If your dishwasher is not heating water or drying as it should, then there is definitely a problem with it. You know you have a water heating problem if the dishes are not clean at the end of a wash program.
Likewise, if your dishwasher is not drying then the dishes will come out wet. So, what could be the underlying reason for this?
The reason for this could be as a result of the following:
- Problems with the heating element
- A faulty thermostat
- Problems with the wiring
We will discuss all these issues and how you can fix them.
Heating element faults
The heating element in your dishwasher serves to control the temperature of the water. It also helps in the drying process.
Check this too: Bosch Dishwasher Troubleshooting & how-to Guide
Check whether the dishwasher heating element not working and if it doesn’t, this could be the cause. In most cases, the heating element could have burned out or is affected by an electrical or wiring fault.
Typically, the resistance of the heating element should fall somewhere between 15-35 ohms, depending on its size and make.
Use a multi-meter to check the reading; if it reads over 40 ohms then it could either mean your heating element is below 1500 watt or that the element has problems and will need a replacement.
If the reading you get fall within this range then likely the problems with the dishwasher lie with the wiring or control board.
Faulty thermostat
The thermostat serves to regulate the temperature of the water during the wash program. A problem with this component will mean the dishwasher fails to ‘know’ when to turn the heating element on and off.
Just like with the heating element, you can test the thermostat using a multi-meter to establish if it the source of the problem and have it replaced if need be.
Problem with the wiring
Another reason why your dishwasher is behaving like that could be because of the wiring faults. Check the wiring particularly around the dishwasher door.
It could also be a problem with the relay switches on the printed-circuit-board (PCB) or a problematic NTC sensor.
Does a dishwasher heat the water? Well, it does. But again it depends. You see, dishwashers can be plumbed to either a cold or hot water supply.
Check this too: Frigidaire Affinity washer troubleshooting & How to Guide
If it is a hot water supply then it doesn’t need to, and most probably any problem of the dishwasher not heating the water may lie elsewhere rather than the dishwasher itself.