Light Bulbs
Outdoor Lights
Wall Lights
Lamps
Ceiling Lights
The F8 error on your Indesit Dishwasher means the machine has detected a problem with the water heating circuit or the water flow sensor. This often shows up as a wash cycle that stalls, runs cold, or won’t progress past the fill stage — check the heating element and water inlet before calling an engineer.
| Error code | F8 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Water heating or flow sensor fault — the dishwasher isn’t detecting correct water temperature or flow during the cycle |
| Severity | Medium — the dishwasher will usually stop mid-cycle rather than cause damage, but dishes won’t get properly cleaned |
| Time to fix | 15–45 minutes |
| Tools needed | Multimeter, screwdriver (flat and Phillips), torch |
What the F8 error means
Indesit dishwashers use a combination of a heating element and flow/temperature sensors to make sure water is heated correctly and flowing at the right rate through each cycle. The F8 code appears when the control board doesn’t receive the expected signal from these components — either because the water isn’t heating, isn’t flowing, or a sensor has failed to report data correctly.
This is different from a drainage or door-lock fault; it specifically points to the heating and water-flow system, so the fixes below focus on that area rather than the pump or seals.
Common causes
- Faulty or burnt-out heating element that no longer warms the water
- Limescale or debris build-up blocking the flow sensor or water inlet
- Loose or corroded wiring connection between the heater and control board
- Failed thermistor (temperature sensor) sending incorrect readings
- Low incoming water pressure preventing normal flow detection
- A faulty control board that misreads a working sensor
How to fix the F8 error
- Power down and reset: Turn off the dishwasher at the wall, wait 2–3 minutes, then switch it back on. This clears minor sensor glitches and lets the control board re-check the heating circuit.
- Check the water supply: Make sure the inlet valve is fully open and the hose isn’t kinked. Low pressure can trigger a false flow reading and bring up the F8 code.
- Inspect the heating element: Locate the element (usually at the base of the tub) and check for visible damage or limescale coating. A heavily scaled element often needs descaling or replacing.
- Test with a multimeter: With the dishwasher unplugged, test the heating element and thermistor for continuity. No reading typically means the part has failed and needs replacing.
- Check wiring connections: Open the base panel and inspect the wires running to the heater and sensors for corrosion, looseness, or scorch marks. Reseat or replace any damaged connectors.
- Call an engineer if the fault persists: If the element and wiring test fine but F8 keeps returning, the control board itself may be at fault and should be checked by a qualified technician.
FAQ
Can I keep using the dishwasher with an F8 error showing?
It’s best not to. The wash water may not be heating properly, meaning dishes won’t be cleaned or sanitised to the usual standard until the fault is fixed.
Is the F8 error expensive to fix?
Not usually. A replacement heating element or thermistor is a low-cost part, and the repair often takes under an hour. Control board issues cost more but are less common.
Does descaling my dishwasher help prevent F8 errors?
Yes. Regular descaling reduces limescale build-up on the heating element and flow sensor, which is one of the most common triggers for this fault, especially in hard water areas.
