In modern kitchens, a dishwasher is no longer a luxury.
It is an essential element that saves time and effort if you have a busy schedule.
A dishwasher needs a constant hot water supply to do its job perfectly.
So, a dishwasher not heating water is not efficient; instead of settling for unclean dishes, you can fix this annoying issue.
A dishwasher may fail to heat water due to various reasons.
For instance, it might not be appropriately connected to the hot water supply line.
Also, there might be a problem with the dishwasher thermostat.
Moreover, the heating element might be failing.
Regardless of the reason, the good news is you do not have to replace the entire washer to get hot water to clean your dishes.
You can DIY troubleshoot some of the causes.
This blog post explains why and how to fix this problem.
So, stay tuned!
Why is Your Dishwasher Not Heating Water?
Many reasons make a dishwasher not to heat water.
Not all of them are a result of a malfunction or a failure.
The application you’re using may be inappropriate for the load or the desired level of cleanliness.
Also, a failing heating element might be the real issue.
Another overlooked cause is a blocked dishwasher filter.
Now let’s take a closer look at these causes and how to deal with each of them correctly:
1. Faulty Heating Element
In all dishwashers, this element is responsible for converting electricity into heat.
This heat is a main ingredient in proper dishwashing as it can remove grease and stubborn buildup.
This element is usually located at the bottom of a dishwasher tub.
You can suspect a failure in this element when the water temperature remains below 40 degrees Celsius.
2. The Dishwasher is Not Connected to The Water Supply
The first thing that should come into your mind when your dishwasher no longer heats up the water is being disconnected from the hot water supply.
Sometimes, the problem lies in the condition of the connections, as they might be bent or kinked.
Also, any kinks in the supply lines cause these issues too.
3. Check the Thermostat
A dishwasher thermostat plays a minor yet significant role in water heating.
It is responsible for setting the water temperature that the appliance needs for the current load.
It also measures the water temperature and tells the element when the limit is met.
So, typically it controls the heating element.
Moreover, a high-limit thermostat orders the element to shut off when the water becomes too hot.
So, a defective high-limit thermostat will not give orders to the heating element.
The water will never heat up as a result.
A faulty high-limit thermostat trips when the temperature is cool.
4. Using the Wrong Wash Program
Using the wrong program for a wash cycle is another way that prevents water heating.
For instance, you might be using a cold/no-drying program that does not suit the soil level in your crockery and dishes.
5. Unclean Filters
Whether you have an old or modern dishwasher, it will always have a filter.
This filter blocks tiny food particles from sticking to the just-cleaned cookware.
It also prevents these particles from jamming the drain hose.
A dirty drain filter does not allow sufficient heating of the wash cycle water.
6. Check the Wires
If plumbing and electrical components are cleared out, you will have nothing left but to inspect the electric wires.
Blue and black wires connect all the washer’s components to the power source.
So, if your dishwasher fails to heat up, it is recommended to recheck the connections to power supplies.
Deteriorated wires happen over time.
So, it is better to remember this as the main culprit.
7. Temporary Issue
The last resort in your dishwasher not heating issue is to consider it a temporary lag.
There could be a glitch in the electronic control board of the dishwasher.
This demonstrates that there are no defective parts or poor connections.
It only means that the appliance needs some resetting.
How to Fix a Dishwasher Not Heating Water?
A dishwasher is an expensive kitchen appliance.
So, typically, you would expect any repairs for it to be costly.
However, you can DIY some repairs or replacements within your budget limits.
This applies to fixing a dishwasher that no longer heats water.
1. Replace the Heating Element
The dishwasher heating element is an electrical component.
So, it is expected to become damaged by any electrical fault.
Despite being designed to provide some longevity, it is not immune to damage.
But in general, this part can last for many years.
There are two different ways to ensure a damaged element.
The first is by testing it with a multimeter.
In this case, the correct resistance reading should be at most 30 ohms or lower than 20 ohms of resistance.
Otherwise, you are holding a faulty part.
The second method is also reliable and is based on visual inspection.
This can show if any frayed or burnt wires in the element.
Either way, you will have to get a new heating element.
Getting and installing a replacement element is neither costly nor difficult, especially if not built into the water pump.
You may need to contact a professional dishwasher repair technician in this case.
2. Replace the Bent Connections
Kinks in hot water supply connections affect the constant hot water flow into the appliance.
Also, if the connections are loose, hot water won’t get there either.
So, start by inspecting the hot water supply lines.
Any bent connections must be replaced.
You can easily DIY the replacement task or seek the help of a reliable plumber.
Remember that the hot water line is right under the kitchen sink.
Typically, this line provides the sink and dishwasher hot water through two separate valves.
But sometimes, running hot water in the sink may increase the hot water pumping to the washer.
This approach may be helpful if you last used hot water a while ago.
3. Change the Thermostat
Applying DIY solutions for a dishwasher’s defective thermostat is simple.
The only challenge you might face is accessing the component, usually at the bottom of the washer’s tub.
The thermostat is unlikely to be fixed, but it is easily replaced.
You can ensure you have a faulty component by testing it with a multimeter.
A defective thermostat will give reading below 15 ohms or above 30 ohms.
A replacement thermostat is not expensive. It usually costs an average between $10 and $20.
4. Choose the Correct Wash Program
You should always choose a program that suits the wash load and the level of stains and grease.
Looking at your dishwasher model’s user manual significantly helps in this matter.
It allows you to know in detail the temperature in each program.
This way, you will choose the program correctly.
So, you do not have to run the hottest washing program with every cycle.
The washer’s manual explains the washing solutions that save energy, water, and detergent.
5. Clean the Filter
A dishwasher’s filter is found right below the lower spray arm.
It is easy to remove and reinstall, not to mention cleaning it.
Use a clean sponge, soap, and warm water to clean and rinse the filter.
Make sure to dry it thoroughly before reinstallation.
Ensure it is seated and locked before reinstalling the bottom drawer and rerunning the appliance.
6. Replace Faulty Wires
If you know properly about the wiring connections in a dishwasher, you will easily replace these wires.
However, if you lack this knowledge, consulting with a certified electrician is better.
7. Reset the Appliance
This is one of the easiest troubleshooting steps in a dishwasher.
All it takes is to unplug the appliance from the main power supply.
Then let it sit for a few minutes until it discharges its electrical charge.
After 5 minutes, you will replug the dishwasher.
By doing so, you will have reset your dishwasher.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
