How to Replace a Commercial Dishwasher Heating Element

 

The heating element in a commercial dishwasher is essential for heating water to the proper temperature, ensuring dishes are thoroughly sanitized. Over time, the heating element can wear out or fail, causing inefficient cleaning or no heating at all. Though it may appear difficult, a dishwasher heating element replacement may be a simple do-it-yourself project if you have the proper equipment and clear instructions. This guide will take you through the safe removal of the old heating element and the installation of a new one, helping restore your dishwasher’s heating function and keep your kitchen running efficiently.

Steps to Replace a Commercial Dishwasher Heating Element

Commercial dishwasher heating element replacement is a crucial maintenance task to ensure your machine heats water efficiently for proper cleaning and sanitizing. Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely and efficiently replace the heating element and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Step 1: Identify Signs of a Faulty Heating Element

Before opening your dishwasher, confirm that the heating element is indeed the issue. Common symptoms of a faulty heating element include:

• Dishes are not drying properly after the wash cycle.

• Water does not reach the necessary temperature during wash or rinse cycles.

• The dishwasher takes longer than usual to complete a cycle.

• The dishwasher’s internal heating sounds or indicators don’t activate.

• Error codes related to heating appear on the control panel (refer to your manual).

If any of these happen, it's probably time to replace the heating element in your dishwasher.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools and Replacement Part

Proper preparation ensures a smooth dishwasher heating element replacement process.

Tools:

• Screwdrivers (both Phillips and flathead)

• Multimeter for electrical testing

• Wrench or socket set

• Pliers

• Safety gloves

• Safety goggles

• Towels or rags to catch any water spills

Materials:

• Replacement heating element (ensure it matches the dishwasher’s make and model)

• Owner’s manual or service guide (for reference)

Using the exact OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement part ensures proper fit and functionality. Having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and safer.

Step 3: Power Down and Shut Off Water Supply

Safety should always come first in any commercial dishwasher heating element replacement:

• Turn off the power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.

• Confirm that the power is off by attempting to operate the machine or using a voltage tester.

• Shut off the water supply to prevent leaks or flooding during the repair.

• Place towels or a bucket nearby to catch any water that may spill during disassembly.

To reduce the chance of water damage or electric shock, always follow these safety precautions.

Step 4: Access the Heating Element

You must reach inside the dishwasher to replace the heating element, which is situated at the bottom of the appliance. The dishwasher tub's heating element is usually found behind the front lower panel or at the bottom.

• To make room, remove any racks and open the dishwasher door.

• Remove the screws or bolts securing the lower front panel or access panel.

• To reveal the interior parts, including the heating element, carefully remove the panel.

Because models differ, refer to your dishwasher's handbook for precise panel positions.

Step 5: Locate and Inspect the Heating Element

Once the panel is removed:

• Identify the heating element—it usually looks like a metal coil or a flat metal rod positioned near the bottom.

• Look for visible indications of damage, such as cracks, corrosion, or discoloration.

• If unsure, you can test the element using a multimeter as described in the next step.

To replace a dishwasher heating element successfully, precise identification and inspection are essential.

Step 6: Disconnect and Test the Heating Element

Disconnect and test the dishwasher heating element to see whether a replacement is necessary.

• Take a clear photo or note of the electrical connections to ensure proper reconnection.

• Disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals carefully. Use gloves and pliers if necessary.

• To verify the continuity of the heating element, use a multimeter set to the resistance (ohms) setting.

• Position the probes on the heating element's terminals.

• A working element will usually display a resistance reading in the range of 10 to 50 ohms.

• The element is defective and needs to be replaced if the multimeter registers zero continuity or infinite resistance.

Testing helps avoid unnecessary replacement if the problem lies elsewhere.

Step 7: Remove the Faulty Heating Element

With the wiring disconnected and safety ensured:

• The heating element's mounting brackets can be unscrewed or unclipped.

• Remove the heating element from its housing with caution. Be prepared for some residual water to leak out.

• Remove the faulty element completely and inspect the mounting area for any corrosion or debris.

• This procedure makes it possible to replace the dishwasher heating element in a safe and hygienic manner.

Step 8: Install the New Heating Element

Installing the new heating element is essentially the reverse of removal:

• Position the new heating element in place, aligning it with mounting brackets or screw holes.

• Secure it firmly with screws or clips.

• Reconnect the electrical wires to the terminals exactly as they were before, referring to your photo or notes.

• Make sure all connections are tight and there are no exposed wires.

Proper installation ensures the element functions safely and efficiently.

Step 9: Reassemble the Dishwasher

Now complete the dishwasher heating element replacement by reassembling the unit:

• Replace the front or lower panel and secure it with the screws or bolts removed earlier.

• Put the racks back into the dishwasher.

• Double-check that all panels are properly aligned and fastened.

Step 10: Restore Power and Water, and Test the Dishwasher

Making sure everything functions is the last step in replacing the heating element in your dishwasher:

• Turn the water supply back on.

• Turn on the circuit breaker or plug the device back in to restore electrical power.

• Run a test wash cycle without dishes:

• Observe if the dishwasher heats the water properly.

• Listen for the heating element activating (some models have an indicator light).

• Check for leaks around the replaced element.

• If the dishwasher heats water and completes cycles normally, the replacement was successful.

The replacement of the heating element in your dishwasher was successful if everything is functioning as it should. If problems persist, recheck your connections or consult a technician.

Tips to Maintain Commercial Dishwasher Heating Element

Perform Regular Inspections

Visual inspections are a simple yet effective way to maintain the commercial dishwasher heating element. Schedule a monthly check to look for:

• Burn marks or discoloration

• Signs of corrosion or scale buildup

• Physical damage such as warping or cracking

Spotting wear and tear early can prevent more serious issues and avoid a full dishwasher heating element replacement. If any damage is present, discontinue use and replace the part immediately.

Descale the Dishwasher Frequently

In commercial kitchens, hard water is a common challenge. The minerals in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, build up on internal components—including the heating element. This scale acts as an insulator, making it harder for the element to heat water efficiently.

To prevent this:

• Use a descaling agent approved for commercial dishwashers once or twice a month (more often if your area has very hard water).

• For chemical dilution and rinsing, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.

Keeping the heating element free from scale buildup will ensure it operates at full efficiency and reduce the risk of overheating or burnout.

Use Only Clean, Filtered Water

Making sure your water supply is pure and filtered is another technique to lessen the load on your dishwasher's heating element. Sediment and impurities in water can settle on the element, leading to clogs or premature wear.

Consider the following:

• Install a commercial-grade water filtration system on your dishwasher’s inlet line.

• If the dishwasher has a built-in water filter, make sure you inspect and clean it on a regular basis.

By lowering the possibility of residue accumulation, clean water helps maintain the heating element and enhances the quality of the wash overall.

Avoid Running Dry Cycles

Running the dishwasher without water—or allowing it to operate with insufficient water—can severely damage the heating element. When the element heats without being submerged, it can overheat and fail prematurely.

To avoid this:

• Always ensure the water supply is open and the tank is full before starting a cycle.

• Monitor for low-water warning lights or alarms and investigate any drops in water pressure promptly.

• Train kitchen staff on proper startup procedures to prevent dry runs.

Keeping the element safe from dry heating is one of the most important things you can do to prolong its life.

Monitor Performance and Cycle Times

The heating element may be malfunctioning if the dishwasher's cycles suddenly take longer to finish or if the dishes come out cold or still damp.  Instead of waiting for it to fail, monitor performance indicators such as

• Final rinse temperature (check against health department standards)

• Drying results

• Overall cycle time

Addressing these subtle changes early helps you catch potential heating element issues before they lead to costly downtime or failed inspections.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Even if your dishwasher seems to be working fine, routine maintenance from a certified technician is essential. Preventative service usually includes:

• Verifying the heating element's electrical connections

• Measuring resistance using a multimeter

• Cleaning or replacing worn components

Technicians can help guarantee that your dishwasher's heating element operates dependably by identifying hidden issues that average customers could overlook.

A commercial dishwasher's heating element can be easily replaced with the correct equipment, safety measures, and well-defined procedures. By identifying the issue early, sourcing the correct part, and following a methodical process, you can restore your dishwasher’s performance quickly and efficiently. A successful dishwasher heating element replacement ensures consistent water temperatures, better cleaning results, and reliable operation in your commercial kitchen. To prevent possible harm or safety hazards, seek advice from a qualified technician whenever in doubt.

Written by Allen Rode for PartsFe, your trusted source for a variety of high-quality commercial dishwasher parts, including dishwasher heating element replacement and more.