Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Error Code E1: Flood Detected (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Fisher & Paykel's DishDrawer user guide 590199D (DD24, DD60, DD36 and DD90 Classic, Designer and Integrated models) lists E1 as "Flood detected." The DishDrawer service manual 590409A (DD607 and DD247 series) explains how it works: a flood sensor sits in the mains filter housing in the base of the chassis, and when it has been activated for more than 20 seconds the controller shows E1, sounds a continuous pulsing beep and runs the drain pump continuously to empty the drawers. On integrated and flat-door models without a code display, the manual says E1 shows as the Rinse light on the secondary display. The service manual splits E1 into two kinds: a wet E1, where water really is in the chassis base and is usually from a leak, and a dry E1, where the base is dry and the fault is in the sensor, wiring, mains filter board or controller. Newer DishDrawer models report a flood as F1 instead; see the separate F1 page if that's what your display shows.

Likely causes

• A drawer lid that couldn't seal because something tall (a large utensil, cup or glass on the top rack) sticks up above the tub rim
• A jammed or broken lid yoke, or a slow or failed lid actuator, so the lid doesn't close fully
• Overfilling, for example a water inlet valve that doesn't shut off fully
• Excess foam from the wrong detergent or from spilled rinse aid, which escapes the tub
• A drawer that isn't draining properly
• A leak from the lid seal, heater plate or wash pump seal, drain hose or its O-ring seals, dispenser, internal fill hose, or the water softener on models that have one
• A loose connection between the inlet hose and inlet valve, or a leaking inlet valve body
• A damaged heater plate (chipped enamel)
• A dry E1 with no water in the base: corrosion at the flood sensor, a sensor touching the chassis, corroded harness connections, a failed mains filter board or controller

Safe DIY checks

1. Stop the beeping. Fisher & Paykel's service manual says pressing the KEYLOCK button silences it and also stops the drain pump that runs during an E1.
2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher before you go looking for the leak.
3. Open each drawer and look for anything sticking up above the tub rim, such as a tall glass, cup or utensil, that could keep the lid from sealing. Move it and reload the drawer.
4. Look for suds in the tubs. If you see foam, think about whether rinse aid was spilled or hand-dishwashing liquid went in by mistake, and use only automatic dishwasher detergent from now on.
5. Check behind and under the cabinet for water, and check the inlet and drain hoses for splits, kinks or a loose connection.
6. Reset once, the way Fisher & Paykel's user guide says for E codes: press the power button, wait a few seconds, then press it again. If the code clears, you can keep using the dishwasher.
7. If E1 comes back, press the power button again and note the extra number that briefly appears (Classic models); Customer Care can use it to pin down the fault. Then unplug the dishwasher or switch it off at the breaker, turn off its water supply, and contact Fisher & Paykel Customer Care.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• E20 Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher E20
• E30 Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher E30
• E6 Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher E6
• F1 Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher F1
• U6 Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher U6

All Fisher & Paykel codes →

Sources

1. Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer user guide 590199D (DD24, DD60, DD36, DD90): fault code tables (E1 'Flood detected') and 'How to attend to a fault' for Classic, Designer and Integrated models
2. Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer service manual 590409A (DD607, DD247): 3.7.4 flood protection, 6 fault codes and 6.1 chart (E1 flood sensor activated for more than 20 seconds, Rinse LED, possible causes), 7.1.4 wet E1 and dry E1 procedures