What Does Error Code E28 Mean on a Siemens Washing Machine?
Clean the inlet filter screens on the back of the machine by unscrewing the hot and cold water hoses, removing the mesh filters, rinsing them under a tap, and refitting them — this resolves the majority of E28 flow sensor errors by restoring proper water flow (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E28 points to a problem with the flow sensor — the component responsible for measuring how much water is entering the drum. When the machine's control board receives readings that don't match expected values, it triggers E28 and halts the programme to prevent damage or an incomplete wash.
In practical terms, you'll usually see this error appear shortly after a cycle starts, often during the initial fill phase. The drum may contain little or no water, and the machine will typically pause or lock up until the fault is cleared.
The good news is that E28 is frequently caused by a simple blockage or a kinked hose rather than a failed component. Working through the checks below in order will resolve most cases without needing professional help.
Causes
- Blocked inlet filter screens — Fine mesh filters sit inside the water inlet connections at the back of the machine. Limescale, grit, and debris accumulate over time and restrict water flow enough to confuse the flow sensor.
- Kinked or pinched inlet hose — If the machine has been pushed back against a wall, the fill hose can become bent or crushed. This reduces water pressure at the inlet and causes the flow sensor to report an abnormal reading.
- Faulty or clogged flow sensor — The flow sensor itself contains a small paddle or turbine that spins as water passes through it. If it becomes coated with limescale or debris, it can stick and send incorrect signals to the control board.
- Faulty water inlet valve — The inlet valve controls the flow of water into the drum. If the valve solenoid is worn or partially blocked, it may not open fully, resulting in insufficient flow that triggers the E28 error.
- Low household water pressure — Siemens washing machines require a minimum water pressure to operate correctly. If your home's supply pressure is temporarily or persistently low — for example during peak demand periods — the flow sensor may not register adequate flow.
- Wiring or connection fault — The wiring harness connecting the flow sensor to the main control board can develop loose connections or corrosion over time. A poor electrical connection can cause intermittent or false E28 errors even when water flow is physically normal.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Check the water supply tap
Locate the tap on the wall behind the machine and confirm it is fully open. It sounds obvious, but a partially closed tap is a surprisingly common cause of flow errors. Turn it fully anticlockwise and then attempt to restart the cycle.
- 2
Inspect and clean the inlet filter screens
Turn off the water supply tap and pull the machine forward slightly. Unscrew the fill hose from the back of the machine — have a towel ready as some water will spill. Use a pair of pliers or your fingers to pull out the small mesh filter from the inlet port, rinse it under a running tap, and use an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits. Refit the filter, reconnect the hose, and turn the water back on.
- 3
Check the inlet hose for kinks or damage
Run your hand along the full length of the fill hose from the tap to the machine. Straighten out any bends and ensure the hose is not trapped under or behind the appliance. If the hose feels stiff or has a permanent kink, it should be replaced — replacement hoses are inexpensive and widely available.
- 4
Test your household water pressure
Fill a one-litre jug directly from the tap that feeds the washing machine. It should fill in roughly six seconds or less for adequate pressure. If it takes noticeably longer, contact your water supplier, as low mains pressure will prevent the machine from filling correctly regardless of any other fixes.
- 5
Reset the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains socket and leave it unpowered for two minutes. This allows the control board to clear any stored fault state. Switch it back on and run a short cycle such as a rinse programme to see whether the E28 error returns.
- 6
Inspect and clean the flow sensor
The flow sensor is typically located on the water inlet assembly inside the machine. After disconnecting the power and water supply, remove the back panel (usually held by two or three screws). Locate the sensor on the inlet pipe, disconnect it carefully, and check for limescale build-up around the turbine. Soak it briefly in a descaling solution or white vinegar, rinse thoroughly, and refit. If the turbine is visibly cracked or the sensor does not spin freely, it will need replacing.
- 7
Check the inlet valve
With the machine still unplugged and the back panel removed, locate the water inlet valve — the component where the fill hose connects internally. Check that the wiring connectors are firmly seated and show no signs of burning or corrosion. If the valve feels gritty or does not click when you apply 230V briefly with a test meter, it is likely faulty and should be replaced.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have cleaned the filters, confirmed good water pressure, reset the machine, and inspected the flow sensor and inlet valve without resolving the error, the fault is likely deeper in the appliance. A failed flow sensor that does not respond to cleaning, a burned inlet valve, or a damaged wiring harness all require component-level diagnosis and replacement that goes beyond safe DIY work.
You should also call a service technician if the E28 error appears intermittently with no obvious pattern, or if the machine is also showing other unrelated error codes at the same time — this combination often points to a failing main control board, which requires professional assessment and programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Siemens washing machine while it shows E28?
No — when E28 is active the machine has halted the programme because it cannot confirm water is flowing correctly. Running it in this state risks an incomplete wash or, in some cases, the machine attempting to heat a drum with insufficient water. Clear the fault first before running another cycle.
How do I reset error code E28 on a Siemens washing machine?
Turn the programme dial to the off position, switch the machine off at the mains socket, and leave it for at least two minutes. Switch it back on and select a new programme. Note that simply resetting without addressing the underlying cause will usually result in the error returning within the same cycle.
Could E28 be caused by a problem with my home's plumbing rather than the machine?
Yes, it can. Temporarily low mains pressure — for example during a local supply interruption or if another appliance is drawing heavily from the same supply — can trigger E28. Check whether the error occurs consistently or only at certain times of day, and test the flow rate from the tap as described in the steps above.
How much does it cost to replace a flow sensor on a Siemens washing machine?
A replacement flow sensor for a Siemens washing machine typically costs between £15 and £40 for the part, depending on the model. If you are comfortable with basic appliance repair, fitting it yourself is straightforward once the back panel is removed. A service technician call-out will add labour costs on top of the part price.
Is E28 the same fault as E17 or other water inlet errors on Siemens machines?
They are related but distinct. E17 typically refers to a water inlet timeout — the machine did not fill within the expected time — while E28 specifically flags an incorrect reading from the flow sensor itself. Both can share root causes such as a blocked filter or faulty inlet valve, so the diagnostic steps overlap, but E28 points more directly to the sensor or its wiring.