Error H20 on Ariston washing machine

Washing machines that have a modern digital display, in the event of failures or malfunctions, display a special code on the screen indicating a specific error. The self-diagnosis system is also present on the products of the Italian companies Ariston and Indesit. Codes usually start with the letter F and end with numbers. Among them, the H20 error on the Ariston or Indesit washing machine stands out - one of the most common problems on devices from this manufacturer.

The number “0” in this case should be read as the letter “O”, the result is the chemical formula of water. This was done specifically to make it easier to remember the H20 error and its decoding. This code indicates problems in the water inlet system.

Symptoms of a problem

In addition to the H20 error code that appears on the display, the following signs appear indicating problems with the Ariston washing machine:

The device does not draw water or does, but in small volumes, insufficient for the correct operation of the device.
Filling with a very large amount of water.
Constant flooding and subsequent draining of liquid.
During rinsing, the Ariston machine stops and does not enter the spin phase.

These symptoms of error H20 appear in any selected mode of the Ariston washing machine, with the exception of the “Spin” and “Drain” programs.

To figure out how to fix problems and resolve the H20 error, you need to understand what each of these signs means.

Error interpretation

Error h20 in the Hotpoint Ariston washing machine can occur in each of the programs, as a rule, it occurs after 10 minutes of operation. Characteristic signs are the lack of water entering the tank at all or in a very small amount, or, conversely, in an excessive amount. It is also possible that water is collected and drained endlessly.

The most common malfunction occurs at the rinsing or spinning stage. But, if you run the Drain or Spin programs separately, the program will run without failures, this is a distinctive feature of the H20 code.

If your Ariston Hotpoint machine produces this code, it means that there is a malfunction in the fluid filling unit.

The machine does not fill with water

If the washing machine does not draw water or draws in only a small amount, this may indicate a lack of liquid in the water supply or a closed water supply tap at the inlet, as well as a slight pressure, which may be caused by a partially open valve. To eliminate error H20, you need to turn the tap completely and make sure there is water in the water supply system.

The second reason for error H20 is a clogged filter in the fill valve of the Ariston washing machine, located behind the hose that supplies water to the device. It is installed to prevent particles of debris from the plumbing system from entering the Ariston device. To fix the problem that caused error H20, you need to turn off the water, disconnect the inlet hose of the Ariston device and, armed with pliers, carefully pull out the filter mesh.

To clean it, you need to rinse it under a strong stream of running water, and if the dirt is very strong, you can place it in a citric acid solution for 15-20 minutes. This procedure will remove not only debris, but also limescale. After processing, the mesh must be installed back, the hose connected and the water supply turned on.

What if everything is simple?

According to statistics, in the vast majority of cases, error H20 on the display of an Indesit washing machine has nothing to do with the failure of components or assemblies. The main reason for its appearance is the banal lack of water in the water supply.

That’s right, before calling a technician or disassembling the Indesit machine in search of a broken part that caused the H20 error, you should make sure there is water in the system and its pressure is sufficient. If there is no water at all or the pressure is too weak, simply postpone the wash until the water supply parameters normalize.

The same effect is achieved by a faucet that is closed due to forgetfulness or is broken, cutting off the water supply to the device. Everything is also simple here, to eliminate error H20 you just need to provide a water supply and restart the washing program. Most likely, the H20 error will disappear.

Weak pressure

The reasons are:

partially closed tap on the cold water supply pipe;
damage to pipelines due to an accident or connection of equipment with increased water consumption;
reduction in the flow area of pipes due to the formation of a layer of rust or the ingress of large fragments of dirt.

Filter clogged

There is a mesh filter at the inlet of the washing machine valve that separates large dirt particles. When the element becomes clogged, the water pressure drops. To repair, you will need to close the valve and then unscrew the hose nut. The mesh must be washed with water and cleaned with a soft brush. To remove salt deposits, use a solution of citric acid. It is not allowed to operate the equipment with a removed or torn filter, since dirt particles jam the moving element of the valve.

Self-draining water from the drum

According to factory documentation, the drain hose should be located above the liquid level in the tank. There are hooks on the rear wall of the housing for attaching the hose. If the clamps are broken and the pipe lies on the floor, then the water spontaneously drains.

The pump tries to pump fluid for a long time, and then an error appears on the display.

In this case, you need to lift the hose onto standard hooks or make your own clamps that are attached to the wall surface with screws or 2-sided adhesive tape.

Control or display board failure

The display of the code may indicate a failure of the firmware written to the controller’s memory. To reset, you need to disconnect the equipment from the network for 10-20 minutes; after turning it on, the problem does not recur. The cause of the defect may be an increased level of humidity in the room. Condensation settles on the electronics and disrupts the normal operation of the control unit.

Incorrect drain connection

The drain hose should run along the back of the machine and then into the sewer. The installation diagram is indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions; kinks and twisting of the hose increase the flow resistance. Liquid remains in the drum, causing an error code to be displayed.

Lack of water in the device

There are valves on the water mains. When partially or completely blocked, the supply of liquid to the washing machine tank is disrupted.

To check, open the mixer tap. If there is no pressure, then it is necessary to check the valves.

Another cause of the defect may be a complete shutdown or low pressure of the liquid in the water supply lines due to an accident.

Software glitch

In some cases, the Indesit washing machine displays error H20 due to a random software failure. This happens even with new and perfectly serviceable units. The procedure to follow if you suspect a control module error is as follows:

The washing unit is switched off.
The cable of the machine is completely pulled out of the network and the device is left de-energized for 15 minutes.
After the time has elapsed, Indesit is connected back and the washing mode is started.

In some cases, it is necessary to repeat the reboot 2-3 times in a row to achieve the result. If the failure eventually goes away and never returns, the problem can be considered resolved.

In this case, you need to pay attention to the level of humidity in the room, the quality of the supplied voltage and the degree of vibration of the Indesit machine during operation. Typically, software failures occur due to inappropriate external conditions. If the washing unit continues to operate under high loads, new and more serious breakdowns may soon appear.

It is better to connect the washing machine in the bathroom through a special socket with moisture protection

Filling and subsequent drainage of water

If an Ariston machine fills with water and immediately drains it, and error code H20 is displayed on the screen, this may indicate that the drain hose is connected to the sewer much lower than necessary or has fallen out of the fasteners on the back wall of the device that held it in vertical position.

To troubleshoot an Ariston washing machine that causes error H20 to appear, you need to lift the middle of the hose and secure it above the tank level; for this, a special holder is included with the washing machine. If it falls out of the latch at the back, you just need to put it back.

There may also be situations where the pump filter or the pump itself, drain hose, siphon or sewer becomes clogged. All these elements of the Ariston washing machine also need to be checked.

If error H20 appears for the first time on Ariston washing equipment, this may indicate a failure in the control board or in the device display. To eliminate error H20, you need to unplug the washing machine from the socket and plug it back in after 20-30 minutes. This “reboot” of the device can help in this situation.

If the above methods did not help resolve the H20 error, this indicates more serious problems in the washing machine.

Outdated models

Error codes for Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines will be the same as for Indesit equipment, since the equipment is produced by the same company. If there is no information display, you need to look at the dashboard. Failure F03 corresponds to a signal from the power indicator, repeated three times, and the programmer knob will rotate to the right.

This is true for models of the Margherita series. In them, it is the power-on indicator and its signals that serve as the main source of information - how many times the LED blinks, such a code will have to be deciphered.

EVO-II

In EVO-II series models without a display, the main indicators of wash program failure are the spin, delay timer, super wash, quick wash and extra rinse LEDs. Based on their signals, a breakdown is determined. For example, blinking of the additional rinse sensor indicates a short circuit (error F1). The damage should open the power circuit between the motor and the controller.

If the quick wash button flashes briefly, the problem is again in the motor - error F02 has been diagnosed. It is due to the fact that the engine does not rotate. The combined blinking of the diodes corresponding to the extra rinse and quick wash indicators is the already familiar error F03. You need to check the temperature sensor.

Sometimes signals are given by 3 elements at once. If the super wash, quick wash and extra rinse indicators light up at the same time, you can diagnose error F07. It means that the water in the tank is not heated by the heating element - it has failed and requires replacement. When the timer light and the quick wash signal blink at the same time, we can talk about an error coded F10. You will have to check the wiring contact with the water level controller, and if necessary, replace or repair damaged circuit elements.

Failure code F11 in the case of a light indication looks like a combination of flashing timer lights, quick wash and additional rinse. Such damage cannot be detected without a multimeter - the problem is in the pump. If the problem is not a broken wiring, the entire pump must be replaced.

Aqualtis

Of course, the indication appears differently in different series - the older the model, the more difficult it is to find information about its encoding. Usually the manufacturer indicates the main codes in the instruction manual, but there may be discrepancies here too. For example, in Aqualtis, failure indicators correspond to heating temperature sensors (F16 - 60 degrees, F8 - 50°C, F4 - 40°C, F2 - 30°C, F1 - cold). By adding up the total values of the flashing elements, you can get the current error code.

Fill valve failure

If cleaning the filter mesh does not bring results, then to eliminate error H20 you should check the condition of the fill valve of the Ariston machine. To do this you need to do the following:

Remove the top cover of the Ariston washing machine.
Find the required unit and, using a multimeter, diagnose the contacts and wires. They could have been damaged by vibration of the device or damaged by mice or rats living in the house.
Diagnose the Ariston unit itself.
If it is faulty, disconnect the sensor from the contacts and disconnect it from the device body.
To eliminate code H20, purchase a new drain valve and install it.

Reasons for appearance

The failure occurred for one of the objective reasons: the tap supplying water was turned off; there is no water in the riser itself; there is pressure, but the cleaning filter is clogged (located immediately in front of the drain valve). The fill valve could also be faulty.
Water entering the system is immediately drained from it. It usually goes down the drain, but a serious leak is also possible. To resolve the error, it is worth understanding why the drain occurs. A common reason for this is the drain hose, the location of which is incorrect, or it was not initially installed according to the instructions. This happens if the area where the drain pipe enters the sewer is located too low above the floor, so there are no obstacles to free drainage.

Water level sensor malfunction

The filling of the required amount of water during washing is monitored by a pressure switch or, in other words, a water level sensor. It transmits data to the control module of the Ariston machine about how much water has been collected. If it is not working correctly, the device may draw very little or a large amount of water, resulting in error H20 appearing on the screen. You can check the condition of this sensor yourself, you just need to know what to do.

To diagnose the condition of the water level sensor of the Ariston washing machine, you need to perform the following steps:

Remove the top cover of the Ariston washing machine.
Find the sensor of interest at the top of the device.
Make sure the pressure tube connection is tight. If it is disconnected or clogged, this will affect the operation of the pressure switch, which means it needs to be cleaned and installed in its original place. If it is torn, it must be replaced.
Using a multimeter, you need to check the contacts of the pressure switch and the wires leading to it.
If the cause of error H20 is not detected, this indicates a malfunction of the sensor itself, which happens very rarely. In this case, you need to purchase a new pressure switch and install it in place of the non-working one.

Adviсe

Indesit brand washing machines, like any other equipment, can fail. One of the most common malfunctions in their operation is the appearance of error H20 on the display. To maximize the service life of equipment and prevent such problems, experts recommend adhering to simple rules.

After purchasing a washing machine, its installation and connection should be entrusted to specialists. The slightest mistake when connecting to the water supply and drainage system can cause error H20 to appear.
You need to start washing by checking the presence of water in the system. When finished, turn off the water supply and wipe the drum dry. The choice of washing mode should be chosen strictly according to the instructions in the instructions supplied with the equipment by the manufacturer.
Periodically you need to clean the filter and the tray where the washing powder is poured. It is advisable to do this after every fifth wash. If plaque appears on the filter mesh, it should be cleaned with special detergents.
It is strictly forbidden to overload the drum - this puts additional load on the motor and leads to damage to the water level sensor, after which error H20 appears. You should not frequently wash things at maximum temperature - this will shorten the service life of the equipment.
If there is a problem with the water supply in a house or apartment (low pressure), it must be eliminated before installing the equipment. Alternatively, you can connect a small pumping station to the water supply system.

Ariston machine electronic board

If everything is also in order with the pressure switch, then to eliminate error H20, you should diagnose the electronic board of the Ariston washing machine, which controls the operation of the entire device. A triac or other elements in the water inlet valve control circuit could have burned out. The tracks of the microcircuit transmitting the command or soldering of the elements could also be damaged. In the rarest cases, the controller processor could break down or there could be a failure in its firmware.

You can fix these problems yourself with a soldering iron and a new element, but it is better to call a specialist and entrust the repair of the Ariston washing machine to him, so as not to cause even more damage to the washing machine.

Call the master

In cases where you cannot resolve the problem on your own, you need to contact a company that repairs Indesit household washing machines. You can find a company on the Internet by entering the name of your city in the search.

Many companies indicate prices for performing work directly on their website. It also provides contact information that allows you to contact the dispatch service and make a request to call a technician.

The cost of work differs by region and city. The average price for repairs in the capital is:

replacement of the filling valve – from 1,500 rubles;
cleaning/replacement of the pressure switch – from 1,600 rubles;
electrical circuit repair – from 1,500 rubles;
repair of the control board - 2,000 rubles or more, etc.

Upon completion of the repair, the technician tests the performance of the washing machine and gives a guarantee for the work performed.

Bottom line

Thus, if error H20 is displayed on the screen of the Ariston washing machine and any problems occur, this indicates problems with the water supply or drainage system.

To eliminate error H20, you need to check how the water is supplied, clean the inlet valve strainer, and also make sure that the drain hose is not clogged and is correctly connected to the sewer.

If the malfunction has not been resolved, you should check the condition of the fill valve and water level sensor of the Ariston washing equipment, and if this does not help, then diagnose the electronic board.

If the user can eliminate the simple causes of error H20 on his own, then to check the main components, it is recommended to contact a service center and call a specialist, especially if you are not sure that the repair will be completed successfully on your own.

Error H20, what does it mean?

Before starting repairs yourself or asking a workshop for help, it’s worth finding out what error H20 means. In a general sense, this message indicates that there are problems with the flow of water into the drum. Essentially, H20 means that during the time allotted by the program, the device did not have time to collect the required amount of water. There are several reasons for this phenomenon.

The tap that controls the water supply to the Indesit washing machine is closed, or there is simply no water in the water supply.
The inlet filter, the mesh located in front of the machine valve, is clogged.
Problems with the mechanical part of the valve.
The intake valve solenoid coil is burnt out.
The wiring is damaged, the integrity of the conductors going from the control module to the valve is compromised.
Incorrect operation of the control module caused by damage to the electronic components of the circuit.

Sometimes error H20 appears not alone, but “in company” with other errors, most often these are: F08 or F01. In this situation, H20 is not a malfunction, but only its consequence. To correct the situation, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of other errors in the Indesit washing machine; most likely it will go away along with them.

Having figured out what the H20 error code means, you can move on to correcting the situation. There seem to be two options for solving the issue: you can call a technician, or you can try to repair the Indesit washing equipment yourself. Whatever path you choose, before taking decisive measures to eliminate the H20 error, it is worth performing a few basic operations, namely, checking whether the water is suitable for the device.