Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer Error Code F1 — Flood Switch Activated
What this means
Error code F1 on Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer dishwashers indicates the flood switch located in the base of the unit has been triggered. This means water has leaked from the wash system into the base pan, activating the safety float switch. Common causes include a cracked or perished sump hose, a leaking wash motor seal, a damaged spray arm housing, or a loose hose clamp. On DishDrawer models, each drawer operates independently, so this code will display for the specific drawer experiencing the leak. The drain pump will activate continuously to try to remove the water from the base.
Alternate codes: Fault 1, Error F1
Step-by-step fix
5 stepsTurn off power and water supply
Immediately disconnect the DishDrawer from power at the circuit breaker or wall switch. Turn off the water supply valve under the sink. Pull the unit out from the cabinetry if it is a built-in model — most DishDrawers slide on rails. Place towels underneath to catch any water.
Fisher & Paykel DishDrawers are designed to slide out easily on their rail system. Disconnect the power cord and water hoses at the rear before fully extracting the unit.
Tilt and drain residual water
Carefully tilt the DishDrawer back about 15 degrees to allow any pooled water in the base pan to drain toward the front. Use towels to soak up the water. If a large amount of water is present, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it.
Note the amount and clarity of the water — soapy water suggests a mid-cycle leak, while clear water may indicate a supply line connection issue.
Inspect the base pan and identify the leak source
Remove the base cover panel (usually 4 Torx screws). Examine all hose connections, the sump assembly, wash motor seals, and the water inlet valve. Look for drip marks, mineral deposits, or visible cracks. Run a short test cycle with the panel removed (power restored temporarily) to observe where water appears.
Fisher & Paykel uses silicone-sealed hose connections on many DishDrawer models. Over time these can harden and crack — inspect them closely.
Repair or replace the leaking component
Once the leak source is identified, replace the faulty hose, clamp, or seal. For sump hose leaks, replace the entire hose rather than patching. For wash motor seal leaks, the motor assembly may need replacement. Reassemble all panels and reconnect water and power.
Always use genuine Fisher & Paykel replacement parts for DishDrawer models. The unique drawer design uses components sized differently from conventional dishwashers.
Reset and test
After repairs, dry the base pan thoroughly and reset the flood switch by pressing it down firmly. Restore power and run a full wash cycle. Monitor for any new leaks during the first 10 minutes of operation.
If the F1 code reappears immediately, the flood switch itself may be stuck or faulty — test its continuity with a multimeter.
When to call a professional
If you cannot identify the leak source, if the wash motor seal is leaking, or if the F1 code persists after clearing water and resetting the flood switch, contact a Fisher & Paykel authorized service technician.
Related error codes
Information compiled from manufacturer service manuals, official troubleshooting documentation, and appliance repair industry resources. This guide is for informational purposes only — always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.
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