Why doesn't my LG washing machine heat water during washing?

It's impossible to list all the possible problems that arise when using washing machines. However, some are so obvious and so disruptive to the machine's proper operation that many homeowners dream of learning how to fix them themselves. For example, a common question is: what to do if an LG washing machine doesn't heat water.

Is there a breakdown?

Yes, sometimes the alarm turns out to be false. It seems obvious: the washing machine isn't heating the water, even though it should. First, check that you've set the temperature correctly for the selected wash cycle. If the machine detects a discrepancy, it won't be able to send a command to the module, and heating won't begin. If you're unsure whether the temperature setting is correct, consult the user manual.

Water heating also isn't achieved on gentle wash cycles. Delicate fabrics don't tolerate high temperatures. To find out which program washes at what temperature, consult the instructions. You can confirm the problem with the following steps:

• select and run a program that includes washing in hot water (40-60 degrees, as a rule);
• After about half an hour from the start of the wash, touch the glass of the door with your hand; if it remains cold, then the heating element has indeed stopped heating during the wash.

Important! Heating problems are not necessarily caused by the heating element, so before taking any action, it's important to pinpoint the problem.

What part could have broken?

Machines with built-in self-diagnostics systems refuse to operate at the slightest problem until all issues are resolved. Less sophisticated models continue washing as if nothing happened, even without heating. But the situation still needs to be resolved. Whether you do it yourself or call a technician is up to you, but it's essential. Malfunctions in the machine can be caused by a number of faulty components.

• A water level sensor. It signals the water heater in the machine to heat the water once it has reached a sufficient level. Since the element is faulty, no signal is sent and the heater does not activate.
• Contacts connecting the heating element to other parts.
• The heater itself, which does not perform its functions due to a malfunction.
• A sensor that monitors the temperature setting. Since the machine doesn't know what temperature the water should be heated to, it prefers to leave it cold to avoid more serious malfunctions.
• The corresponding chip in the control board fails. The unit becomes completely ineffective in heating water.

These problems require immediate attention, as washing in cold water won't last long, and some fabrics simply don't wash at low temperatures. Furthermore, all components of a washing machine are interconnected, so one problem can quickly lead to others.

Why did the machine break down?

In turn, the above-mentioned failures also have their causes. Some of them are quite understandable and logical.

1. The water level sensor tube is clogged. After washing, debris, hair, and lint inevitably remain in the machine, causing blockages.
2. The wires are frayed. Not all models have perfect electronics. Some machines have wires running along the walls of the machine, and due to vibrations during the washing or spinning process, the wires become frayed.
3. The heating element is coated with scale and limescale. In the worst case, the heating element in such a bag overheats and burns out; in the best case, heat simply doesn't pass through the layer covering the element.
4. A manufacturing defect caused the control module to fail without any apparent reason.
5. Power surges in the network, due to which one of the elements could burn out.

In the event of a manufacturing defect and the warranty period still pending, the user can expect a free repair or replacement of the washing machine at a service center. This is only if the warranty card was properly completed. If the machine is not heating, you can't just leave it as is; it's imperative to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

2 reader comments

1. May 27, 2021 at 10:39 PM

   Sasha:

   The wash is fast, I set the temperature to 60, it drops to 40 and doesn’t increase it anymore.

   Answer
2. May 22, 2022 at 1:50 PM

   Olya:

   I have the same problem.

   Answer