Washers Medium Severity
31 Appliance Error Code

Fisher & Paykel Washers 31 Error: Fill level not reached

Fisher & Paykel washer error code 31 is a mid-severity fault meaning Water level not reached — secondary fill fault. If the fill fault is due to low water pressure or a supply restriction, cold cycles at off-peak times may complete. Power-cycling clears the code.

By Denis Yuzhaev Lead Appliance Repair Specialist & Technical Writer

~65%

DIY Fixable

From $70

Typical Repair Cost

30 min–1.5 hrs

Pro Repair Time

Quick Assessment

Answer to continue safely

Is it safe to keep using?

Maybe. If the fill fault is due to low water pressure or a supply restriction, cold cycles at off-peak times may complete. However, the underlying cause should be resolved promptly to avoid garments washing in insufficient water.

Can I reset the code?

Yes. Power-cycling clears the code. Code 31 will recur on the next cycle if the supply restriction or sensor fault has not been addressed.

When to stop immediately?

Stop if you notice: Code 30 and code 31 both appear on every cycle, Water level is so low that clothing is not covered during wash.

Symptoms You May Notice

Code 31 after prolonged fill attempt

The machine filled for the maximum allowed time but the pressure sensor did not confirm the required water level, producing code 31 as a follow-up to a fill problem.

Drum has water but less than expected

Some water entered the tub but the level is clearly below the normal fill mark for the selected programme.

Cycle halts at beginning of wash

The machine stops before agitation begins because minimum water level was not confirmed.

Possible Causes

1

Water supply restriction

A partially closed tap or kinked hose is reducing flow enough that fill time expires before the required level is reached.

DIY Possible
2

Pressure sensor or hose fault

The pressure transducer or its hose is malfunctioning, causing the controller to undercount the actual water level.

DIY Possible
3

Slow drain-back through pump

A worn drain pump check valve allows water to slowly drain back to standpipe between fill cycles, preventing the level from building.

DIY Possible
4

Low house water pressure

House pressure is marginal, particularly when other water-using appliances are running simultaneously.

DIY Possible

Safe Checks You Can Do

These checks are safe for homeowners. No disassembly required. Do not remove panels or access internal components.
  1. 1

    Verify water supply & pressure

    Confirm taps are fully open and test supply pressure by timing a bucket fill as described for code 30. Also ensure no other high-flow appliances (dishwasher, bath) are running simultaneously.

    Code 31 often follows code 30 in the fault history. If both codes appear, focus troubleshooting on the water supply first.

  2. 2

    Check pressure sensor hose

    After unplugging, trace the pressure hose from the tub to the sensor. Confirm it is fully connected at both ends and is free of cracks. Blow through the disconnected hose to confirm it is clear.

    A cracked pressure hose causes the controller to read a lower water level than actually exists, triggering code 31 even with adequate fill.

    Tools required

When to Call a Professional

Contact a qualified technician if:

  • Low house pressure confirmed — plumbing assessment needed before appliance repair
  • Pressure sensor replacement required after ruling out hose faults

Need Professional Help?

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