What is actually happening
A flashing light is a fault code being reported in the only way the machine can. On most makes the pattern of flashes or the code shown identifies the fault precisely, and the two most common are a drain fault and the anti-flood float. Note the code before switching anything off — it is the quickest route to the right diagnosis.
The usual causes
- A drain fault with water left in the base of the machine
- The anti-flood float triggered by a leak into the base tray
- A fill fault where the machine never got enough water
- A heating or sensor fault
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Write down the code or the flash pattern before powering off
- Check for standing water in the bottom of the machine
- Look the code up on our error-code pages
Still lights flashing?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my dishwasher lights flashing?
The machine has stopped and is flashing a light, or bleeping, instead of running. A flashing light is a fault code being reported in the only way the machine can. On most makes the pattern of flashes or the code shown identifies the fault precisely, and the two most common are a drain fault and the anti-flood float. Note the code before switching anything off — it is the quickest route to the right diagnosis.
Can I fix a dishwasher lights flashing myself?
Write down the code or the flash pattern before powering off. Check for standing water in the bottom of the machine. Look the code up on our error-code pages. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a dishwasher lights flashing?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other dishwasher faults
- dishwasher not draining
- dishwasher will not switch on
- dishwasher not cleaning the dishes
- dishwasher not drying the dishes
- dishwasher leaking
- dishwasher not heating the water
- dishwasher beeping mid-cycle
- dishwasher door will not close