You can replace a dishwasher heating element yourself in about an hour

A heating element that no longer works will leave your dishes wet and cold at the end of the cycle. The element itself costs between $40 and $150 depending on your dishwasher model, and the job requires only a screwdriver, a multimeter to test the old element, and basic mechanical confidence. Most people can do this without calling a technician.

The heating element sits at the bottom of the tub on most models, though some brands mount it on the side. You will need to drain the dishwasher completely, remove the lower rack, unscrew the element from its housing, disconnect the wires, and install the new one in reverse order. The whole process takes 45 minutes to an hour once you have the replacement part in hand.

Key Takeaways

  • A failed heating element leaves dishes wet because the rinse cycle cannot reach the temperature needed to dry them properly.
  • You will need your dishwasher's model number to order the correct replacement element, which you can find on a sticker inside the door frame or on the side wall of the tub.
  • Before you start, turn off power at the breaker and test the old element with a multimeter set to ohms to confirm it is actually broken.
  • The element bolts to the bottom or side of the tub with two or three screws and connects to two wire terminals that pull straight off.
  • Once installed, run a short cycle with no dishes to check for leaks before loading normally.

Locate your model number and order the correct part

Open the dishwasher door and look for a sticker on the inside edge of the frame or on the side wall of the tub itself. This sticker holds the model number, serial number, and sometimes a parts diagram. Write down the full model number — it usually starts with letters followed by numbers, like GE GDT580SSN or Bosch SHPM65Z55N.

Search that model number on the manufacturer's website or on a parts retailer like Partselect, AppliancePartsPros, or Repair Clinic. The heating element will be listed as a replacement part, often called a "heating element" or "heater assembly." Order the exact part for your model; heating elements are not interchangeable across brands or even across different model lines within the same brand. The part usually ships within two to five business days.

Turn off power and drain the dishwasher completely

Go to your electrical panel and switch off the breaker that controls the dishwasher. If you are not sure which breaker it is, turn off the main breaker instead — this is safer than guessing. Open the dishwasher door to confirm the power is off by pressing the start button; nothing should happen.

Open the door fully and remove the lower rack by sliding it out. Look at the bottom of the tub. If there is standing water, use a cup or small bowl to scoop it out into a bucket, or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. The tub must be completely dry before you work on the heating element. Wipe the bottom with a clean towel if needed.

Test the old element with a multimeter

Set a digital multimeter to the ohms setting (usually marked with the Greek letter omega, Ω). Touch one probe to each of the two terminals on the heating element. A working element will show a reading between 10 and 50 ohms, depending on the model. If the reading is infinite or shows "OL" (open loop), the element is broken and needs replacement.

If the multimeter shows a normal ohms reading, the element itself may not be the problem — the issue could be a faulty thermostat, a broken timer, or a wiring problem. In that case, stop here and consult the dishwasher manual or contact the manufacturer before spending money on a replacement part. If the reading confirms the element is open, you can proceed with confidence.

Remove the old heating element

Look at the bottom of the tub where the heating element is mounted. You will see either two or three bolts or screws holding it in place. Use a screwdriver (usually Phillips head, sometimes slotted) to remove these fasteners. Keep them in a small cup so you do not lose them — you will reuse them for the new element.

Once the bolts are out, gently pull the element straight toward you. It should slide out of its housing without resistance. If it is stuck, do not force it; wiggle it gently side to side while pulling. Once it is free, you will see two wire terminals on the back or side of the element. These terminals straightforward pull straight off — they are not soldered or crimped. Disconnect both wires and set the old element aside.

Install the new heating element

Take the new element out of its packaging and inspect it for any damage. The two wire terminals should be intact and clean. Slide the new element into the housing at the bottom of the tub, aligning the bolt holes with the holes in the tub. Push it in until it sits flush against the tub wall.

Reconnect the two wire terminals by pushing them firmly onto the terminals on the back of the element. You should hear or feel a small click. Reinsert the bolts or screws through the mounting holes and tighten them snugly with your screwdriver. Do not overtighten — you only need enough pressure to hold the element in place. If you strip the threads, the element will not sit flush and may leak.

Test the installation before running a full cycle

Close the dishwasher door and turn the power back on at the breaker. Run the shortest cycle available — usually a rinse or quick wash — with no dishes inside. This test cycle will show you whether the element heats properly and whether there are any leaks from the connection points.

Watch the bottom of the dishwasher from underneath (or open the door partway through the cycle if your model allows it) to check for water dripping. If you see leaks, stop the cycle when ready, turn off the power, and check that the element is pushed in far enough and the bolts are tight. If the element heats and no water leaks, you are done. Load the dishwasher normally and run a full cycle to confirm everything works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the heating element is actually broken?

A broken element leaves dishes wet at the end of the cycle because the rinse aid cannot dry them. The water inside will be cold or only warm, not hot. You can confirm this by running a cycle and feeling the water temperature with your hand (carefully) or by using a multimeter to test the element's resistance as described above.

Can I replace the heating element without draining the dishwasher?

No. Water will spill out when you remove the element, and standing water inside the tub can cause electrical hazards or damage to the motor and pump. Always drain completely and let the tub dry before you start work.

What if the new element leaks after I install it?

Stop the cycle, turn off power, and check that the element is pushed all the way into its housing and the bolts are tight. If water is leaking from the wire terminals, the terminals may not be fully seated on the element's connection points. Disconnect them, inspect both the terminals and the element's connection points for corrosion or debris, and reconnect firmly.

Do I need any special tools besides a screwdriver?

A multimeter is useful to confirm the old element is broken before you order a replacement, but not strictly necessary if you are confident the element is the problem. A bucket or wet/dry vacuum helps drain standing water quickly. Everything else you need is a screwdriver and your hands.

How long does a replacement heating element usually last?

Most heating elements last 5 to 10 years depending on water hardness and how often you run the dishwasher. Hard water causes mineral buildup on the element, which shortens its life. If you have very hard water, a water softener can extend the element's lifespan.