With the machine unplugged, open the door slowly and check the water level in the drum. Normal programme water should be well below the door seal opening. If water is at or above the door seal, the machine has overfilled and the inlet valve or pressure system is at fault.

With the machine unplugged, remove the top panel by undoing the two rear screws. Locate the pressure hose running from the drum base stub to the pressure sensor. Check its full length for kinks, cracks, blockages, or disconnection. Disconnect both ends and blow through it — airflow should be completely unobstructed. Clear the drum stub with a cotton bud if blocked with detergent.

With the pressure hose disconnected and the wiring connector removed from the sensor terminals, test across the terminals with a multimeter set to resistance. For most Hotpoint models the sensor should switch between two distinct resistance values as air pressure is applied to its port (blow gently into the port while watching the multimeter). A sensor that reads open circuit in both states has failed.

With the machine unplugged and the water supply turned off, remove the rear panel and locate the inlet valve. If the machine was overfilling, the valve solenoid may have stuck in the open position — water would continue entering even when the control board sent a close signal. Examine the valve body for cracks, mineral deposits around the valve seat, or a plunger that is not returning to its closed position.

If the pressure hose, sensor, and inlet valve all test correctly, the fault is likely a relay on the control board that has stuck in the closed position, continuously energising the inlet valve. This cannot be confirmed without specialist equipment and requires the control board to be replaced.

If the pressure hose was cleared or the sensor replaced, reassemble the machine and run a short programme while monitoring it for the first 5 minutes. Confirm the water level stabilises at the normal operating level — well below the door seal.