Learn how to reset a washing machine step by step, clear error codes, and troubleshoot common issues without calling a technician.
Washing Machine Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
When your washing machine error codes, specific alphanumeric signals displayed on the control panel that indicate a malfunction in the machine's operation. Also known as fault codes, these alerts are your machine’s way of saying something’s wrong—before it stops working completely. Most modern washers use these codes to point you toward the issue, saving time and money. Instead of guessing or calling a technician right away, you can often fix it yourself with a quick check.
These codes aren’t random. They relate to real components like the drain pump, the part that removes water from the tub after the cycle, the door lock, a safety switch that prevents the machine from spinning if the door isn’t sealed, or the water inlet valve, which controls how much water enters the drum. If you see an E20 code, it’s likely a drainage problem. An E10? Probably a water supply issue. These aren’t just mystery messages—they’re diagnostic clues built into the machine by the manufacturer.
Many people panic when a code flashes, thinking it means a costly repair or a full replacement. But in most cases, it’s something simple: a clogged filter, a kinked hose, or a loose plug. A 20-year-old washer might throw codes more often than a new one, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. Often, cleaning the pump filter or resetting the control board fixes it. And if you’ve got a washer under 10 years old, fixing it is almost always cheaper than buying new.
What you won’t find in the manual? Real-world fixes from people who’ve been there. The difference between a code that needs a $20 part and one that needs a $400 motor isn’t always clear. That’s why the posts below give you exactly what you need: step-by-step checks, common mistakes to avoid, and which codes you can handle yourself versus when to call a local pro in South Shields. No theory. No fluff. Just what actually works.
Below, you’ll find real fixes for the most common washing machine error codes—ones that actually come up in homes around here. Whether it’s a Whirlpool, Bosch, or Indesit, the solutions here apply to the models most people own. You’ll learn how to spot a failing pump before it leaks, how to reset a locked control panel, and why a code that says ‘unbalance’ might just mean your clothes are bunched up—not that the drum is broken.