Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers F1 Error: Flood fault
Fisher & Paykel dishwasher error code F1 is a high-severity fault meaning Flood / leak detected — water in base tray. Do not run the DishDrawer while F1 is active. Once the base tray is completely dry and the source of the leak has been fixed, perform a 60-second power-cycle by switching the drawer off at the wall.
~60%
DIY Fixable
From $95
Typical Repair Cost
1–3 hrs
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. Do not run the DishDrawer while F1 is active. Water in the base tray indicates an active or recent leak. Running the drawer will add more water and risks damage to cabinetry, flooring, or the electrical components inside the unit. Isolate the water supply and dry the base tray before attempting a reset.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Once the base tray is completely dry and the source of the leak has been fixed, perform a 60-second power-cycle by switching the drawer off at the wall. The flood switch float should drop when the tray is dry, and F1 should clear on restart. If F1 reappears immediately, the leak source has not been resolved or the flood switch float is stuck.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: F1 returns within one wash cycle of clearing — leak is still active, Water is visible on the floor beneath or in front of the DishDrawer.
Symptoms You May Notice
F1 flashes on the drawer display
The DishDrawer display flashes F1 and the drawer locks in the closed position, refusing to start a wash cycle.
Drawer will not open or run
The safety interlock prevents operation when flood switch activation is detected, protecting flooring from further water damage.
Water visible in base tray
Lifting the DishDrawer out of its cabinet cavity may reveal standing water in the polystyrene-lined base tray beneath the wash tub.
Possible Causes
Leaking door seal or lid gasket
The rubber gasket around the drawer lid has cracked or pulled away from its channel, allowing wash water to escape during the cycle.
DIY PossibleLoose or cracked fill hose
The inlet fill hose connection at the fill valve or tub fitting has worked loose or the hose has cracked, spraying water into the base tray.
DIY PossibleFaulty flood switch (polystyrene float)
The flood switch float in the base tray has stuck in the raised position, signalling a flood even when the tray is dry.
DIY PossibleCracked wash tub or sump
Physical impact or thermal stress has cracked the wash tub or sump body, causing a persistent leak into the base tray.
Requires ProfessionalFaulty water inlet valve
The inlet valve solenoid has failed open, allowing water to overfill the tub and overflow into the base tray.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Isolate the water supply
Turn off the water supply tap under the sink before doing anything else. This stops any active leak from adding more water to the base tray.
Do not skip this step — working with the drawer while water pressure is live risks a larger spill.
-
2
Check the base tray for water
Carefully slide the DishDrawer out of its cabinet cavity (support the drawer chassis — it is heavy). Tilt it slightly to the rear and check the base tray with a torch. Use a sponge or towel to absorb any pooled water.
Once the tray is dry, the flood switch float should drop back down and the F1 code may clear on the next power-cycle.
-
3
Inspect the lid gasket
Open the drawer lid fully and run your finger around the entire perimeter of the rubber seal. Look for tears, flattened sections, or areas where the gasket has pulled out of its retaining channel.
A Fisher & Paykel replacement lid gasket is model-specific — confirm your DD model number before ordering.
-
4
Check fill hose connections
After turning off the water supply, inspect the inlet hose connections at the fill valve and where the hose attaches to the side of the tub. Tighten any loose jubilee clips or hose clamps.
Even a slow drip at a hose fitting will eventually accumulate enough water in the base tray to trigger the flood switch.
Tools required
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Cracked wash tub or sump body requiring tub replacement
- Faulty inlet valve that continues to admit water after the solenoid de-energises
- Flood switch float that remains stuck up after base tray is confirmed dry (requires switch replacement)
- Any leak originating from the heating element seal or pump housing
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Dishwashers Repair Service Schedule Appointment