What is actually happening
The machine fills, then holds the cycle while the element brings the water up to the selected temperature. If the element has failed open-circuit the temperature never rises, so the machine either waits indefinitely, jumps to the next stage with cold water, or stops with a heater fault code. Clothes come out looking washed but not clean, and greasy marks stay put.
The usual causes
- A failed heating element — the usual cause, and the cheapest of these to put right
- A failed NTC temperature sensor, so the machine cannot read the water temperature
- Heavy limescale on the element, common in hard-water areas
- A control board fault where the element itself tests fine
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Run a hot cycle and put a hand flat on the door glass twenty minutes in — it should be noticeably warm
- Note whether the cycle stalls at the same point every time, which points at heating rather than the program
Still not heating the water?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my washing machine not heating the water?
Cold washes run fine but anything with a temperature either runs cold or stalls partway through. The machine fills, then holds the cycle while the element brings the water up to the selected temperature. If the element has failed open-circuit the temperature never rises, so the machine either waits indefinitely, jumps to the next stage with cold water, or stops with a heater fault code. Clothes come out looking washed but not clean, and greasy marks stay put.
Can I fix a washing machine not heating the water myself?
Run a hot cycle and put a hand flat on the door glass twenty minutes in — it should be noticeably warm. Note whether the cycle stalls at the same point every time, which points at heating rather than the program. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine not heating the water?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine tripping the electrics
- washing machine not filling with water