## How to Fix a Water Dispenser Heater
A water dispenser is a convenient appliance that provides you with instant access to hot and cold water. However, like all appliances, water dispensers can experience problems from time to time. One common issue is a faulty water dispenser heater, which can result in lukewarm or cold water instead of hot water. If you’re experiencing this problem, don’t worry – you can fix it yourself with a few simple steps.
## Identifying the Problem
Before you start troubleshooting the water dispenser heater, it’s important to make sure that the problem is actually with the heater. Here are a few things to check:
Is the water dispenser plugged in?
Is the power switch turned on?
Is the water reservoir full?
Are the water lines kinked or blocked?
If you’ve checked all of these things and the water dispenser heater is still not working, then it’s likely that the heater is faulty.
## Troubleshooting the Water Dispenser Heater
Once you’ve determined that the problem is with the water dispenser heater, you can start troubleshooting the issue. Here are the steps involved:
1. Inspect the heating element. The heating element is the component that actually generates heat in the water dispenser. It’s located at the bottom of the water reservoir. To inspect the heating element, remove the water reservoir and look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or burns. If the heating element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
2. Check the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of the water. It’s located near the heating element. To check the thermostat, turn the water dispenser on and set it to the hottest setting. Then, use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the thermostat terminals. If the voltage is less than 120 volts, then the thermostat is faulty and will need to be replaced.
3. Inspect the wiring. The wiring connects the heating element and thermostat to the power supply. To inspect the wiring, remove the back panel of the water dispenser and look for any loose or damaged wires. If you find any loose wires, tighten them. If you find any damaged wires, replace them.
## Replacing the Water Dispenser Heater
If you’ve inspected the heating element, thermostat, and wiring and you still can’t get the water dispenser heater to work, then it’s likely that the heater needs to be replaced. Replacing the water dispenser heater is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any damage to the appliance.
Here are the steps involved in replacing the water dispenser heater:
1. Unplug the water dispenser.
2. Remove the back panel of the water dispenser.
3. Locate the heating element. The heating element is located at the bottom of the water reservoir.
4. Disconnect the wires from the heating element.
5. Remove the heating element from the water dispenser.
6. Install the new heating element.
7. Connect the wires to the new heating element.
8. Reattach the back panel of the water dispenser.
9. Plug in the water dispenser.
10. Turn on the water dispenser and set it to the hottest setting.
Once you’ve replaced the water dispenser heater, the water dispenser should start heating water again. If the water dispenser still doesn’t heat water, then there may be another problem with the appliance. In this case, you’ll need to contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.
## Preventing Water Dispenser Heater Problems
There are a few things you can do to prevent water dispenser heater problems from occurring in the future:
Clean the water dispenser regularly. This will help to prevent scale buildup on the heating element and thermostat.
Use a water filter. This will help to remove impurities from the water, which can also help to prevent scale buildup.
Don’t let the water dispenser run out of water. This can cause the heating element to overheat and burn out.
If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, unplug the water dispenser. This will help to prevent damage to the appliance from power surges.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your water dispenser running smoothly for years to come.