What Does Error Code E13 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Tilt the machine gently forward about 15 degrees to drain any standing water from the base tray, then leave it upright for 30 minutes to dry before restarting — this clears the sensor in the majority of cases (takes about 20 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E13 is Electrolux's overflow protection alert. When water finds its way into the sealed base tray beneath the drum and components, a float sensor rises and sends a signal to the control board to stop the machine immediately. This is a safety feature designed to prevent water damage to your floor and the machine's electronics.
When E13 triggers, the washing machine will typically pause mid-cycle, lock the door, and may attempt to pump out any water in the drum before shutting down. You might also notice water pooling under or around the appliance. The machine will not restart until the base tray is dry and the sensor has reset.
The fault can stem from something as simple as a loose hose connection or as serious as a cracked drum seal. Working through the causes methodically will help you identify whether this is a quick fix or a job for a service technician.
Causes
- Loose or damaged drain hose connection — The drain hose can work loose from the pump outlet or the standpipe over time, especially if the machine vibrates heavily during spin cycles. Even a small gap is enough to drip water into the base tray during draining.
- Leaking door seal (door gasket) — The rubber door gasket can develop cracks, tears, or a build-up of mould that prevents it from forming a watertight seal. Water escapes around the door during the wash and rinse phases and runs down into the base.
- Faulty or loose inlet hose or valve — The cold water inlet hose or its connection to the inlet valve at the back of the machine can develop a slow drip. This is often invisible from the outside but allows water to accumulate in the base tray over multiple cycles.
- Leaking pump or pump housing — The drain pump sits low in the machine and is a common source of leaks. A worn pump seal, a cracked pump housing, or debris jamming the impeller can all cause water to escape into the base tray.
- Detergent drawer or dispenser housing leak — Using too much detergent or a blocked dispenser channel can cause water to overflow the drawer housing and run down into the base. Liquid detergent residue can also block the siphon holes, making this worse.
- Cracked drum bearing seal or outer drum — In older machines, the rear drum bearing seal can deteriorate and allow water to seep past it into the base. This is less common but is a more serious fault that usually requires professional repair.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before doing anything else, turn the programme dial to off and unplug the machine from the wall socket. This is essential for safety, as you will be working around water and electrical components. Do not attempt to open the machine while it is powered.
- 2
Drain the base tray
Carefully tilt the machine forward by about 15 degrees — ask someone to help, as washing machines are heavy. Hold it at that angle for 30 to 60 seconds to allow water to drain out from the base tray through the ventilation slots at the bottom. Place old towels on the floor first. Leave the machine upright for at least 30 minutes to allow residual moisture to evaporate before the sensor can reset.
- 3
Inspect the drain hose and connections
Pull the machine away from the wall and check the drain hose along its full length. Look for kinks, cracks, or loose connections at both the machine end and the standpipe. Push any loose clips firmly back into place. If the hose is cracked or brittle, it will need replacing.
- 4
Check the door seal for damage
Open the door and run your fingers around the full circumference of the rubber gasket. Look for visible tears, holes, or areas where the seal has pulled away from the drum rim. Also check for a build-up of black mould, which can prevent a proper seal. Clean any mould with a diluted bleach solution and a cloth. A torn or perished seal will need to be replaced.
- 5
Examine the inlet hose and valve
Check the cold water inlet hose at the back of the machine. Feel along the hose and around the connection points for dampness. Tighten the hand-tightened connector at the tap end if it feels loose. If the hose itself is weeping or the valve body is cracked, replace the hose or valve before using the machine again.
- 6
Clean the detergent dispenser drawer
Remove the dispenser drawer completely — most Electrolux models have a release tab inside the drawer. Rinse it under warm water and use an old toothbrush to clear any blocked siphon holes or detergent residue. Also wipe out the housing cavity in the machine. Ensure you are using the correct amount of detergent for your water hardness and load size.
- 7
Restart the machine and monitor
Once everything is dry and reassembled, plug the machine back in and run a short 30-degree cotton cycle. Stay nearby and check underneath and behind the machine during filling, washing, and draining. If E13 does not return and no new moisture appears, the fault has been resolved. If the error reappears, the leak source requires further investigation.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have worked through all the steps above and cannot identify a visible leak source, or if the error returns after the base tray has been dried out, there is likely an internal leak that requires the machine to be partially dismantled to locate. This includes leaks from the rear drum seal, the outer drum itself, or internal hose connections that are not accessible without removing the back or front panel.
You should also call a service technician if you find the pump housing is cracked, the inlet valve is visibly damaged, or if there is any sign of water near the control board or wiring. Continuing to run the machine in these circumstances risks permanent damage to the electronics and a potential safety hazard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep using my Electrolux washing machine while it shows E13?
No. The machine has stopped as a safety precaution because water is present in the base tray near electrical components. Running it again before the fault is resolved risks damaging the control board, the motor, or other electronics, and could create a safety hazard. Dry out the base tray and identify the source of the leak before restarting.
How do I reset the E13 error code on an Electrolux washing machine?
The error will not clear until the float sensor in the base tray is dry and in its lowered position. Tilt the machine forward to drain the tray, leave it for at least 30 minutes, then plug it back in and power it on. If the underlying leak has been fixed, the error should not reappear. There is no separate reset button required.
Why does my Electrolux washing machine only show E13 occasionally?
An intermittent E13 usually points to a slow or minor leak that only accumulates enough water to trigger the sensor after several cycles. Common causes include a slightly loose hose connection, a small tear in the door seal that only leaks at certain drum positions, or an overfilled detergent drawer. Check all connections carefully and monitor the machine closely during a full cycle.
Is E13 covered under the Electrolux warranty?
If your machine is within its warranty period and the leak is due to a manufacturing defect rather than accidental damage or misuse, the repair should be covered. Contact Electrolux customer support with your model number and proof of purchase before attempting any repairs yourself, as DIY work can sometimes affect warranty terms.
How long does it take for the base tray to dry out after an E13 error?
After tilting the machine to drain the bulk of the water, allow at least 30 minutes for residual moisture to evaporate before restarting. In humid conditions or if a significant amount of water entered the tray, leaving it for a couple of hours is safer. You can speed up drying by placing a fan near the base ventilation slots.