F06
INDESIT Dishwasher
Urgency
⚠ High
Stop using immediately
Repair difficulty
🔧 Competent DIY
Some experience required
Diagnosis

What this error means

Door latch or anti-flood fault — the door lock has failed or flood protection has activated

The F06 error on an Indesit dishwasher covers two separate but related fault conditions: a door latch that has not engaged correctly preventing the cycle from running safely, or the anti-flood system detecting water in the base tray and stopping the machine. Both share F06 because both are safety-related shutdowns. Establishing which condition is active is the first step in resolving this fault.

⚠️
For information purposes only. Always consult a qualified engineer before attempting repairs. 🔌 Unplug your appliance before any inspection or repair.
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First steps
Fix time
5–10 minutes
🔧
Difficulty
Competent DIY
🏠
Appliance
Dishwasher

What you'll need first

Sponges → · Amazon
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Step-by-step

1
Check the floor around the base of the dishwasher for any sign of water
If water is present on the floor the anti-flood system has activated and water in the base tray must be resolved before the door lock is investigated
2
Push the door firmly shut with both hands until you hear a definite click and try restarting
If F06 clears this confirms the fault was a door lock issue rather than anti-flood
3
Check the door seal all the way around for trapped items preventing the door from sitting flush
A cloth edge or food debris caught in the door gasket is a common cause of F06 door faults
4
If water was found on the floor unplug the machine and turn off the water supply tap before any further inspection
Diagnostic

Symptoms to look for

  1. Dishwasher will not start any programme — F06 displayed immediately
  2. Machine starts then immediately stops with F06
  3. Water visible on the floor around the base of the dishwasher
  4. Door appears closed but machine will not begin the cycle
Step-by-step repair guide

What to check

Time 25–50 minutes
Skill Competent DIY
Determine the fault type

Try closing the door firmly and restarting. If the programme runs normally, the fault was a door closure issue. If F06 reappears immediately even with the door properly closed, and especially if water was found on the floor, the anti-flood system is active.

On Indesit dishwashers the anti-flood float sensor is in the base tray. If the tray has water in it, the sensor stays raised and F06 will continue to appear on every attempt regardless of door status — the base must be dried first.
Inspect the door latch and interlock

Open the door and examine the plastic latch hook on the door edge for cracks, chips, or deformation. Examine the catch plate slot on the machine body. Both must be undamaged and correctly aligned. With the machine unplugged, look into the catch plate — the interlock switch inside should not be obstructed or showing burn marks.

Always unplug the machine before inspecting the door interlock switch. It carries mains voltage during operation.
Check the door seal for obstructions

Run your fingers around the full circumference of the rubber door seal, pressing gently into the folds. Remove any trapped food, debris, or cloth fibres. Pay attention to the lower section of the seal where items most commonly collect.

A single piece of food debris lodged in the lower door seal is enough to prevent the door sensor from confirming full closure — F06 will result even if the door appears visually shut.
Locate and dry the anti-flood base tray

With the machine unplugged and the water supply turned off, remove the lower kickplate panel. Shine a torch into the machine base and look for standing water around the pump, tub underside, and base tray. Dry the base tray thoroughly with cloths and sponge. Allow the area to air dry for at least 2 hours with the kickplate removed before testing.

Do not touch any wiring or electrical components in the base while water is present. Dry the area completely before reattaching the kickplate.
Identify the source of the water

Once the base is dry, inspect around the door seal edge, the pump body, the sump underside, and all hose connections for signs of where the water originated — water staining, mineral deposits, or active dripping. Repair any identified leak before running the machine.

A door seal that has a small tear at the lower corner can produce enough water per cycle to accumulate in the base tray over several washes — enough to trigger the anti-flood system without causing an obvious visible puddle.
Test after drying

Restore power and water supply and run a Quick Wash while remaining present. Confirm the door locks cleanly and the base tray remains completely dry throughout the cycle.

If F06 appears again within the first cycle after drying, the anti-flood float switch may be stuck in the raised position even without water present — the float switch may need replacing.
Did this solve your issue?
Escalation

When to call an engineer

  • Anti-flood float switch is stuck in the raised position even after the base has been thoroughly dried
  • Door interlock switch fails a continuity test — must be replaced
  • Door latch hook is visibly cracked or broken — latch assembly must be replaced
  • Source of water in the base tray cannot be identified after full visual inspection
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether F06 is a door fault or anti-flood on an Indesit dishwasher?
If the door clicks shut cleanly and F06 still appears, and especially if water was found on the floor or under the machine, the anti-flood system is active. If the door feels loose or springs back, start with the door inspection.
Can the anti-flood sensor reset itself?
Only once the base tray is completely dry and the float sensor has returned to its resting position. You must dry the tray manually — it will not reset on its own while wet.
Is it safe to use the dishwasher after F06?
Not until the cause has been identified and resolved. A door that is not secured risks flooding during the wash phase. An active anti-flood sensor indicates water in the base that may be near electrical components.
Can a small tear in the door seal cause the anti-flood to trigger?
Yes — a small tear at the bottom of the door seal can produce a thin trickle of water per cycle that accumulates in the base tray over several washes, eventually triggering the float sensor.

🎯 What is likely causing this fault?

🚪
Door latch / switch failure 40%
💧
Water in base (anti-flood triggered) 25%
💡
Wiring issue (door circuit) 15%
🔸
Misalignment / worn hinges 10%
📡
PCB 10%

⚠️ 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.

No model entered
Part Approx. UK Cost Find it
Door latch £12 - £15
Door latch £10 - £15
Door seal £15 - £25
Door seal £10 - £15

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.