Key Takeaways
- Some errors are warnings; others require immediate shutdown
- Water leak codes (F70, AquaStop) mean stop immediately
- Heating errors often allow limited use
- When in doubt, don't use until diagnosed
The Quick Answer
It depends on the error code. Some mean "stop now," others mean "get it checked soon."
When in doubt: Stop using the appliance.
The potential cost of damage from ignoring a serious error far exceeds any inconvenience from waiting for service.
Error Code Safety Categories
🔴 STOP IMMEDIATELY
These codes indicate safety risks or potential damage:
| Code | Meaning | Why Stop |
|---|---|---|
| F70 | AquaStop / Water leak | Active water leak risk |
| F24 | Water inlet issue | Flooding risk |
| F76 | Communication error | Unpredictable behavior |
| F78 | Circulation pump blocked | Motor damage risk |
What to do:
- Turn off at the power outlet (not just the button)
- Turn off water supply to appliance
- Check for visible water
- Call for service
🟡 LIMITED USE POSSIBLE
These codes affect function but aren't immediately dangerous:
| Code | Meaning | Safe to... |
|---|---|---|
| F84 | Heating element fault | Run cold cycles only |
| F11 | Drainage issue | Use after clearing blockage |
| F14 | Water heating timeout | Run quick/cool cycles |
| F85 | NTC sensor fault | Limited use, monitor closely |
Conditions for limited use:
- No water leaking
- No burning smell
- No unusual sounds
- No smoke or sparks
🟢 USUALLY SAFE TO CONTINUE
These typically indicate minor issues:
| Code | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| F13 | Water intake issue | Often clears on retry |
| F63 | Circulation sensor | May be intermittent |
| F68 | Reflow sensor | Monitoring issue |
Still schedule service — these won't fix themselves.
Stop Signs: When to Shut Down Immediately
Regardless of error code, stop immediately if you notice:
Immediate Shutdown Required
- Water on the floor around the appliance
- Burning smell or visible smoke
- Sparks or unusual electrical sounds
- Appliance hot to the touch (exterior)
- Strange sounds — grinding, banging, screeching
- Circuit breaker tripping when appliance runs
These symptoms override any error code — they indicate active safety risks.
Appliance-Specific Guidance
Dishwashers
| Situation | Safe to Use? |
|---|---|
| Water pooling inside | ⚠️ Run drain cycle only |
| Water on floor | 🔴 No — check AquaStop |
| Dishes not drying | ✅ Yes |
| Dishes not clean | ✅ Yes |
| Door won't close | 🔴 No |
| Error during cycle | ⚠️ Let current cycle finish if safe |
Washing Machines
| Situation | Safe to Use? |
|---|---|
| Won't spin | ⚠️ Can wash, but manually drain |
| Water in drum | ⚠️ Run drain/spin only |
| Water on floor | 🔴 No — immediate risk |
| Drum won't turn | 🔴 No — motor may overheat |
| Vibrating excessively | 🔴 No — can cause damage |
Dryers
| Situation | Safe to Use? |
|---|---|
| Not heating | ✅ Yes (just won't dry) |
| Burning smell | 🔴 No — fire risk |
| Drum not turning | 🔴 No — belt/motor issue |
| Overheating | 🔴 No — fire risk |
| Lint filter blocked | ⚠️ Clean before next use |
Refrigerators
| Situation | Safe to Use? |
|---|---|
| Not cooling | ✅ Yes (food safety concern though) |
| Frost buildup | ✅ Yes, schedule defrost |
| Water leak underneath | ⚠️ May be drain blockage |
| Compressor running constantly | ⚠️ Monitor, could worsen |
| Burning smell | 🔴 No |
The Risk of Ignoring Errors
Ignoring error codes can lead to:
- Escalating damage — Small problem becomes big problem
- Safety risks — Water damage, electrical hazards
- Higher repair costs — Secondary damage adds up
- Voided warranty — Operating with known issues
- Complete failure — Appliance becomes unrepairable
The error code is your appliance asking for help. Respond promptly.
What About "Resetting" the Error?
You may have heard about resetting errors by:
- Turning off power for 5 minutes
- Pressing button combinations
- Running specific cycles
This can work for:
- Temporary glitches
- Sensor misreadings
- After you've addressed the cause
This doesn't work for:
- Actual component failures
- Physical blockages
- Mechanical problems
Warning: Resetting hides the symptom, not the problem. If an error returns, it's real.
Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Is there water where it shouldn't be?
- Yes → Stop immediately
- No → Continue evaluation
- Is there any unusual smell?
- Burning smell → Stop immediately
- No smell → Continue evaluation
- Is the appliance making unusual sounds?
- Grinding/screeching → Stop
- Normal sounds → Continue evaluation
- What does the error code category say?
- Red category → Stop
- Yellow/Green → Proceed with caution
- How important is continued use?
- Critical → Consider limited use if safe
- Not urgent → Wait for service
Protecting Your Home While Waiting
If you must wait for service:
For Water-Using Appliances
- Turn off water supply to appliance
- Keep towels nearby
- Check periodically for leaks
- Don't start new cycles
For All Appliances
- Unplug if not using
- Don't attempt DIY repairs on electrical components
- Keep the area clear for technician access
- Note when/how the error occurred
When Service is Urgent
Call for same-day service if:
- Active water leak
- Electrical concerns (sparks, smell)
- Refrigerator not cooling (food safety)
- Washer/dryer burning smell
Otherwise, scheduling within a few days is typically fine.
Next Steps
Identify Your Error Code
Search our error code database to understand what your specific code means and its safety category.
Schedule Service
Book an appointment with a certified technician who can properly diagnose and repair the issue.
Still Unsure?
Contact us — we're happy to help you assess your specific situation.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution. A few days without an appliance is better than water damage or safety risks.
Ready to Take Action?
If you've decided to repair, schedule a service appointment with a certified technician.