To check if your dishwasher heating element is working properly, you can perform a few simple tests. The heating element is responsible for heating the water during the wash and dry cycles, so if it's not functioning correctly, your dishes may not be cleaned and dried effectively. Here's how you can check if the dishwasher heating element is working:
- Run a full cycle with a thermometer:
- Start an empty dishwasher cycle with the hottest water setting available (usually "Heavy" or "Pots and Pans").
- After the dishwasher fills with water, pause the cycle.
- Open the dishwasher door carefully and insert a kitchen thermometer into the water.
- Close the door and let the dishwasher continue the cycle.
- After the wash cycle is complete, open the door again and check the temperature of the water.
If the dishwasher's heating element is working, the water temperature should be around 120-160°F (49-71°C). If the water is significantly cooler or room temperature, it may indicate a problem with the heating element.
- Listen for a humming sound:
- During the wash cycle, listen for a low humming or buzzing sound. This indicates that the heating element is receiving power and trying to heat the water.
- Check for visual signs:
- During the cycle, you can inspect the heating element visually. It is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher's tub, sometimes covered with a metal panel.
- IMPORTANT: Before attempting this, make sure the dishwasher is not running and disconnected from the power source to avoid electrical shocks.
- Look for any visible signs of damage, such as burn marks or broken elements. A damaged or burnt-out heating element needs to be replaced.
- Use a multimeter:
- Caution: If you're not familiar with electrical testing, it's best to leave this to a qualified technician to avoid injury or damage.
- If you have experience with electrical testing and have a multimeter, you can use it to check the continuity of the heating element.
- Turn off power to the dishwasher and disconnect it from the power source.
- Access the dishwasher's heating element terminals.
- Set the multimeter to resistance mode (ohms) and touch the probes to the terminals of the heating element.
- A working heating element should show continuity, indicating that electricity can flow through it. If there's no continuity, the heating element may be faulty.
If you've performed these tests and suspect that the heating element is not working correctly, it's best to call a professional dishwasher repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue. They will have the expertise and tools to properly diagnose and replace any faulty components.