Samsung Dishwasher: not heating

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: Water remains cold; visual signs such as corrosion, burning marks; multimeter shows no continuity.

Part: Heating element

Malfunctioning thermostat/temperature sensor

How to Identify: Dishwasher fails to regulate temperature; lukewarm water; multimeter test fails continuity.

Part: Thermostat/temperature sensor

Control board not sending power to heater

How to Identify: Dishwasher cycles run but heater never energises; error codes or control malfunctions.

Part: Electronic control board

Water inlet / insufficient hot water supply

How to Identify: Dishwasher fills with cold water due to supply issues; check kitchen hot water temperature and connection.

Part: Water inlet valve / home hot water supply

Door latch or safety switch preventing cycle advancement

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start heating phase if door not properly latched; may show door ajar warnings.

Part: Door latch / safety switch

DIY Solutions

Check and Clean Filters & Spray Arms

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Warm water, Brush

1. Turn off and unplug dishwasher.
2. Remove lower rack and take out filters.
3. Clean filters and spray arms under warm water, removing debris.
4. Reassemble and run a test cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before working inside dishwasher.

Test Heating Element Continuity

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver

1. Disconnect power to dishwasher at breaker.
2. Remove lower rack to access heating element.
3. Use multimeter to check element continuity.
4. Replace heating element if no continuity present.

⚠️ Safety First: Power must be off; take care with electrical components.

Reset Dishwasher

Easy 5 minutes

1. Turn off circuit breaker feeding dishwasher for ~60 seconds.
2. Restore power and run a cycle to see if heating resumes.

Professional Repairs

Replace Electronic Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace Thermostat/Temperature Sensor

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace Water Inlet Valve or Correct Supply Line

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still not heating after testing and replacing heating element or thermostat

Visible electrical damage or burnt wiring

Error codes indicating control board issues

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean filters and spray arms: Blocked water flow which can impact heating efficiency.
  Frequency: monthly
• Check door latch function: Safety lock issues that prevent cycle progression.
  Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Dishwasher not heating?

Common causes include a faulty heating element, malfunctioning thermostat, or control board issues.

How do I fix Samsung Dishwasher not heating myself?

Check and clean filters, test the heating element's continuity, or reset the dishwasher.

How much does it cost to fix not heating?

Professional repairs can range from $50 to $400, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not heating?

Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if you're uncomfortable with electrical components.

References & Sources

• Dishwasher not heating water common causes Community
• Samsung Community thread on dishwasher heating Community

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Heating element issues (1 mentions)
• Circulation pump malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Replace heating element or circulation pump

   Success rate: 25.0%

2. Consider replacing with a new dishwasher

   Success rate: 25.0%

Community Discussions

Doesn't heat water

The heating element is part of the circulation pump.

DIY View on Reddit →

water does not heat

Replaced with a Bosch dishwasher after considering repair options.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair