Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher E30 / F30 Error Code: Flood Switch Activated, Water in the Base (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Fisher & Paykel's own dishwasher fault code table lists F30 and E30 together as "Flood switch activated." The service manual for the DW60FC full-size dishwasher calls F30 the "Over flow alarm" and gives the cause as water in the base pan. Under the tub sits a pan with a float-type flood switch; when water collects there from a leak or from foam overflowing the tub, the switch trips and the controller stops the wash and sounds the alert. This is a full-size dishwasher code. Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer models report a flood differently, as E1 or F1.
Likely causes
- Rinse aid spilled while filling the dispenser, which can foam up during the wash and overflow into the base. Fisher & Paykel names this as a common cause.
- The wrong detergent, such as hand dishwashing liquid, producing excess foam that spills over and trips the flood switch.
- A leaking hose or sump inside the dishwasher, which Fisher & Paykel's service manual lists as the first thing to check.
- A jammed or faulty water inlet valve that keeps letting water in, overfilling the tub until it spills into the base pan.
- Moisture left in the base after a past leak, which keeps the switch tripped until it dries out.
Safe DIY checks
Turn the dishwasher off at the wall and shut off the water before you touch water under or around it, and wipe up any water on the floor right away so nobody slips. The base pan sits near wiring and the drain pump, so leave removing panels and repairing internal leaks to a qualified technician.
- Press and hold CANCEL to stop the beeping and clear the code, as Fisher & Paykel's user guide describes for F codes, then wait a few seconds and turn the dishwasher back on.
- If the code comes back, turn off the water supply and switch the dishwasher off at the wall. Fisher & Paykel says leaving the water and power off for 24 to 48 hours may dry out the moisture and reset the appliance.
- While it's drying, wipe up any rinse aid that spilled around the dispenser and make sure you're only using automatic-dishwasher detergent, never dish soap.
- Check the floor and the cabinet base under the sink for wet spots or drips from the supply or drain connections, since a slow external leak can point to where the water came from.
- Turn the water and power back on and run a short cycle. If E30 or F30 returns, stop using the dishwasher and book a Fisher & Paykel service technician.
🛠 When to call a pro
- Removing the base panel, draining and drying the base pan, and checking that the flood switch float moves freely.
- Checking the hoses and sump for leaks, which is the first step in Fisher & Paykel's service table for F30.
- Checking for a jammed inlet valve that doesn't shut off, and replacing it if it is letting water through.
- Confirming the fill level is correct and that the tub isn't overfilling before returning the machine to use.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Water leak detector
A cheap alarm placed beside or under the dishwasher warns you of the next leak before it soaks the floor or cabinet.
Search eBay →Dishwasher detergent
Proper automatic-dishwasher detergent avoids the excess foam that can overflow into the base and trip the flood switch.
Search eBay →Sources
- Fisher & Paykel Help & Support: F&P Dishwasher Fault Codes (F30 and E30, flood switch activated)
- Fisher & Paykel DW60FC dishwasher service manual 591365, 7.1 User alert codes (F30 over flow alarm, water in base pan)
- Fisher & Paykel DW60U dishwasher user guide 592874B, Fault codes (clearing F codes with CANCEL)
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.