What is F20 Error on a Whirlpool Washing Machine? (Fixed)

The F20 error indicates that there is an issue with the water supply to your Whirlpool washing machine. There can be many causes such as low water pressure, clogged inlet valves, kinked or frayed water hoses, water faucets not completely on, etc.

You will need to inspect and fix the target areas one by one, and then try running the cycle again.

If you are experiencing water supply problems with your washing machine, do not worry, as in most cases it can be fixed at home.

Before that, let’s take a quick look at the causes that are keeping your washing machine from filling with water.

So, the first step is to cancel the ongoing cycle by pressing the Pause/Cancel button twice.

The next step is to disconnect the power supply to the washing machine.

Now start by inspecting each of the below factors one by one.

Water faucets

Check if the water faucets or the taps are completely turned on.

There can be either 1 or 2 water lines for cold and hot water, depending on your washing machine model (check the available faucets).

Over time, the water faucets can get stuck or blocked and will not unlock even after you turn them on completely.

If you suspect it to be the issue, you will need to contact a professional plumber to get the taps replaced or repaired.

Blocked Inlet Valves

The first and most common cause of water supply issues is a blocked water inlet valve screen.

Inlet valves are the devices that allow water to enter the washing machine, and they include a screen that acts as a filter.

This particular mesh screen prevents small debris from entering the machine.

If the inlet valve screen is blocked or clogged, it won’t be able to let enough water into the machine.

To check for a blocked inlet valve, you should turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose from the back of the machine.

Next, inspect it for any blockages, and if you find anything, clear it out and reattach the hose.

Finally, soak the filter screen in a bowl mixed with water and soap.

Additionally, using a soft brush, scrub off the valves carefully.

Kinked or Frozen inlet hoses

This is another potential cause of water supply issues, i.e., a kinked or damaged water hose.

Over time, hoses can become kinked or frayed, which can cause them to become blocked or otherwise impede the flow of water into the machine.

Upon inspection, if the water hose looks damaged, you should replace it with a new one.

Secondly, during winters or extremely cold conditions, there is a higher possibility of water hoses being frozen (it is quite common in the supply lines too).

If you find this to be the cause, make sure to winterize the washing machine, including the hoses.

Make sure to turn off the water faucets when not in use during such conditions.

Trim Overly Long Drain Hoses

Should the drain hose be excessively long or tangled, it can create drainage problems.

Trim or reposition the hose to ensure a smooth and unobstructed flow of water.

Faulty pressure switch

This is another factor that can cause all sorts of water supply issues.

A pressure switch is responsible for telling the machine when to stop filling with water.

If this particular switch becomes faulty, it will either prevent the machine from filling with enough water or keep it filling with too much water.

You may need to replace the pressure switch or have it repaired by a professional if you’re experiencing these problems.

Low water pressure

Water pressure is very important to run the washer, if your washing machine isn’t getting enough water, it could be due to low water pressure in your home.

This could be caused by a variety of things, including obstructions in your supply lines or an issue with your municipal water supply.

Water pressure is usually calculated in psi (pounds-per-square-inch) and if it reaches below 10 psi the washing machine may not operate in most cases.

In this case, you may need to contact your local municipality to investigate further or a professional plumber to get a better resolution to fixing the water pressure problem.

High suds level

Too many suds generated inside the washtub can prevent the water from filling.

This is because the sensor may not be able to detect the water level or it may sense over-filling.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to use a good quality detergent that is formulated to create low suds.

Additionally, using the right quantity of detergent is equally important, especially, when it comes to using the machine for washing clothes.

Faulty control board

Overfilling or underfilling are both symptoms of a bad control board.

The washing machine’s control board is in charge of regulating the water level, and if it’s broken, it might not be able to detect the water level precisely and make the necessary adjustments.

The washing machine might, as a result, either fill with too much water or not enough.

If you suspect the control board in your washing machine may be broken, it is best to consult a professional for repair or replacement.

Check the drain pump

A malfunctioning drain pump can also affect how well a washing machine fills with water.

The drain pump might not be able to completely drain the machine during the previous cycle if it isn’t functioning properly.

Because there is still water in the washer, this could cause it to either not fill up with enough water or overfill.

It’s best to consult a professional for repair or replacement if you think your washing machine’s drain pump is broken.

Check the detergent quantity

A washing machine’s water filling problems could possibly be caused by too much detergent, but this is not a frequent or common problem.

The water may not properly drain out of the machine if there are too many suds produced by the detergent, which could cause problems with the water filling up during the subsequent cycle.

Running an additional cycle without detergent will clear the excess suds, but this is typically a minor problem.

In most cases, if the problem is severe, it’s likely due to a problematic control board or drain pump.

Consider Replacing the Drive Pump

If the drive pump appears significantly worn, damaged, or beyond repair, it might be prudent to consider replacing it.

Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or seek professional assistance for this step.

Explore Lid Switch and Main Motor Replacement

If the issues persist despite the aforementioned steps, delve deeper by examining the lid switch and main motor.

A malfunctioning lid switch or motor can contribute to drainage problems and operational halts.

Replacing these components may be necessary for a complete resolution.

Should you just reset the washer?

Many times, the error is purely random and might disappear following a straightforward reset.

A Whirlpool washer can be reset by pressing the “Pause/Cancel” button twice on the control panel or by unplugging it for at least 30 seconds.

If you use the control panel to reset the washer, it might drain during the first cycle after the reset; this is normal and cannot be stopped.

Final Thoughts

So now that you now know some of the most common causes of water supply issues in a washing machine.

The next time when you face such an issue you should be all ready to look after the target areas.

However, If you’re still having problems after trying the solutions above, then you may need to contact a service professional to check out your machine further.

Finally, don’t forget that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to home appliances, so keep your appliances in top condition through regular maintenance and servicing to ensure optimum performance.