Smeg Dishwasher E01 (E1) Error Code: Anti-Flood (Aquastop) System Tripped
What the code means
Smeg dishwasher user manuals (for example DF344BW and DF344AX) list E 01 in the self-diagnostics table as "The anti-flooding system (where present) has been tripped", and say that alarms E1 and E11 require you to contact the technical assistance service; for most other alarms you switch off, switch back on and restart. Older Smeg models that show faults with indicator lights (for example DI6013-1) call E1 "Acquastop failure" and say the system trips in case of water leaks. Smeg's service fault-code notes (Smeg Service UK, PCB fault codes) give the mechanism: E1 is generated when the float switch of the anti-overflow system is held closed by water in the base tray. While it is closed the drain pump keeps running until the switch opens again. The engineer's job is to find where the water came from: the tub, the Aquastop hose, or the parts in the base such as the wash pump, drain pump or water softener. If there is no water in the tray, the float may simply be sitting in the wrong position and holding the switch closed. Note that E01 here is a different code from Smeg's E 02 (water level limit), E 05 (no water intake) and E 06 (not draining).
Likely causes
- Water leaking into the base tray, which lifts the anti-flood float switch
- Leak from the tub, door seal area or a cracked sump
- Leak from the Aquastop inlet hose or its connection
- Leak from a component in the base: wash pump, drain pump or water softener
- Float stuck or out of position holding the switch closed when the tray is actually dry
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- Switch the dishwasher off at the wall and turn off the water tap feeding it.
- Check the floor and the area around the door and the inlet hose connection for drips, and tighten the hose at the tap if it's loose.
- Leave the machine off for a day so any water in the base tray can dry out.
- Turn the tap back on, switch on and run a short program while you watch for leaks. If E01 returns, stop and call Smeg service, as the manuals say.
🛠 When to call a pro
- E01 comes back after the base has dried out: Smeg says E1 needs the technical assistance service.
- You can see water coming from under the machine or from the Aquastop hose.
- There's no visible leak at all but E01 persists: the float position or switch needs checking.
- The machine is under warranty, or it's built in and you can't safely move it.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Aquastop inlet hose
Only if a leak is traced to the hose or its safety valve. Match your exact model number.
Search eBay →Anti-flood float switch
Only if the float or switch is faulty with a dry tray; best diagnosed by an engineer.
Search eBay →Sources
- Smeg DF344BW user manual, troubleshooting (E 01 anti-flooding system tripped; E1 and E11 require technical assistance)
- Smeg DF344AX user manual, troubleshooting (same fault table)
- Smeg Service UK dishwasher PCB fault codes (E1 Aquastop float intervention: float held closed by water in tray, drain pump runs, check tub, Aquastop pipe, base components)
- Smeg DI6013-1 user manual (E1 Acquastop failure, trips in case of water leaks)
Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.