Users of Ariston or Hotpoint Ariston washing machines most often encounter error H20 on any washing program, 5-10 minutes after it starts. In this case, the machine can:
- do not draw water at all;
- add a little water, obviously not enough for washing;
- take in too much water (overfill);
- Constantly fill and drain water.
Less often, SMA Ariston freezes with code H20 during rinsing, before reaching the spin cycle.
Also, the error may occur only on certain washing programs or may appear and disappear in a chaotic manner. But a characteristic feature of the H2O code is that the separately launched Drain and Spin programs always work normally, without any errors.
Note! If your Ariston washing machine first shows code H20, and then writes another error, for example, F01, then the root cause of the malfunction of the CM should be sought in this “other” error.
General information about error H20 in the Hotpoint Ariston washing machine
The equipment control unit supports diagnostics of main components, displaying faults in the form of codes on the display or using indicators on the control panel.
Information on the meanings of alphanumeric combinations or the number of pulses is given in the operating instructions.
Symptoms and signs
The main signs of an error with the liquid supply in Hotpoint Ariston washing machines:
- lack or overflow of water in the drum;
- pouring a small volume of liquid, insufficient to wet the laundry and wash;
- constant operation of the pump to pump and drain liquid.
The problem occurs regardless of the selected algorithm.
The machine can start working, but after 10-15 minutes an error is recorded.
Some owners note that the equipment stops in rinsing mode; restarting the program does not restore functionality.
If a different set of letters and numbers is displayed on the screen after code H20 (for example, F02), this means a breakdown of other equipment components not related to filling and pumping out water.
Decoding
The manufacturer deliberately used the abbreviation H20, which corresponds to the chemical formula of water (to describe other problems, a code in the form of F with an Arabic numeral from 0 to 9 is used). The code display indicates either a lack of fluid or an excessively high water level in the tank.
What does it mean?
An error with code H20 in the Hotpoint-Ariston SMA appears in a situation where a water intake failure has occurred . If in this code the zero is read as the letter “O”, then the chemical formula of water is known to everyone. That is why equipment manufacturers use such encoding to make remembering and understanding such an error easier for the user.
It should be noted that a malfunction can make itself felt when starting any washing program; it usually occurs 10-15 minutes after the machine starts operating . A distinctive sign of a problem will be the lack of water flow into the tank or set in a small volume. There are situations when water accumulates in excessive quantities, but is immediately drained - and this happens endlessly.
A little less often, the malfunction appears at the spin and rinse stage, although if you run these programs separately, the SMA will complete the specified cycle without problems. This is the peculiarity of the H20 encoding.
In the vast majority of cases, a breakdown means a malfunction in the water inlet unit. As a rule, the SMA pauses the wash cycle and writes a fault message to the monitor.
Breakdowns requiring major repairs and replacement of parts
If, after preliminary testing, the washing machine displays a fault code of type H20, then you should check step by step:
- a valve that regulates the water supply to the tank;
- a sensor that monitors the liquid level and controls the valve;
- a central control unit that ensures the electronics work together;
- wiring harness routed from the controller to the level sensor.
To carry out diagnostics, you will need to disconnect the equipment from the water supply and sewerage systems. To gain access to the components, it is necessary to partially disassemble the housing. You will need a set of screwdrivers and wrenches. If the owner does not have the skills to repair household appliances, then you need to contact a service center. The average price of service in the central regions of the Russian Federation (as of mid-2022), excluding the cost of purchasing spare parts, is shown in the table.
| Type of repair work | Starting price, thousand rubles. |
| Diagnostics and installation of a new valve | 1,6 |
| Checking and cleaning the level sensor | 1,7 |
| Controller diagnostics and repair | 2,0 |
| Checking and restoring electrical wiring | 1,6 |
The water inlet valve is faulty
The water supply inlet hose is installed on the valve fitting with an electromagnetic drive, which allows you to regulate the flow intensity. If the coil is shorted or broken, or the stem is stuck due to corrosion, the valve becomes inoperable. Some Hotpoint Ariston washing machines use a valve with 2 actuators. If such a unit breaks down, the equipment does not draw water in the washing or rinsing mode. It is impossible to restore the mobility of the rod or a damaged coil; repair consists of installing a new valve.
The pressure switch is faulty
A malfunction of the pressure sensor leads to an increased level of liquid in the tank and continuous operation of the pump. The cause of the defect is debris that has entered the working chamber of the sensor or clogged the measuring tube (possible damage to the hose or fitting). The repair consists of cleaning the working chamber and hose from deposits and installing the part in its original place. It is possible to replace the tube with a hose with identical geometric dimensions. If the measures did not allow you to restore functionality, then it is necessary to install a new sensor.
Troubleshooting algorithm
Let's look at what to do in each specific case:
- If the problem is a locked tap, you just need to open it. And the problem with pressure can be solved by contacting utility services, or running the program when water consumption is lowest (late in the evening or, conversely, early in the morning).
- Then check the condition of the mesh filter; it is located where the inlet hose connects to the machine. If it is clogged, clean it.
- Also check the place where the hose connects to the sewer; it may be kinked or located below the level of the tank, which prevents the normal outflow of liquid.
- If a problem occurs with the control board, you will have to send it for diagnostics, after which you will need to reflash it or purchase new elements.
- There is a problem with the fill valve, you need to buy a new one.
- The liquid level sensor does not take readings correctly, this is either due to the fact that the intake chamber is clogged, clean it. The pressure switch is disconnected or clogged, inspect and, if necessary, replace. If the sensor itself is faulty, then it will need to be replaced with a working one.
- The wiring in the filler valve chain is damaged, call this section. If a break is detected, clean the area and solder; if this is not possible, remove the damaged section of the circuit and connect a good one.
Preventing the occurrence of errors
To eliminate the possibility of failure, it is necessary to check the pressure in the water supply before turning on the machine and promptly service the filters. If the equipment has been moved indoors, the position of the flexible drain hose may be disrupted. In this case, an error code will light up. It is not recommended to install equipment in niches where moist air accumulates. Water negatively affects the condition of electronic components and contacts.
What other reasons cause H20 malfunction in Hotpoint Ariston brand washing machines and what to do in this situation?
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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.
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.
How to fix it?
Most often, you can try to fix the H20 error in the Hotpoint-Ariston washing unit on your own without contacting the services of a service center. We have collected all these minor problems into one list and made recommendations for fixing the problem.
Lack of water supply to SMA
You have noticed that the Ariston washing machine has stopped washing normally, and the display shows error H20. Moreover, a fault code can appear in any washing mode, but “Spin” and “Drain” work properly.
Let's figure out what this means.
Problem with Indesit machines
A washing machine of this brand may not draw water due to the following reasons:
- Impossibility of water flowing into the machine: the tap that supplies water is turned off, there is no water in the riser. It may be that there is water, but the mesh that removes hardness from the water is clogged or the fill valve is faulty.
- This error can occur in Indesit washing machines even when water enters the drum, but is immediately drained. Usually the water flows down the drain, but the machine may have a serious leak.
Even with washing machines it doesn't look any better at the moment. The company has responded globally and will likely have to write off the entire product. Under the radar - because the product was not that interesting - a significant problem also arose in the production of washing machines. Photos from another Texas client even show impressive stains on a basement wall.
In said vibrations, but it's probably more than a little violent twitching. Meanwhile, a number of consumers from three states joined forces to form a class action lawsuit. Mine for household appliances, including many washing machines.
The main reasons that are easy to eliminate on your own
When the H20 value is displayed on the display, it is necessary to carry out a preliminary check of the machine without disassembling the housing:
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.
Weak pressure
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.
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.
