Hotpoint Washer H20 Error Code: Not Filling With Water (Tap, Hose, Pressure or Inlet Filter)

What the code means

Hotpoint instruction booklets list H20 in the troubleshooting table under "The machine does not fill with water or 'H20' flashes in the display" (Hotpoint Extra WMXTF 842). The WT761 booklet says "Is H20 displayed on the control panel? This indicates the machine has failed to take in water", and the older Aquarius+ service section says the same: H20 flashing means the machine has failed to take in water (on plain Aquarius models without a display, a flashing Wash or Prewash light means the same thing). The causes Hotpoint lists are: the cold water tap isn't turned on, or not fully on; the inlet hose is kinked or not connected to the tap; the water pressure is too low; there is no water supply to the house; and the inlet valve filter is blocked. The WT761 booklet explains how to clean that filter: turn off the water, unscrew the fill hose at the back of the machine, and remove and clean the filter. The booklets also note that the Start button may not have been pressed properly (some models need it held for about 3 seconds), so make sure the cycle actually started. H20 isn't on Hotpoint UK's F-code list (F01 to F18), because it's a supply warning rather than a component fault. US Hotpoint washers are made by GE Appliances and use different codes.

Likely causes

• Cold water tap turned off or only partly open (common after plumbing work or a new install)
• Inlet hose kinked or crushed behind the machine, or not screwed onto the tap
• Blocked inlet filter (the small mesh screen where the fill hose connects to the back of the machine)
• Low water pressure or no water supply to the house (check another cold tap)
• Frozen supply pipe or hose in an unheated garage or outbuilding
• Faulty water inlet valve or its wiring (if the tap, hose, pressure and filter are all fine)

Safe DIY checks

1. Check the cold tap that feeds the washer is turned fully on, and run a nearby cold tap to confirm the house has water and normal pressure.
2. Pull the machine out a little and check the inlet hose along its length for kinks, and that it's screwed firmly onto the tap.
3. Clean the inlet filter: turn the tap off, unplug the machine, put a towel down, and unscrew the fill hose from the back of the machine (a little water will come out). Pull out the mesh filter with pliers, rinse off any grit or scale, refit it and reconnect the hose hand-tight.
4. While the hose is off, check the hose's own tap-end washer or filter (if it has one) for debris.
5. If the pipe or hose could be frozen, let the area warm up before trying again.
6. Turn the tap back on, check for leaks, plug in, select a programme and press Start (hold it for about 3 seconds on models that need it). Listen for water entering within a minute or so.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F01 Hotpoint Washer F01
• F05 Hotpoint Washer F05
• 5d Amana Washer 5d
• F8 E1 Amana Washer F8 E1
• F9 E1 Amana Washer F9 E1

All Hotpoint codes →

Sources

1. Hotpoint Extra WMXTF 842 instructions for use, troubleshooting (does not fill with water or 'H20' flashes: kinked or disconnected hose, low pressure, tap off, no water supply, blocked inlet valve filter, Start/Pause not pressed)
2. Hotpoint WT761 user manual, troubleshooting (H20 displayed means failed to take in water; check hose, tap, pressure; clean inlet filter by unscrewing the fill hose)
3. Hotpoint WD420 (Aquarius/Aquarius+) manual, specific error messages (H20 flashing on Aquarius+ means the machine has failed to take in water)
4. Hotpoint UK: Washing Machine Error Codes Troubleshooting Guide (F-code list, service number)