What this error means
Water supply fault — the dishwasher is not filling with water correctly
The F01 error means the dishwasher has failed to receive sufficient water within the allowed fill time. It is most commonly caused by a closed or partially open water supply tap, a kinked inlet hose, a blocked inlet filter mesh, or a faulty solenoid inlet valve. Low water pressure at the property can also produce this fault.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Dishwasher starts its programme but does not fill with water
- Cycle runs silently for the first few minutes with no water sound
- Programme stops very early and displays F01
- Fill takes far longer than normal before the wash cycle begins
How to fix it
Find the isolation tap on the cold water supply pipe under the sink or behind the dishwasher. It is typically a quarter-turn lever or straight-slot screw valve. Turn it fully anti-clockwise. If you are unsure whether it moved, close it fully clockwise then reopen fully anti-clockwise.
Open the under-sink cabinet and trace the inlet hose from the tap fitting to the back of the dishwasher. Run your hand along its full length and straighten any kinks, sharp bends, or sections that have been pinched between the machine and the cabinet wall. Ease the dishwasher out slightly if needed.
Turn the tap off fully. Fold a towel beneath the hose connection at the back of the dishwasher. Unscrew the hose fitting anti-clockwise — water will drip out as you loosen it. Inside the machine's inlet port you will see a small flat or cylindrical mesh filter. Remove it carefully with tweezers, rinse it under running water and scrub gently with an old toothbrush to remove limescale and debris. Push it firmly back into place, reattach the hose and hand-tighten followed by a quarter turn with pliers.
With the inlet hose disconnected from the dishwasher, point the open end into a bucket and briefly open the tap for 3 seconds. You should see a strong, steady, uninterrupted flow. A weak trickle indicates a supply pressure problem at the property rather than a dishwasher fault — contact your water supplier or a plumber.
With the dishwasher completely unplugged, remove the lower kickplate or toe panel at the front base of the machine (held by one or two screws). The inlet valve is where the hose connects internally — a rectangular solenoid body with an electrical connector on top. Check for corrosion, cracking, or mineral deposits around the valve body.
Reassemble everything, turn the water fully on and start a Quick Wash or Rinse programme. The dishwasher should begin to fill within 60 seconds — you will hear water entering the base of the machine. The programme timer should begin counting down shortly after.
When to call an engineer
- Water supply pressure confirmed adequate at the tap but F01 persists after filter cleaning
- Inlet valve solenoid coil reads open circuit on a multimeter — valve has failed
- Valve is not opening despite receiving power — confirmed by electrical testing
- Wiring to the inlet valve is burnt, corroded, or the connector has melted
Frequently asked questions
Why does F01 appear even though the water is connected?
Can limescale cause F01 on a dishwasher?
Is it safe to run the dishwasher after F01?
How do I know if the inlet valve itself has failed?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine
Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet solenoid valve | £10 - £20 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Inlet solenoid valve | £10 - £20 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.