John. The heating element for the wash and dryer are two different animals. If indeed the heating element for the dryer is gone, this can be a devil of a job for the uninitiated and I would advise getting an engineer in. I would assume, that including the part and labour, my best guesstimate would be in the £100 department.
Sorry I couldn't be more help and more precise but I hope, although doubt that the cost will be less. However, Call at a domestic repair shop or arrange for an engineer to call, if only to confirm our diagnosis. At the shop the information will be free and if engineer calls, soley to diagnose and price the job, it should not be too costly.
It might give you the information to make a judgement on whether to repair or replace.
Hope you get sorted and health improves.
Good luck mate.
Davymac
June 2009
howtomendit.com for free repair help, information and advice.
Try fixfault.com to fix washing machines.