Water heater not heating properly – how can I test the heating element?
Hi, I have a washing machine that has recently stopped heating the water properly. The machine completes the cycle normally, but even on a 60°C wash the water stays cold.
There are no error codes. I’m wondering whether the heating element, thermostat/NTC sensor, or wiring could be responsible. I have a multimeter and would like to test the heater before calling an engineer.
What should I test first, and what resistance readings would normally indicate a healthy heating element?
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Hotpoint washer dryer not heating on wash cycle
- The problem
- The Hotpoint washer dryer completes cycles normally but the water stays cold, including on a 60°C wash. No fault codes were reported.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply said the heating element was the main suspect, with the NTC sensor, wiring, or a control fault also possible. No actual test results were posted, so the exact cause was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Recommended first step was to isolate the appliance from the mains and test the heater resistance with the wires removed from its terminals. The accepted reply stated a typical healthy heater would read about 25–30 ohms at room temperature, and should show no continuity from either heater terminal to the metal casing/earth. It also suggested checking the NTC sensor for a sensible resistance reading and smooth change with temperature, plus inspecting wiring and connectors for damage. Exact repair was not confirmed in the discussion.
- Checks to try
- Confirmed no error codes were shown
- Recommended resistance check across the two heater terminals
- Recommended insulation/earth leakage check from each heater terminal to the metal casing/earth
- Recommended NTC sensor resistance check
- Recommended visual inspection of wiring and connectors
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Multimeter
- Heating element
- NTC sensor
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before removing panels or testing components. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
If the wash completes normally but never heats, the heater is certainly high on the list, but the NTC sensor, wiring, or even a control fault can also cause it. The simplest first check is the heater itself.
1. Isolate the appliance from the mains first Unplug it before removing any panels or testing internal parts. On many Hotpoint washer dryers the heater is fitted near the bottom of the outer tub, usually accessed from the rear or front depending on the model.
2. Test the heating element resistance Pull the wires off the heater terminals and measure across the two main terminals. A typical healthy washing machine heater usually reads roughly 25 to 30 ohms at room temperature for a 1.8 to 2.2 kW element. If it reads open circuit/infinite resistance, the element has failed. If it reads very low resistance, that also indicates a faulty heater.
3. Check for earth leakage Measure between each heater terminal and the metal casing/earth of the element. This should read open circuit/no continuity. If you get any continuity or low resistance to earth, the heater is faulty.
4. Check the NTC sensor If fitted in or near the heater, disconnect it and measure its resistance. Many NTC sensors are commonly around 20k ohms at room temperature, but values vary by model, so the key thing is whether it is open circuit, short circuit, or changes smoothly with temperature.
5. Inspect wiring and connections Look for burnt connectors, loose terminals, or damaged wiring between the heater, sensor, and control board.
If the heater and wiring test fine, the fault may be with the NTC or control system. For live electrical diagnosis, or if you are unsure, it is best to use a qualified appliance engineer. Also use a qualified engineer for any mains, gas, or sealed refrigeration work.
WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant
You may also find this guide on our main site helpful: "Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Codes" – https://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/hotpoint-washing-machine-error-codes/
This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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