i20
ZANUSSI Dishwasher
Urgency
⚡ Medium
Attend to soon
Repair difficulty
🔧 Competent DIY
Some experience required
⚠️
For information purposes only. Always consult a qualified engineer before attempting repairs. 🔌 Unplug your appliance before any inspection or repair.

What does the Zanussi i20 error code mean?

i20 is Zanussi’s dishwasher drainage fault. The machine cannot pump out waste water within the expected time. Like its AEG equivalent, this is usually a filter, pump, or drain hose issue.

🔍 Symptoms

  1. Water in the bottom of the machine after a cycle
  2. Machine stops at the drain phase
  3. Pump hums but water does not move
  4. Dirty, wet dishes after a completed programme
  5. Error at end of every wash

How to fix the Zanussi i20 error code

  1. Clean the filter assembly.
  2. Clear any pump impeller blockages.
  3. Check drain hose for kinks.
  4. Check kitchen waste pipe connection.
  5. Test/replace drain pump motor if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is a blocked filter always the cause of i20 on a Zanussi dishwasher?

A: It is the most common cause and should always be the first check. However, a jammed pump impeller, a kinked hose, or a failed pump motor can all produce i20 even with a clean filter.

Q: Can I clear the Zanussi dishwasher pump impeller without tools?

A: Yes. Remove the filter and pump cover (quarter-turn), then use a finger to check and clear the impeller blades. No tools are required for this step.

Q: How long does a Zanussi drain pump typically last?

A: 7–12 years in normal use. Pumps in hard-water areas may fail sooner due to limescale deposits on the motor windings.

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🎯 What is likely causing this fault?

🧹
Blockage (filter, hose, sink spigot) 60%
⚙️
Pump obstruction (debris in impeller) 20%
⚙️
Pump failure 10%
⚠️
Non-return valve issue 5%
🔌
Wiring / PCB 5%

⚠️ 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.

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Part Approx. UK Cost Find it
Drain pump £15 - £20
Drain pump £15 - £20

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.