Signs Your Dishwasher Heating Element is Faulty

While your dishwasher may be hooked up to the hot water line, every dishwasher uses a heating element to heat the wash water up to the appropriate temperature. Found in the bottom of the tub, you may recognize the heating element if you have an electric oven as they serve the same function, in a way. However, there may come a day when your dishwasher starts throwing out some peculiar symposiums. If any of the below are manifesting in your dishwasher, it may be time to replace the heating element.

Dirty Dishes

As the wash water is not heated up properly by the heating element, even if it comes in from the hot water line, it may not be hot enough to wash and sanitize your dishes. You may notice more food particles stuck onto your dishes.

Cold Dishes

If you open the dishwasher at any point, your dishes should be pretty warm if they are being washed with a heating element that works. If you open up your dishwasher and find your dishes wet and cold, then the heating element is faulty. If your dishwasher is connected to the hot water line, you will want to check after the cycle finishes as the hot water will still make the dishes somewhat warm during the wash.

Wet Dishes

While the heating element in your dishwasher is responsible for heating the water, it also plays a crucial role in the dry cycle. It heats the air that helps evaporate the water off your dishes. One of the most concrete signs that the heating element is out is if you open your dishwasher after the dry cycle completes only to find dishes that are both wet and cold.

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to start looking up that model number so you can buy a replacement heating element and make the replacement in your dishwasher.