How to independently replace the heater in the washing machine?

Causes of Failure The

TEN( a common abbreviation for "tubular electric heater") is a metal tube filled with an electrical insulator with good thermal conductivity. In the middle there is a conductive( fechromic, but more often - nichrome) thread that heats up when connected to the network. Heater in a washing machine-machine is used to heat water in accordance with the set program or temperature set by the user.

TEN - one of the parts most subject to breakage in the washing machine. On the one hand, this is due to the frequency of the helix, which then heats up, then cools down. But the most common reason why the heating element stopped working is the buildup of scale caused by high water hardness. A thick layer of scale causes a disturbance of heat transfer, the coil overheats and burns out. Replacing the heating element in a washing machine does not require much effort and can be done at home by yourself.

See also - Why does a washing machine not heat water?

Preparatory stage

It is not difficult to buy a new heating element for a washing machine, it is only important that it is intended specifically for this model. Although structurally they differ little, there may be some differences in size, shape of a spiral, etc. In addition, for repair you will need a set of screwdrivers, tubular and wrenches, as well as sealant. Well, if there is a tester or ohmmeter - it is useful to verify the malfunction or performance of the heater.

Important:

Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the washing machine, disconnect it from the water supply, and drain the water using the drain filter.

Determine the location of the heaters

Manufacturers of washing machines can place the heating elements in different places - both in the front and in the back. As a rule, Atlant, Zanussi, Whirpool, Electrolux, Ariston, Indesit and Candy washing machines may have a heater in the back, but Bosch, LG and Samsung often place this element in front. For machines with vertical loading access to the heating elements can be through the side wall. It is easiest to clarify where the heating element is located in a particular model, by studying the instruction manual or by performing a request on the Internet. Very often, a detailed video of how to change the heating element in a washing machine of a specific model is posted on the network.

Another option is to visually inspect the back of the washing machine, because to increase maintainability, the designers have provided fairly simple access to the heater:

• Ø almost the entire rear area falls on the removable part - there is a high probability that the heating element is mounted behind the
• Ø removable part of a small area -in this case, you have to disassemble the front panel, it is a bit more complicated. After all, you have to remove the top cover, dismantle the tray for powder( detergent), partially disassemble the hatch for linen and only then remove the front panel itself.

In principle, you can immediately remove the back cover( it's simple, you only need to unscrew a few screws and bolts) to make sure from which side the heating element is located.

Replacing the TENA

TEN is quite simple to determine by two characteristic connectors to which the wires are connected. However, if there is an ohmmeter at hand, before removing, it is worth checking the heating element - perhaps the malfunction is not caused by its failure. The resistance of the heating element in working condition does not exceed 200 ohms, otherwise it requires replacement.

Important:

Before starting work, we recommend to photograph( sketch) the location of the wires and the order of their connection.

It is very easy to dismantle the electric heater - it is fastened with just one nut, for this you need a socket wrench. Having unscrewed the nut, it is necessary to knock lightly on the stud, pushing it( slightly recessing) into it. Now, when the mount is removed, you can directly remove the heater, mounted very tightly on the rubber gasket. We recommend using a slotted screwdriver to slightly loosen the seal.

Before installing a new heating element, it is worth checking for operability - there is always a small chance of a production defect. So it is better to spend a few seconds than to repeat the entire disassembly / assembly operation of the washing machine. Work TEN placed in his place, carefully controlling his position - he must sit down straight and firmly, without touching the tank. Fixing the heater with your hand, we begin to tighten the nut. To ensure full watertightness, the installation site can be further treated with sealant. We tighten a nut on a hairpin hardly, but without excessive efforts. After that, checking the picture / pattern, we switch the wires. If there are signs of rust or burning on the terminals, they must be removed. If necessary, to achieve good contact, the terminals can be tightened with pliers.

Installing protective housing covers in place - the operation is completed. We carry out the control - turn on the function in which the water is heated over 50 degrees. If the hatch cover is heated, then everything is done correctly.

. How much does it cost to change the heating element in a washing machine;The final repair amount is calculated by the master on site and depends on the manufacturer and model of the machine. The price includes work on disassembling and removing the faulty heating element, as well as installing a new and assembling a washing machine.