Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers F8 Error: Drain fault
Fisher & Paykel dishwasher error code F8 is a mid-severity fault meaning Drain fault — water not draining from tub. Do not run the DishDrawer with an active F8 drain fault. Once the drain path is cleared (filter clean, hose unkinked, sink waste unblocked), power-cycle the drawer and run a short cycle.
~80%
DIY Fixable
From $75
Typical Repair Cost
30 min – 2 hrs
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. Do not run the DishDrawer with an active F8 drain fault. An undrained tub means the machine cannot fill correctly for the next wash cycle, and standing water is a hygiene risk. Clear the drain path and resolve the fault before running another cycle.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Once the drain path is cleared (filter clean, hose unkinked, sink waste unblocked), power-cycle the drawer and run a short cycle. The controller will attempt a drain at the start of the next cycle. If F8 clears and the tub empties, the fault is resolved.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: F8 returns after the filter, drain hose, and sink waste are all confirmed clear, Drain pump runs but no water exits the machine — pump may be failing.
Symptoms You May Notice
F8 displayed at end of cycle
The code appears during or at the end of the drain phase when the controller determines the tub has not emptied within the expected time.
Standing water in the tub after cycle
The cycle appears to complete but the tub base retains 1–3 cm of water that does not drain away.
Gurgling sounds but no drainage
The drain pump can be heard running but water is not exiting the machine — indicating a blocked drain path rather than a pump failure.
Possible Causes
Blocked filter basket or sump
The mesh filter basket at the tub base is heavily clogged with food debris, preventing water from reaching the drain pump inlet.
DIY PossibleKinked or blocked drain hose
The drain hose behind the machine is kinked, or the connection point at the sink waste or drain standpipe is blocked.
DIY PossibleBlocked sink waste or disposal unit
The kitchen sink waste trap or food disposal unit that the drain hose connects to is blocked, causing a backpressure that prevents drainage.
DIY PossibleFailed drain pump
The drain pump motor or impeller has failed, preventing it from generating enough pressure to push water out of the machine.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Clean the filter basket
Remove the lower spray arm, lift out the filter basket, and rinse it thoroughly under a running tap. Use a soft brush to clear any clogged debris from the mesh.
This should be done monthly as routine maintenance on any DishDrawer. A clogged filter is the most common cause of F8.
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2
Check and clear the drain hose
Pull the DishDrawer forward slightly and inspect the drain hose at the rear for kinks. Disconnect the drain hose from the sink waste and check that it is not blocked with grease or food residue.
Hold the drain hose end over a bucket and run a short drain-only cycle to test whether water flows freely once the hose is disconnected from the waste.
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3
Check the sink waste and trap
Pour a bucket of water down the kitchen sink and check that it drains freely without backing up. A slow sink drain can create backpressure on the dishwasher drain hose.
If the sink drains slowly, unblock the sink trap before re-testing the DishDrawer.
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4
Manually drain standing water
Use a cup or turkey baster to remove as much standing water from the tub as possible before attempting a restart. This prevents the pump from having to handle an overfull tub on the next drain attempt.
Leaving stagnant water in the tub for more than 24 hours will cause odour and bacterial growth.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Drain pump motor or impeller has failed — pump assembly replacement required
- Drain hose connector at tub sump is cracked or loose — may require tub removal to access
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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