Dishwasher Taking Too Long and No Steam After Cycle? Heating Element Replacement in Chandler, AZ

Posted September 2, 2025

A Chandler homeowner recently contacted us after noticing their dishwasher cycles were taking far too long and there was no steam once the cycle was finished. Both symptoms point toward a common problem — a failing heating element.

The Initial Inspection

When our technician arrived, they quickly identified another issue before even getting to the heating system: the dishwasher had been installed with a copper water inlet line.

Unlike flexible water lines, copper can easily snap or crack when the dishwasher is pulled out for servicing. To avoid flooding and damage, we paused the repair and made a plan to replace the copper line with a modern, flexible line before continuing.

The Suspected Problem: Heating Element Failure

The customer’s description matched one of the most common dishwasher failures — a bad heating element.

When the heating element fails, the dishwasher:

• Takes much longer to complete cycles
• Doesn’t heat water properly
• Leaves dishes wet, with no steam after drying cycle

The Repair Plan

To get this unit working properly again, we’ll return with:

• New dishwasher inlet valve (to ensure proper water flow)
• New heater assembly (to restore heating and drying function)

With both parts available locally, the turnaround time is just two days.

Why Heating Elements Matter

The heating element is critical for dishwashers — it not only heats the wash water for better cleaning but also produces steam to dry dishes at the end of the cycle. Without it, cycles drag on, water may stay lukewarm, and dishes come out wet.

Your Local Dishwasher Repair Experts

If your dishwasher cycle takes too long, or there’s no steam or heat at the end of a wash, it’s likely time for a heating element replacement.

At Phoenix Appliance Repair, we service all major brands and handle everything from inlet valve replacements to heater assemblies. We proudly serve Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Ahwatukee, and San Tan Valley.