What this error means
Drainage fault — the dishwasher cannot empty the water from the base
The F02 error means the dishwasher has failed to drain within the expected time. This is most commonly caused by a blocked or dirty filter assembly, a kinked or obstructed drain hose, a blocked drain pump, or a foreign object jamming the pump impeller. A failed drain pump motor can also produce this fault.
What you'll need first
Add all tools to Amazon basket →Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Water visible at the base of the tub at the end of a cycle
- Dishwasher stops mid-cycle with standing water in the base
- Gurgling, straining, or loud humming from the base of the machine during the drain phase
- F02 displayed near the end of a wash or rinse programme
How to fix it
Unplug the dishwasher from the mains before starting any hands-on checks. If the machine stopped mid-cycle there may be water sitting in the base of the tub — have a towel and a shallow tray ready to catch it when you remove the filter.
Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower basket. At the base of the tub you will see the filter assembly — typically a round coarse filter that unscrews anti-clockwise, sitting on top of a flat fine mesh screen. Remove both. Rinse the cylindrical filter under warm running water, using an old toothbrush to scrub the mesh clear of food particles, grease, and limescale. Clean the flat mesh screen in the same way, pressing gently to dislodge any debris caught in the fine holes.
With both filter parts removed, shine a torch into the sump cavity at the base of the tub. Check for any objects — broken glass, small utensils, food debris, or pieces of label — that could be partially blocking the pump intake or sitting on top of the pump impeller. Remove anything you find using tweezers or long-nose pliers.
With the filter removed and the sump clear, you should be able to see the top of the drain pump impeller through the filter opening. Try to rotate it very gently with the tip of a finger or a thin wooden implement. It should turn with slight resistance. If it is completely stiff, stuck, or will not move at all, there is either a foreign object jammed in the pump body or the pump impeller has broken.
Pull the dishwasher forward slightly and trace the drain hose from the back of the machine to the sink waste or standpipe connection. Straighten any kinks or sharp bends. Ensure the hose is not crushed under the machine foot or pinched by the cabinet. The end of the drain hose in the standpipe or sink waste should be inserted no more than 10 to 12 cm — inserting it deeper creates a syphon effect that continuously tries to drain the machine during fill and wash phases.
Refit the filter assembly firmly — the cylindrical filter should turn clockwise until it locks with a click. Replace the lower basket. Plug the machine back in and select a Quick Wash or Rinse programme. You should hear the pump activate within 60 seconds and water should drain from the hose.
When to call an engineer
- Pump impeller will not turn by hand after filter removal — broken impeller or foreign object in pump body
- Pump motor hums but produces no water movement — motor winding has failed
- F02 returns immediately after cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose
- Burning smell or visible scorch marks underneath the dishwasher near the pump area
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to leave standing water in the dishwasher base?
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Can food debris really block the pump enough to cause F02?
What is the anti-syphon loop on the drain hose?
🎯 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Drain pump motor | £20 - £30 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Drain pump motor | £20 - £30 | 🏷️ 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.