What this error means
Pressure system fault — the water level sensor is not reading correctly
The F10 error means the pressure sensor — which tells the control board how much water is in the drum — has given a reading that is outside the expected range, or is not responding at all. This is most commonly caused by a blocked or kinked pressure hose, detergent residue inside the pressure hose or sensor chamber, or a faulty pressure sensor. If ignored, this fault can lead to the machine overfilling.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Machine fills with water then pauses for an unusually long time without beginning to tumble
- Drum appears to fill well beyond the normal level — water visible high in the door glass
- Programme stops during the fill phase with F10 displayed
- Machine behaviour is erratic — fills normally sometimes, overfills or underfills on other cycles
Diagnostic steps
Unplug the machine and hold the programme selector for 10 seconds to discharge the control board. Leave unplugged for 60 seconds. Plug back in and run a 40-degree programme. Observe whether the drum fills normally and the programme proceeds without F10.
Place a spirit level on top of the machine and check in both directions — front to back and side to side. Adjust the four feet until the machine is stable with no rocking in any direction. Tighten the locking nut on each foot against the machine base once level.
With the machine unplugged, remove the top panel by undoing the two screws at the rear edge and sliding it backwards. You will see a narrow plastic or rubber hose running from a small stub on the outer drum body up to the pressure sensor — a small circular or cylindrical component mounted near the top of the machine with an electrical connector on top and the hose on its lower port. Inspect the full length of the hose for kinks, cracks, splits, or disconnection at either end.
Gently pull the hose off both its stub fittings. Blow gently through the full length — you should feel completely free, unobstructed airflow. If restricted, flush with a small amount of warm water and dry it fully before refitting. Check the drum stub fitting for hardened detergent or limescale using a cotton bud.
With the hose disconnected from the sensor and the wiring connector removed from the sensor terminals, set a multimeter to resistance and test across the sensor terminals. Consult the service documentation for your specific Hotpoint model for the expected resistance value. A completely open circuit (OL) across all terminal combinations typically indicates a failed sensor.
Push the pressure hose firmly onto both stubs until fully seated. Replace the top panel. Plug in and run a 40-degree programme. The machine should fill to the correct level, pause briefly, then begin tumbling.
When to call an engineer
- Pressure hose is cracked, split, or has collapsed internally
- Pressure sensor tests open circuit on a multimeter
- Machine overfills even after hose clearing and sensor check — control board pressure circuit fault
- Drum stub fitting is completely blocked with hardened limescale that cannot be cleared with a cotton bud
Frequently asked questions
What does the pressure sensor do?
Can a blocked pressure hose cause the machine to overfill?
Is F10 dangerous?
Can I clear the pressure hose myself?
Parts you may need
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Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Switch | £30 - £40 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Pressure Switch | £10 - £20 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
| Pressure Hose | £5 - £10 | 🏷️ 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.