What this error means
Water supply fault — machine not filling with sufficient water flow
The E17 or F17 error means the machine is not receiving enough water to fill within the expected time. This is most commonly caused by a closed or partially open water tap, a kinked inlet hose, or a blocked inlet filter mesh. A faulty solenoid inlet valve can also produce this fault.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Machine pauses at the very start of a cycle without filling
- Programme runs but takes far longer than the time shown on the display
- Drum feels dry or barely damp after the first 5 minutes of a programme
- E17 or F17 displayed shortly after a programme is started
How to fix it
Find the isolation tap on the cold water supply pipe behind or under the machine. It is usually a straight-slot screw or quarter-turn lever valve. Turn it fully anti-clockwise. If uncertain whether it moved, close it fully clockwise then reopen anti-clockwise.
Pull the machine carefully away from the wall by holding the machine body — never drag it by the hose. Run your hand along the full length of the inlet hose. Straighten any kinks or compressed bends. Push the machine back into position while watching the hose to ensure it does not kink again.
Turn the tap fully off. Fold a towel under the hose connection at the back of the machine. Unscrew the hose fitting anti-clockwise — water will drip out as you do this. Inside the machine's inlet port you will see a small cylindrical mesh filter. Grip it with tweezers or fine-nose pliers and pull it straight out. Rinse it under a running tap, scrubbing gently with an old toothbrush to clear limescale. Push it firmly back in, reattach the hose and hand-tighten plus a quarter turn with pliers.
With the hose disconnected from the machine but still attached to the tap, 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 or intermittent trickle means a supply pressure issue rather than a machine fault — contact your water supplier.
With the machine completely unplugged and the water turned off, remove the rear panel by unscrewing the fixings around the edge. The inlet valve is located where the hose attaches internally — a block with one or two solenoid coils on top. Examine the coils for corrosion or burn marks.
Reassemble everything, turn the water supply fully on, and start a standard 40-degree programme. Watch the first 3 minutes — you should hear water entering the drum and the programme timer should begin counting.
When to call an engineer
- Water pressure confirmed adequate at the tap but the fault persists after filter cleaning
- Inlet valve solenoid coil fails a continuity test with a multimeter
- Valve is not opening despite receiving power — confirmed by testing with a multimeter
- Wiring to the inlet valve is visibly damaged, corroded, or the connector is burnt
Frequently asked questions
Why does E17 show even though the water is connected?
Can limescale cause E17?
Does E17 mean there is no water at all?
Is it safe to inspect the inlet valve myself?
🎯 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 Valve | £15 - £30 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Inlet Valve | £15 - £25 | 🏷️ 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.