Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by River Tree Farms
The primary purpose of a dishwasher’s heating element is to raise this appliance’s internal temperature. More specifically, the heating element heats the water to help kill microbes and ease the cleaning process. It also encourages the evaporation of moisture from the dishwasher, which enables washed dishes to dry up faster.
It is worth noting that the heating element is a crucial component; hence, it should always stay in perfect condition. If you discover your GE dishwasher heating element is not working, you should investigate the causes and solve the problem. This article explores more concerning dishwasher heating element issues more. Stay tuned.
Why Is My Ge Dishwasher Heating Element Not Working?
The GE dishwasher heating element can stop working for various reasons. Some of the reasons include the following: –
1. Faulty heating element
For a dishwasher heating element to function perfectly, it must be in good condition. Therefore, if you notice your dishwasher heating element is not working, a high chance could be that this component is faulty. A heating element should last anywhere from 12 to 18 months, although this depends on how often you use it.
Anytime the heating element heats up, it expands due to an increase in temperature. When you disconnect power, this element will shrink due to a decrease in temperature. The alternation between expansion and contraction over a long time will eventually cause the heating element to blow up.
This is unlikely to occur if the heating element is new. When the element blows up, it will not be able to heat the dishwasher internally.
2. Thermostat malfunction
While the heating element is responsible for heating the internal of a dishwasher, it only takes instructions from the thermostat. Small as the thermostat is, this component controls the functioning of the heating element.
In other words, it turns the heating element on and off depending on the heating requirements of the dishwasher.
Therefore, it makes sense to say that the heating element may not work well whenever the thermostat malfunctions, though in perfect condition. For instance, if the thermostat detects a high temperature by mistake, it will turn the heating element off prematurely.
Consequently, the heating element will not heat the dishwasher internal.
3. A heating problem in the supply system
Instead of relying on your dishwasher’s heating element to heat your water, you can connect the inlet pipe directly to your domestic hot water supply. This way, your dishwasher heating element will only have one job – drying up cleaned dishes.
If you have such a connection in your home, you may have to look at more than just the dishwasher in case you notice the Ge dishwasher heating element not working correctly.
Check the hot water supply and determine whether the water in this system is heating up as usual. If not, you may have to fix the issue in the water supply, as this will solve the whole problem.
How Do I Know If the Heating Element in My Dishwasher Is Bad?
You probably know that the heating element is responsible for heating water in the dishwasher and drying up washed dishes. Therefore, any time you notice these two functions not working correctly, it should signify that there is an issue with the heating element.
For instance, if you spot greasy residue on washed dishes, it means the water in the dishwasher isn’t getting hot enough to remove it.
Also, if your dishes are not getting entirely dry, it should inform you that the heating element isn’t working perfectly. The GE dishwasher can also display an error code if the heating element has an issue.
Even so, other faults in the dishwasher can also cause similar results. For example, grease residue may remain on dishes if the detergent dispenser fails to dispense enough detergent.
Similarly, if the fan isn’t working, utensils will likely not dry up despite the heating element working perfectly. You can also check the state of your heating element by testing for continuity.
How Do You Check the Heating Element on A GE Dishwasher?
To determine the state of your heating element, you will need to perform a Ge dishwasher heating element test. First, check for corrosion, rust, and breakages on the heating element. If you notice any of these signs, chances are that the heating element has burnt up.
While it is possible to tell if the heating element is faulty by looking at it, this may not always give an accurate answer. That’s why performing a continuity test is prudent to check if the heating element is in good condition.
To perform this, put one digital multimeter probe probe on one high-limit thermostat terminal and the other probe on the remaining terminal. By doing this, you should be able to hear a beep sound or see a resistance value displayed on the multimeter, that is, if the heating element is not faulty.
How Do You Reset the Heating Element on A GE Dishwasher?
The GE heating element not working does not necessarily mean it is faulty. Sometimes, the thermostat switch can trip, disconnect the circuit, and cut off power to the heating element. Here, you will need to perform a GE dishwasher heating element reset, and everything will be back to normal.
To reset the heating element, identify the thermostat switch. It is a small button located in between the terminals of the thermostat. Once you find it, press it gently, and the heating element will have access to power. If you want to reset the whole dishwasher, turn the appliance off for about two minutes and restart it.
Is It Worth Replacing a Heating Element in A Dishwasher?
If your dishwasher heating element is burnt, the only option you have is to replace it. This will cost you money, but it is all worth it. A new heating element is more efficient and can perform the intended purpose well. However, replacing the element should be your last resort, as you first must ascertain that there is no other solution to the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my dishwasher heating element is not working?
This will depend on what’s causing this problem. For instance, if the heating element is faulty, you must replace it. If the thermostat is not working correctly, you will have to replace or fix it.
What else can cause a dishwasher heating element to fail?
For the heating element to work, it must have a power supply. Any time there is a power disconnection, the element will stop working. Therefore, you should ensure that power flows to the element correctly before you check other possible problems.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
With time, this appliance accumulates dirt in the filters. Experts recommend cleaning the dishwasher at least once every month.
Conclusion
Your dishwasher heating element can stop working for different reasons. If you discover your GE dishwasher heating element is not working, you need to access it and conduct a continuity test.
The results of this test will inform you whether or not the heating element is faulty. If it is faulty, the best course of action is to replace it with a new heating element. If it is in good condition, you may have to reset it and run a wash cycle to test it.
Remember, resetting the heating element is something you can do by yourself. However, it would be best if you considered asking for help from a skilled and certified professional for heating element replacement.