Washing machines that have a modern digital display, in the event of failures or malfunctions, display a special code on the screen indicating a specific error. The self-diagnosis system is also present on the products of the Italian companies Ariston and Indesit. Codes usually start with the letter F and end with numbers. Among them, the H20 error on the Ariston or Indesit washing machine stands out - one of the most common problems on devices from this manufacturer.
The number “0” in this case should be read as the letter “O”, the result is the chemical formula of water. This was done specifically to make it easier to remember the H20 error and its decoding. This code indicates problems in the water inlet system.
Symptoms of a problem
In addition to the H20 error code that appears on the display, the following signs appear indicating problems with the Ariston washing machine:
- The device does not draw water or does, but in small volumes, insufficient for the correct operation of the device.
- Filling with a very large amount of water.
- Constant flooding and subsequent draining of liquid.
- During rinsing, the Ariston machine stops and does not enter the spin phase.
These symptoms of error H20 appear in any selected mode of the Ariston washing machine, with the exception of the “Spin” and “Drain” programs.
To figure out how to fix the problems that have arisen and eliminate the H20 error, you need to understand what each of these signs means.
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 the appearance of error H20 is a clogged filter in the filling 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.
Filling and subsequent drainage of water
If an Ariston machine fills with water and immediately drains it, and error code H20 is displayed on the screen, this may indicate that the drain hose is connected to the sewer much lower than necessary or has fallen out of the fasteners on the back wall of the device that held it in vertical position.
To troubleshoot the Ariston washing machine that caused error H20 to appear, you need to lift the middle of the hose and secure it above the tank level; for this, a special holder is included with the washing machine. If it falls out of the latch at the back, you just need to put it back.
There may also be situations where the pump filter or the pump itself, drain hose, siphon or sewer becomes clogged. All these elements of the Ariston washing machine also need to be checked.
If error H20 appears for the first time on Ariston washing equipment, this may indicate a failure in the control board or in the device display. To resolve error H20, you need to unplug the washing machine from the socket and plug it back in after 20-30 minutes. This “reboot” of the device can help in this situation.
If the above methods did not help resolve the H20 error, this indicates more serious problems in the washing machine.
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.
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.
Ariston machine electronic board
If everything is also in order with the pressure switch, then to eliminate error H20, you should diagnose the electronic board of the Ariston washing machine, which controls the operation of the entire device. A triac or other elements in the water inlet valve control circuit could have burned out. The tracks of the microcircuit transmitting the command or soldering of the elements could also be damaged. In the rarest cases, the controller processor could break down or there could be a failure in its firmware.
You can fix these problems yourself using a soldering iron and a new element, but it is better to call a specialist and entrust the repair of the Ariston washing machine to him, so as not to cause even more damage to the washing machine.
Bottom line
Thus, if error H20 is displayed on the screen of the Ariston washing machine and any problems occur, this indicates problems with the water supply or drainage system.
To eliminate error H20, you need to check how the water is supplied, clean the inlet valve strainer, and also make sure that the drain hose is not clogged and is correctly connected to the sewer.
If the malfunction has not been resolved, you should check the condition of the fill valve and water level sensor of the Ariston washing equipment, and if this does not help, then diagnose the electronic board.
If the user can eliminate the simple causes of error H20 on his own, then to check the main components, it is recommended to contact a service center and call a specialist, especially if you are not sure that the repair will be completed successfully on your own.
