How to Replace a Dishwasher Heating Element

Unless your dishwasher uses a heat pump or condensation drying technology, it likely relies on a heating element located at the base of the tub, which heats up during the wash cycle, primarily to assist with drying.

If the heating element breaks, the result can be dishes not drying properly and potentially less effective cleaning. Fortunately, with some moderate DIY skills, it’s possible to replace a faulty heating element. In this article, we’ll show you how to do this step by step.

How to replace a dishwasher heating element

Follow these seven steps to replace the heating element in your dishwasher. These general guidelines should work across a range of brands and models.

Step 1: Turn off the power and water supply

This first step is crucial for safety, helping to prevent the risk of injury and accidents such as electrocution or water leaks. It’s standard best practice to cut off the water supply and electricity to your dishwasher before performing any repairs, especially when replacing electrical components like the heating element.

You can do this by either unplugging the dishwasher or switching off the power at the circuit breaker. Then, turn off the water supply valve, typically located under the kitchen sink. At this time, you can open the dishwasher door and remove the lower rack and spray arm.

Step 2: Remove the bottom access panel

Most dishwashers have a bottom access panel, also called a kick plate or toe panel, located at the front of the dishwasher, that will need to be removed. You can remove it by simply unscrewing the screws securing it with a screwdriver and then pulling it out.

Step 3: Disconnect water, power, and drain lines

With the bottom access panel removed, you can now reach and disconnect the water supply line from the dishwasher’s water inlet valve. You’ll likely need to use tongue-and-groove pliers to disconnect it. Have a towel ready to catch any water that spills out.

Next, locate the junction box and remove the screw securing its cover. Take a photo of the wire connections for future reference, then disconnect them by untwisting the wire nuts. After that, remove the strain relief nut and pull the wires out of the junction box.

Next, disconnect the drain hose from the sink drain or garbage disposal and feed it through the cabinet. Finally, remove the mounting screws that secure the dishwasher to the countertop or cabinet.

Step 4: Pull the dishwasher out

You’ll now be able to pull the dishwasher out from under the countertop and away from the cabinet. You may need to adjust the leveling legs to lower the appliance. Once the dishwasher is pulled out, tilt it backward until it rests fully on its back.

Step 5: Remove the old heating element

Start by disconnecting the two wires connected to the heating element, which can be found at the base of the appliance. Next, use a wrench to unthread the two nuts securing the heating element, also located on the underside of the appliance.

Next, set the dishwasher back on its feet. Then, open the dishwasher door and gently pull the old heating element out. There may be some clips or brackets that it hooks under.

Step 6: Install the new heating element

To install the new heating element, position it the same way as the old one, hooking it under any clips or brackets, and inserting the terminals through the two holes in the bottom of the tub.

Now, tilt the dishwasher backward again until it sits fully on its back. Next, rethread the two nuts that secure the heating element and reconnect the two wires. Then, stand the dishwasher back on its feet again.

Step 7: Reinstall the dishwasher

To reinstall the dishwasher, thread the drain hose back through the cabinet, then slide the dishwasher into position under the countertop. Next, rethread the screws to secure the dishwasher to the countertop or cabinet. After that, connect the drain hose to the sink drain or garbage disposal.

Now, pull the wires back through the junction box and secure the strain relief nut. Using the wire nuts, reconnect the wires, referring to the picture you took earlier to ensure they’re connected correctly. Once done, put the junction box cover back on and secure it with the screw. Then, reconnect the water supply line to the dishwasher’s water inlet valve.

Next, reattach the bottom access panel, and place the lower spray arm and rack back into the dishwasher. Finally, turn the power and water supply back on. Test the dishwasher to make sure it’s working properly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace the heating element myself?

Replacing a dishwasher’s heating element is an intermediate-level DIY task. Most people will be able to do it themselves as long as they have the necessary basic tools like pliers and a screwdriver. However, the task may require a little more time and effort than some people are prepared to put in.

There’s no shame in hiring a professional, even for tasks you could do yourself. If you don’t feel up to the task for whatever reason, reach out to a local appliance repair professional, and they’ll be happy to help.

How do I know if the heating element is faulty?

A key sign that your dishwasher’s heating element may be faulty is if the dishes aren’t drying properly at the end of the wash cycle. In some cases, you may also notice that the dishes aren’t clean as as they should be when the wash is complete.

Additionally, you might observe visible damage to the heating element, such as cracks, breaks, blistering, or burn marks. To confirm if the heating element is defective, the most reliable method is to test it for continuity using a multimeter.

Summary

Replacing a dishwasher’s heating element is a relatively straightforward task, but it does require some effort on your part. Following the steps above should enable you to install the new heating element successfully so you can get your dishwasher drying properly again. However, if you encounter any problems or are reluctant to do the work yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert for assistance.