How to replace Whirlpool dishwasher heater WPW10082894

Are you frustrated with pulling out soggy dishes every time you open your dishwasher? If your Whirlpool dishwasher’s heater element is on the fritz, don’t worry—help is at hand! Dive into our step-by-step guide and accompanying how-to video below to discover just how simple it is to replace that faulty heater element and restore your dishwasher’s drying power.

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Tired of pulling out wet dishes after every cycle? Your Whirlpool dishwasher’s heater element—part WPW10082894—might be bad. Luckily, replacing it is way easier than you think. With a little time and a few basic tools, you can swap out that bad heater and get your dishes drying like they’re supposed to. Let’s dive into how to make it happen!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

WATCH: How to install heater in dishwasher

Safety first

Before starting any appliance repair project, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Here are some important safety steps to follow when replacing your dishwasher heater:

• Unplug the dishwasher from the power source. This prevents electrocution while working on the appliance.
• Turn off the hot water supply valve underneath the sink. This cuts off water flow to the dishwasher and prevents leaks.
• Lay down towels to soak up any water that may spill when disconnecting hoses.
• Use caution when pulling out the dishwasher, as it is heavy. Don’t attempt to move it alone.
• Inspect wires before reconnecting to make sure the insulation isn’t cracked or damaged. This prevents electrical shorts.

By taking these simple precautions, you can safely tackle this repair job. Now let’s go over the step-by-step process.

Removing the dishwasher

The first step is to pull the dishwasher out from the cabinets so you can access the heater assembly. Here’s how:

• Locate the water supply line attached to the hot water valve under the sink. Use a 5/8″ wrench to disconnect the line.
• Find the drain hose that runs from the dishwasher to the sink’s air gap or garbage disposal. Loosen the metal clamp and detach the hose.
• Open the dishwasher door and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws along the top edge that anchor it to the underside of the counter.
• Carefully pull the dishwasher out about 3/4 of the way. Watch that hoses don’t snag.

With the appliance pulled out, you can now work on removing the old heater.

Remove the old heater

To extract the faulty heater, follow these steps:

• Open the dishwasher door completely and detach the door spring from its bracket, make sure to note which notch it was in. Set it aside. This gives you room to maneuver.
• Locate the power wires connected to the heater terminals. They may be stuck tightly, so use needle-nose pliers to detach them.
• From under the dishwasher, use a 3/4″ wrench to loosen and remove the hex nuts that secure the heater in place. Set them aside.
• Lift up the lower dish rack and slide it out. This allows access from above.
• Reach in and grasp the heater. Lift it upward to release the lower heating element terminals from the tub holes.
• Maneuver the heater around the wash arm and lift it out of the brackets. Take it out of the appliance.

Now you’re ready to install the replacement part.

Install the new heater

Replacing the dishwasher heater is a reversal of the removal process. Follow these tips for proper installation:

• Insert the new heater down through the wash arm and position it correctly in the mounting brackets.
• Feed the lower heating element terminals down through the tub holes.
• Replace the lower rack.
• From underneath, realign the hex nuts on the terminals. Tighten them securely with a wrench.
• Reattach the power wires to the heater terminals, making sure the connections are tight.
• Replace the door spring. The tension helps hold the door balanced.

Take care to seat the heater properly in its bracket supports and fully tighten all hardware. 

Reinstall the dishwasher

With the new part installed, you’re ready to put the dishwasher back into operation:

• Push the dishwasher 3/4 of the way back into the cabinet, guiding the hoses through the opening.
• Attach the drain hose to the air gap or disposal port and tighten the metal clamp.
• Connect the water supply line to the hot water valve and tighten it with the 5/8″ wrench.
• Open the door and reinsert the Phillips screws along the top edge to anchor it to the underside of the counter.
• Restore power to the dishwasher and turn the hot water supply back on.
• Run an empty “rinse only” cycle to check for leaks and verify proper heater operation.

With care and patience, you can replace the dishwasher heater yourself. 

More Information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the heater in your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dishwasher.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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