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: 12 May 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.
- Beko E18 and Hotpoint F05 are classic drain-fault codes when the machine cannot empty before spin.
- 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.
Browse related appliance hubs
Related brand and appliance hubs
Samsung Washing Machine hub
Open the full Samsung washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Beko Washing Machine hub
Open the full Beko washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Hotpoint Washing Machine hub
Open the full Hotpoint washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Indesit Washing Machine hub
Open the full Indesit washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Bosch Washing Machine hub
Open the full Bosch washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Whirlpool Washing Machine hub
Open the full Whirlpool washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Common drainage fault codes
Bosch Washing Machine E36
The meaning depends on the full E36 suffix and the exact Bosch model
Samsung Washing Machine ND
The washer has detected a no-drain condition
Hotpoint Washing Machine F05
Hotpoint F05 usually means the washer has not drained the water out properly before spin.
Samsung Washing Machine 5C
The washer cannot drain the water away properly.
Hotpoint Washing Machine F11
The washer has a drain pump or drainage-circuit fault and cannot empty water properly.
Samsung Washing Machine SE
Drainage timeout or not-draining fault
Beko Washing Machine E18
The washer is not draining fast enough through the pump and hose system.
Indesit Washing Machine F11
The washer has a drain pump or drainage-circuit fault and is not emptying water properly.
Common water-level and overflow codes
Samsung Washing Machine 1C
1C error in a Samsung washing machine usually means the washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading.
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
Whirlpool Washing Machine F23
Pressure switch or anti-flood 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 LC1
Samsung UK lists LC1 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.
Common door and control faults
Bosch Washing Machine E30
Bosch washing machine E30 usually means leak or overflow protection has been triggered.
Bosch Washing Machine F21
Bosch F21 usually means the washing machine has detected a drum movement or motor-drive problem.
Samsung Washing Machine LC
Samsung UK lists LC as low water level detected.
Samsung Washing Machine LC1
Samsung UK lists LC1 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 AC
The washer has detected an internal communication fault between electronic controls.
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.