How to remove the heating element from the washing machine?

A heating element is provided in any washing machine - it is necessary to heat the water entering the system. To gain access to the part, you will have to disassemble the case. The “feature” of the heater is that it often burns out and has to be replaced every few years. Such work does not require special knowledge - even a beginner can replace the heating element. Let's figure out how to remove the heating element from the washing machine. We'll tell you where to look for this part.

Heating element in the rear wall of the tank

To remove the heating element, you need to figure out which side of your machine it is on. Open the instructions for the washing machine - the location of the main components and components is indicated there. Most often, the heating element is installed at the rear. This is where you need to look for it on LG, Indesit, Ariston, Ardo, Zanussi, Candy and Atlant machines.

The “front” location of the heating element is also not uncommon. We are talking about washing machines from Bosch, Samsung and Siemens. Let's look at the procedure for removing a part in both situations. So, how to dismantle the heating element if it is located in the rear wall of the tank? The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

turn off the power to the automatic machine;
turn off the tap responsible for the water supply;
drain the remaining liquid from the system by unscrewing the waste filter plug;
unscrew the bolts holding the rear wall of the case;
find the heating element - it is located under the tank;
take a photo of the wiring diagram to the tubular heater. This will help you avoid mistakes when reassembling;
disconnect the wires from the contacts of the heating element;
loosen the central nut, push the screw inward;
pull the heating element towards you.If it does not come out, lubricate Fairy and use a screwdriver to pry up the rubber seal.

If you are not sure that the heating element is broken, pull very carefully so as not to break the contacts - it may not need to be replaced.

After the tubular heater can be pulled out:

clean the "nest". Remove pieces of scale from the hole, clean limescale from the walls;
place a new element;
connect the thermostat to the heating element;
fix the part with a bolt and nut;
connect the wiring, observing the polarity;
Replace the back panel of the case.

Next, all that remains is to run a test wash. The high temperature program should be selected. If the machine heats the water without any problems, the repair can be considered complete.

Heater in the front wall of the tank

It's a little more difficult when the heater is located at the front. In this case, you will have to remove the front panel. Algorithm of actions:

disconnect the machine from the network, turn off the water supply tap;
remove the lower false panel (or open the technical hatch - it depends on the model of the washing machine) and drain the remaining water from the system by unscrewing the garbage filter;
Unscrew the bolts holding the top panel of the case. Remove the cover;
remove the powder receptacle;
Unscrew the screws securing the control panel. They are hidden behind the detergent drawer and on the side of the “tidy”;
carefully disconnect the control panel (without touching the wires) and place it on top of the machine;
open the drum door, use a screwdriver to hook the hatch cuff clamp. Remove the retainer from the washer;
tuck the sealing collar inside the drum;
disconnect the UBL wiring (after photographing the circuit);
Unscrew the bolts holding the front panel of the case and remove it;
find the “tail” of the heater, take a photo of how the wires are connected;
reset the wiring, loosen the nut and press the screw in;
remove the heating element from the “socket”. If you can't get it, help yourself with a thin screwdriver;
remove all debris from the hole and install a new heating element, connecting the contacts to it.

Reassembling the washing machine is done in reverse order. Next, a test wash is also necessary. Start the high-temperature mode and observe whether the machine begins to heat the water.

Why does the heating element break?

If the machine does not heat the water during the washing process (signs of this will be condensation on the hatch glass when starting a high-temperature program or poorly washed items), most likely it’s time to change the heating element. Rarely is the cause of the malfunction a temperature sensor or control module. The reason for the failure of the heating element may be:

long service life of the washing machine;
frequent launch of high-temperature programs;
too hard water.

To prevent damage to the tubular heater, it is important to follow a number of rules:

Do not run several cycles in a row with water heating above 60°C. The machine must “rest” between washes;
promptly treat the “insides” of the washing machine from scale;
Install a water softening filter at the inlet of the machine.

The performance of the heating element greatly depends on the quality of the water. Therefore, in order to protect yourself from heater breakdowns, it is better to use special means that prevent scale from settling on the metal parts of the machine.