Washing Machine Not Heating Water
If your washing machine is not heating the water, your laundry will come out clean on cool washes but programmes that require heated water will not clean effectively. This fault is not always immediately obvious but there are checks you can carry out before calling an engineer.
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Find Your Brand
Select your washing machine brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Washing Machine Not Heating Water?
When a washing machine fails to heat the water, clothes may still appear clean after a cool wash but programmes set to 40°C, 60°C or above will not reach the required temperature. The drum will still turn and the machine will complete the cycle, but bacteria and stains that require heat to shift will not be dealt with effectively. Most modern machines will display an error code when a heating fault is detected — check the brand-specific guide above for the relevant codes for your appliance.
Common Causes
Faulty heating element
The most common cause. The heating element is responsible for warming the water inside the drum. Over time it can burn out or develop a fault, leaving the machine unable to heat above cold water temperature.
Faulty NTC temperature sensor
The NTC sensor monitors the water temperature and tells the control board when the target temperature has been reached. If the sensor is faulty it may incorrectly report that the water is already at the correct temperature, causing the machine to skip the heating phase.
Faulty control board
If the main control board is not sending the correct signal to the heating element, the element will not activate even if it is in good working order.
Wiring fault
A loose or damaged wire connection to the heating element or temperature sensor can interrupt the heating circuit.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check you have selected the correct programme
Ensure the programme you have selected is set to a temperature above cold. Some eco programmes deliberately wash at low temperatures to save energy — this is not a fault.
Run a hot wash and check the drum temperature
Select a 60°C programme and carefully feel the door glass after 15 to 20 minutes. If the glass feels cold, the water is not heating. If it feels warm, the element may be working but heating slowly.
Reset the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Plug back in and try running a hot wash programme again.
Check for an error code
Most machines will display a heating-related error code when this fault occurs. Note the code and check the brand-specific guide above to identify the exact fault.
When To Contact A Professional
A faulty heating element, temperature sensor or control board all require professional diagnosis and replacement. These components involve the electrical circuit of the machine and should only be tested and replaced by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
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Washing machine error codes — all brands
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