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: 15 April 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 and Why Your Washing Machine Won't Drain.
Common drainage fault codes
Beko Washing Machine E18
The washer is not draining fast enough through the pump and hose system.
Hotpoint Washing Machine F05
The washer has not drained the water out before the spin stage.
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.
Bosch Washing Machine E18
The washer cannot drain within the expected time
Samsung Washing Machine 5C
The washer cannot drain the water away
Beko Washing Machine E05
The machine is not draining water correctly
Beko Washing Machine H5
The machine is not draining water correctly
Common water-level and overflow codes
Samsung Washing Machine 1C
The washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading from the pressure sensing system.
Samsung Washing Machine 1E
The washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading from the pressure sensing system.
Beko Washing Machine E10
Water level or pressure sensing fault
Beko Washing Machine H7
Water level or pressure sensing fault
Bosch Washing Machine E26
Water level or pressure sensing fault
Hotpoint Washing Machine F04
Water level or pressure sensing fault
Common leak and overfill warnings
Samsung Washing Machine 0C
The washer thinks the water level has risen too high or the drum is overfilling.
Samsung Washing Machine 0E
The washer has detected an overfill or abnormal high-water condition.
Samsung Washing Machine LC
The machine has detected a leak risk or water collecting where it should not.
Samsung Washing Machine LC1
The washer has detected a leak risk or water collecting where it should not.
Samsung Washing Machine OC
The washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.
Beko Washing Machine E04
Overflow or leak protection has been triggered
Common door and control faults
Indesit Washing Machine F18
The control system has detected an internal communication or electronics fault.
Samsung Washing Machine 0C
The washer thinks the water level has risen too high or the drum is overfilling.
Samsung Washing Machine 0E
The washer has detected an overfill or abnormal high-water condition.
Samsung Washing Machine LC
The machine has detected a leak risk or water collecting where it should not.
Samsung Washing Machine LC1
The washer has detected a leak risk or water collecting where it should not.
Samsung Washing Machine OC
The washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.
Beko Washing Machine E18
The washer is not draining fast enough through the pump and hose system.
Hotpoint Washing Machine F05
The washer has not drained the water out before the spin stage.
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.