get rid of the old one. The difficulty is that in machines from different manufacturers, the location of the heater can vary significantly. Therefore, before proceeding with the replacement, you need to decide where the element is located.
Inspect the car: if the rear panel is of an impressive size, then most likely the heating element is at the back. Disassembly should be carried out from this side.
This option is the simplest and requires minimal effort. The back wall is attached with just a few screws, so even if you make a mistake and do not find the part you are looking for on the back, you can quickly put the panel in place.
If the rear hatch is modest in size, it is highly likely that the washer will have to be disassembled from the front. This option is more laborious, requires more time and tools, but here you can do it yourself if you follow the instructions.
The location of the heater in washing machines of different brands:
- In SMA Ariston, Indesit, Zanussi, in order to remove and install the heating element, you need to remove the back panel.
- In Bosch or Siemens, the heater shank is in the front, so disassembly of the front part is required.
- In some Electrolux and Ardo models, the case may consist of two monolithic parts, but in this case, the back of the case is still unscrewed.
If you have a washing machine of another brand not listed in our list, be guided by the size of the service hatch on the back of the case.
How to connect the heating element correctly and safely
We will skip the disassembly step, since the technology is different for each brand and model. You can find detailed instructions for disassembling machines in our other materials:
- How to disassemble LG washing machine.
- How to disassemble a Bosch washing machine.
- How to disassemble the washing machine Indesit.
- How to disassemble a washing machine Ariston.
Important! During disassembly of the washing machine, do not be too lazy to make a video or take a picture of the contacts in order to ensure the correct connection of the wires during assembly.
Consider how to properly install and connect the heating element:
- Buy the original one. Let your dealer know the make and model of your CMA so they can help you find the right part for your car. The heating element should be similar to the old one in terms of power and size. Together with the part, purchase a rubber gasket, since the old one is most likely already unusable.
- Before installing a new part, clean the mounting hole from debris, scale residues and fragments (if the old element has exploded).
- Install the part in the groove, carefully controlling its position. It should stand exactly the same as the previous one was installed. There should be no slopes and curvature, and the heating element should sit tightly in the seat.
- While holding the heater with one hand, carefully tighten the fasteners with the other.
Important! When tightening the nut, do not overdo it! The thermoelectric element should fit snugly, but when screwing it, do not strip the thread.
- Connect the temperature sensor and wiring. Use the connection diagram or view the footage so as not to confuse the wires. If the wiring is connected incorrectly, a short circuit and another replacement cannot be avoided.
- Assemble the machine (if you dismantled the back, you may not close the hatch, you may need to fix something else; screw the lid when you are sure that the washing machine is fully operational).
- Run a test wash. To make sure that the heater heats the water, set the temperature to 60 degrees and when washing, touch the glass of the hatch with your hand, if it is warm, heating occurs.
If everything is fine, the washing is going on, there are no errors on the display and the water is heating up, you can put the panel back in place and use the machine.
Keep in mind that water quality will affect the life of this fragile part, so use a water softener to prolong the life of the element. Also carry out periodic cleaning by pouring a mixture of citric acid and soda into an empty car.
Now you know how to properly connect the heating element in the washing machine. Repair household appliances yourself without problems and extra costs.