Indesit Wd12 Washer Dryer Tripped Electrics

If the heating element has gone it should bring up an error code after a certain amount of time on wash when the programmer realises the water isn't getting hot. A loud dull thud sounds more like the drum hitting the sides of the machine and the smell of electrical overheating sounds more like a motor or pcb, heaters wouldn't normally produce that smell. Fitting a heater often involves stripping the machine down on many modern machines if it's located at the front of the tub. There are potential problems such as not locating the new one properly in the tub bracket, overtightening it and leaks as well as difficulty in getting it out in the first place.

The seal is sandwiched between a plate which once the heater is inserted in the front or back plate the nut in between the electrical connections is tightened up. This draws the plate up and squashes the rubber seal causing it to bulge and wedge in place sealing it up.

To remove it the nut is loosened but not removed and the thread bashed down to loosen the metal plate but especially after a few years the seal has become stuck in its bulged position and the heater needs digging out. As most are now inserted into plastic plates it's easy to cause damage getting it out.

Also when fitting the new one in you have to make sure it locates under the lugs in the tub to prevent it catching on the drum n spin with heavy loads in. Knowing how much to tighten the nut is a critical judgement too. Not enough and it could leak or even come out during a wash causing serious flooding (especially if lubricant has been used to help get it in) and too tight and damage could occur.