Top 3 Signs You Need to Replace Your Dishwasher's Heating Element

Dishwashers are excellent additions to your kitchen. They make work easier and save time when it comes to cleaning your dishes. Generally, dishwashers contain many components that enable them to function. And one of the most significant components of your dishwasher is the heating element. Its function is to maintain the temperature of the water coming into your unit. Therefore, besides keeping the water hot (ideal for efficient cleaning), it also warms the air inside the unit when your dishes are in the drying cycle. This quickens the evaporation process, reducing the time needed for your dishes to dry. However, heating elements may break down over time and call for replacement. Therefore, here are some tell-tale signs it's time to visit the store for a new heating element.

Your Dishes Come Out Dirty

Hot water plays a crucial role when it comes to cleaning your dishes. This is particularly important for oily dishes. If you notice that your dishes come out with food particles still stuck onto them, chances are you have a faulty heating element. Be keen to notice any plates and other utensils that appear greasy or oily. Since the heating element is responsible for maintaining the hot water's temperature, your dishes may not receive the right amount of heat to melt the oils and fats if the heating element is faulty.

Your Dishes Are Wet

The heating element is also responsible for your dishwasher's drying cycle. By heating the air inside your dishwashing unit, the heating element facilitates water evaporation off your dishes, allowing them to come out as dry. Therefore, if your dishes are still wet after the drying cycle, chances are you have a faulty heating element and should get a replacement early enough.

Your Dishes Are Cold

Besides the drying cycle, the heating element also aids the washing cycle by keeping the water hot. Therefore, one quick way to determine whether your heating element is faulty is to feel your dishes. You can open the unit at any time or feel them once they come out. While they don't need to be hot to the touch, they should be quite warm. Therefore, if you have cold dishes, check the heating element and replace it if necessary.

Some of the top reasons your dishwasher's heating element may fail include poor water quality causing limescale formation, an excess voltage that results in short-circuiting, and general wear or breakdown. However, before you conclude that you have a heating element problem, check your hot water line to make sure you have hot water flowing into your unit.

Contact an appliance parts supplier to order the parts you need, including Westinghouse spare parts.