How to Replace the Element in a Washing Machine

The element plays an important role in keeping your appliance running, as it ensures the water is hot during the wash (if the water is not heated the machine may wash continuously and not finish a cycle).

If the element gains a fault or stops working completely, it will need to be replaced.

Firstly, just to check you are on the right path, here are the warning signs that your element has blown and needs to be replaced:

• If it’s tripping out your fuse or the mains electricity supply
• If the machine is working but the water is not getting hot
• If the wash cycle does not finish

If you need to replace the element, but are unsure where to start, there’s no need to panic. We’ll talk you through how to successfully replace the element without damaging your washing machine.

In this video we are using a Bosch WFL2260 model which has its heater fitted from the front of the drum. Most machines have elements fitted from the back, if yours is fitted from the front the process should be pretty similar to your make and model of front loader washing machine.

This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.

• Heating Element
• Spanner (or Socket)
• Torx Head Screwdriver

Safety First! Please make sure that you have disconnected the appliance from the mains before beginning any repair.

We need to get the front of the machine off…the first aspect of this is removing the top panel. To do this remove the screws that are holding it in place by using a screwdriver.

Once the top panel is off you can take out the soap dispenser drawer, before then taking off the control panel fascia (again, this is held in place by screws that need to be removed).

Do keep the screw from behind the drawer separate though, because this is stainless steel, so that it won’t rust.

Place the fascia and control panel on top of your machine just for the moment, and then unclip the kickplate strip at the bottom of the appliance (placing the drain hose to once side).

The door seal is being held in place by a retaining clip, which you will need to remove from around your seal. Once removed, push the door seal into the machine.

There are four more screws that need to be removed (including two on the door interlock) Once these have been taken out, you will be able to gently lift the front of the machine (including the door) away from the machine.

So far so good… You will now be able to see the element, located at the bottom of the drum. Time now for an eSpares Top Tip - before you go any further, take a quick photo showing which wires go where (it will help you later on).

Let’s get that old element out now! Start by uncoupling the wires - the brown wire on this machine is connected to the thermistor.

Using a spanner or socket, just undo the nut that is attached to the element retaining clip (but do not undo it all the way).

Give it a little tap and push the retaining clip through to release the element seal - you should now be able to prise the element out.

Time to give your new element a home…before we do though, you need to gently pull out the thermostat from your old element, and then push it in your new element making sure it fits in the clip inside the drum to prevent it catching the drum.

How about another eSpares Top Tip - at this stage just apply a little bit of fairy liquid around the seal (as because it is new, it might be a little tricky to get in, to begin with)

You can now slide in your new element, making sure it is firmly in place by giving it a good push.

Once the element is in, just tighten the nut to push the seal against the casing. Proceed to then coupling the wires back on again (using the handy photo that you had taken earlier as a guide).

All you need to do now is put the whole thing back together so it actually looks like your washing machine again!

Congratulations - you have now successfully been able to replace your washing machine element!

You can now get back to being able to wash your clothes again without you having to do trips to the launderette.

Does Your Washing Machine Need Some Loving Care & Attention?

Your washing machine no doubt works hard for you in getting your clothes nice and clean.

If you want to show it some TLC, then it is a great idea to protect it from the build-up of limescale & detergent that can happen over time in your machine.

Introducing the eSpares Limescale & Detergent Remover - where by using this you can help protect from this, as well as removing bad odours and bacteria build-up.

*Not suitable for top loading appliances

Need To Locate The Correct Element For Your Washing Machine?

As well as being one of the easiest DIY appliance fixes out there, fixing your washing machine element yourself can save you a lot of money compared to booking a repair or buying a new washing machine.

Here at eSpares, we have a wide-range of replacement washing machine elements for you to select from - so you can soon be on your way to repairing it yourself.

If you need any other help for your appliances you can find more videos from Mat and the team at eSpares, who are always on hand with appliance repair advice in your time of need.