Why does the washing machine not heat the water and how to fix it?

A modern washing machine does not need hot water to be supplied to it, - she heats it herself up to the required temperature, which is set by the washing mode. But sometimes it happens that the machine stops performing this task.

Why this happens and how you can troubleshoot - we will tell you in our article.

Weak heating of water in the MCA is noticeable almost immediately. This can be determined by placing your palm against the closed door of the device. If, half an hour after the start of the cycle, the water remains cold, that is, it does not become warm or hot, then this will be an alarm signal. Most likely, the device does not heat the water, and the machine needs professional repair. In addition, a malfunction may be indicated by a poor quality of washing: stains are not washed well, traces of dirt are almost not reduced.

Different washing machines react differently to these faults. Modern machines usually stop the washing process at the moment when, according to the program, heating should have started, and signal an operation error.

Simpler models continue the wash cycle as if nothing had happened. In this case, the CMA washes further with cold water and ends with rinsing and spinning.

There are 5 main reasons why the washing machine does not heat up the water for a long time.

1. Incorrect connection of the unit. If the connection was made with violations of the technology, there is often a problem of unauthorized liquid flow into the sewer system. In this case, the water in the drum simply does not have time to warm up to the desired temperature, since the slightly warmed water is constantly drained and the container is filled with a new, cold one.
2. An error occurred while choosing a washing program. The CMA may not heat the water for the simple reason that the wrong washing mode is selected. This usually happens due to the user's carelessness or the peculiarities of the choice of programs in certain models. The fact is that some machines assume the choice of washing programs and temperature conditions with different switches. For example, one button was set to a temperature of 95 degrees, and the other was set to a mode that provides washing at 60 degrees. The unit considers the given mode as a priority, so the machine will wash at 60 degrees, regardless of the wishes of the user.
3. Heating element burned out. Everything is simple here - the water does not heat up for the reason that the heating element, which is responsible for heating, is out of order. The reasons for this can be very different: voltage surges, short circuits, manufacturing defects, as well as long-term operation of the heating element (usually a heating element lasts about 5 years).
4. Damage to the thermostat. The water control sensor in the SMA is usually located on the surface of the tank or directly in the heating element. He is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the water and in case of stopping heating, he gives a signal.
5. Breakdown of the control module programmer. Anything can happen to this element during operation: from the appearance of microcracks on the tracks and ending with a complete "rally" of the firmware. As a result, the electronic module of the CMA begins to go astray, which entails a malfunction of the entire unit.

If you notice that your SMA has stopped heating the water, then you should carry out express diagnostics, which will help you find out the technical condition of those elements that can interfere with water heating. In this case, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection and other actions aimed at identifying the focus of the problem.

• External inspection of the condition of internal wiring - it is possible that it was gnawed by mice. In most cases, such defects can be noticed with the naked eye, but it so happens that the flaw is not visible. In this case, you should check the voltage in the wiring that goes to the heating element - in working condition, the closed pair of the relay rings.
• Heating element inspection for limescale detection.
• Checking the functionality of the heating element using a special measuring device - a multimeter. To do this, you need to measure the resistance of the device, after which the heating element is heated and the resistance is measured again. If the final parameters are almost identical, then this directly indicates that the element has burned out. In good condition, the resistance is about 25–40 Ohm, if these parameters are different, it means that the heating element needs to be replaced.

A common problem of the lack of water heating is the appearance of scale on the heating element, and the problem can make itself felt even if the heating element itself is working properly. For to restore the functionality of the nodes, you need to use special cleaning tools.

The most highly effective remedy is citric acid. - you just need to pour 100 g of acid into the washing powder tray and run a dry wash at a temperature of 60 degrees for about 1.5 hours. This time will be enough for the acid to rid the heating element of calcium and magnesium salts.

If with the help of a multimeter you have established a malfunction of the heating element, then you need to replace it with a working one. To do this, carefully unscrew the fastening nut and remove the heater, then place a serviceable element in the seat, connect the wiring and start a test wash.

Rarely, but the cause of a breakdown is a break in the wiring going to the heating element. It most often occurs during strong vibrations caused by spinning the laundry. In order to return the machine to work, you should replace the frayed wires and insulate them.

As is known, the electronic control unit is the "brain" of any modern SMA. It is in his microcircuits that all programs and algorithms for the operation of the main units are recorded. If there is a board failure, then you need to contact professional craftsmen who flash the module again using the reprogramming method.

The thermostat in the washing machine is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the water in the tub. If the sensor fails, then the heating of water in the MCA stops completely. The performance of this element is checked in the same way as the heating element, - with a multimeter. If you find a breakdown, then you need to open the back cover of the CMA case, disconnect the connector with wires from the thermistor, carefully remove the sensor and replace it with a new one. After that, it remains only to connect the connector with the wiring to it.

If a software module fails, it makes no sense to repair it - the cost of repair will be comparable to the price of a new washing machine.

If you use hard water for washing, the heating element will work no more than 3 years, therefore, be sure to use water softeners or flow filters, this will significantly increase the life of the element.

Every 2-3 years, arrange a full inspection for your typewriter. This will make it possible to identify "weak points" in a timely manner and prevent the occurrence of severe breakdowns.

Summing up, we can say that most of the problems with the lack of water heating can be solved on their own. However, without special skills for such work, it is better to turn to the services of specialists. Any amateur activity is fraught with a deterioration in the technical condition of the washing machine or may even lead to electric shock.

How to change the heating element, see below.