Guide
Common Washing Machine Error Codes Explained
A practical UK guide to the most common washing machine error-code types, so you can quickly tell whether the fault points to drainage, overfilling, door locking, sensors, or control electronics.
Use this guide to identify what your washing machine error code is pointing to, what to check first, and when it is better to stop troubleshooting and call an engineer.
Last updated: 17 September 2026
Most washing machine error codes fall into a few repeated patterns: the machine is not draining, is overfilling, is not locking, is not heating, or has an internal control problem. This guide helps you match the code to the likely fault, start with the safest first check, and jump straight to the right page.
Drainage and leak-related codes
- Samsung LC usually points to a leak risk, water in the base, or a drainage problem that has triggered protection mode.
- Hotpoint F05 is a drainage-related example when the machine cannot empty before spin; check the exact model guidance before troubleshooting.
- If the machine is not draining at all, start with the accessible filter, hose route, and waste connection before assuming the pump has failed.
Fill and water-level codes
- Samsung 1C usually means the washer cannot trust the water-level reading from the pressure system.
- Samsung OC means the machine thinks there is too much water in the drum and overfill protection may activate.
- These faults often need you to check for oversudsing, abnormal filling, or a badly fitted drain hose before trying a reset.
Door, sensor, and control faults
- Hotpoint F06 is a door-lock confirmation fault, so the first checks are trapped laundry, seal debris, and latch alignment.
- Indesit F03 is typically a temperature-sensor or heating-feedback problem rather than a drainage fault.
- Indesit F18 is a control or communication error and usually needs much less DIY troubleshooting than a blocked-filter fault.
If your code clears after one safe external check, monitor the next cycle carefully. If it returns immediately, keep the washer off and use the specific page for that code rather than repeating resets. For broader first-step guidance, see How to Reset a Washing Machine, Why Your Washing Machine Won't Drain, and Common Washing Machine Error Codes in Singapore Homes.
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Related brand and appliance hubs
Samsung Washing Machine hub
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Beko Washing Machine hub
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Hotpoint Washing Machine hub
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Indesit Washing Machine hub
Open the full Indesit washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Bosch Washing Machine hub
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Hoover Washing Machine hub
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Common drainage fault codes
Samsung Washing Machine LC1
The washer has detected a drain-hose problem
Hoover Washing Machine E03
The washing machine is not draining water on models using Hoover's E03/E3 mapping
Hotpoint Washing Machine F11
The washer has a drain pump or drainage-circuit fault and cannot empty water properly.
Indesit Washing Machine F11
The washer has a drain pump or drainage-circuit fault and is not emptying water properly.
Samsung Washing Machine 5C
The washer cannot drain the water away properly.
Samsung Washing Machine ND
The washer has detected a no-drain condition
Samsung Washing Machine SE
Drainage timeout or not-draining fault
Bosch Washing Machine E36
The meaning depends on the full E36 suffix and the exact Bosch model
Common water-level and overflow codes
Bosch Washing Machine E26
Bosch identifies E26 or F26 as an analogue pressure-sensor fault.
Samsung Washing Machine 1C
Samsung identifies 1C or 1E as a water-level sensor issue.
Samsung Washing Machine IE
The washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading from the pressure sensing system.
Hotpoint Washing Machine F10
Water level or pressure sensing fault
Samsung Washing Machine 1E
The washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading from the pressure sensing system.
Whirlpool Washing Machine F10
Pressure sensor or water-level signal fault
Common leak and overfill warnings
Bosch Washing Machine E30
Bosch washing machine E30 usually means leak or overflow protection has been triggered.
Samsung Washing Machine LC
Samsung UK lists LC as low water level detected.
Samsung Washing Machine LE
Samsung UK lists LE as low water level detected.
Samsung Washing Machine OE
Samsung UK lists OE as an overflow error.
Samsung Washing Machine OC
Samsung OC usually means the washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.
Samsung Washing Machine FE
Overflow or abnormal foam/water-level condition
Common door and control faults
Hotpoint Washing Machine F01
Electronic circuit-board fault
Bosch Washing Machine E30
Bosch washing machine E30 usually means leak or overflow protection has been triggered.
Bosch Washing Machine E26
Bosch identifies E26 or F26 as an analogue pressure-sensor fault.
Beko Washing Machine E11
A model-dependent motor-drive or drum-speed fault
Hotpoint Washing Machine F13
A dryer-temperature sensing fault on a Hotpoint washer-dryer
Hotpoint Washing Machine F16
A drum-lock position sensor fault on a top-loading washer
Samsung Washing Machine AE
A signal communication error between electronic controls
Hotpoint Washing Machine F09
Hotpoint identifies F09 as a software fault that can prevent normal operation or programme selection.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always reset the machine first when an error code appears?+
No. Start with the code meaning. Resetting can help after a safe check, but leak, overfill, and electrical faults should not be cleared repeatedly.
Which washing machine codes are the safest to investigate at home?+
Drainage faults are often the safest because the first checks are external, such as the filter and hose. Internal electrical and control faults are less suitable for DIY.
When should I stop troubleshooting and call an engineer?+
Stop when there is water near electrical parts, the machine overfills, the controls behave unpredictably, or the next step would require opening the cabinet.