Washing Machine
E10
The E10 error code on a Hotpoint washing machine indicates a water inlet fault — the machine isn’t filling with water correctly. It’s one of the more common Hotpoint errors and is often fixable without a callout.
What does this error mean?
E10 means the washing machine’s control board has detected that water isn’t entering the drum within the expected time frame. The machine monitors water flow at the start of a cycle using a pressure sensor and inlet valve, and triggers E10 when fill is too slow or doesn’t happen at all. This is a water supply or inlet issue, not a drainage or motor fault.
Est. repair cost
£80–£130 professional repair (inlet valve replacement); £15–£35 DIY inlet valve part only
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Check the tap: locate the cold water supply tap behind or beside the machine and make sure it’s fully open (turned anticlockwise as far as it goes).
Inspect the inlet hose: pull the machine out slightly and check the hose running from the tap to the back of the machine — straighten any kinks and ensure it isn’t crushed against the wall.
Clean the inlet filter: turn off the tap, unscrew the inlet hose from the back of the machine, and use a small brush or toothpick to clean the mesh filter screen inside the hose connector. Rinse it under the tap before reattaching.
Reset the machine: once you’ve checked the above, switch the machine off at the plug, wait 60 seconds, then switch it back on and restart the cycle.
Check your water pressure: run a cold tap elsewhere in the house — if it’s very weak, contact your water supplier as low mains pressure will prevent the machine filling properly.
If the error persists after these steps, the water inlet valve is the most likely culprit and will need testing with a multimeter or replacing — this is a straightforward part swap but involves pulling out the machine and disconnecting the hose, so proceed only if you’re confident, otherwise call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an engineer if the error persists after you’ve checked the tap, hose, and cleaned the inlet filter — at this point the inlet valve or pressure sensor likely needs replacing, which requires electrical testing. Tell the engineer you have an E10 fault and that you’ve already ruled out the tap and hose blockage. A qualified appliance repair engineer (look for Which? Trusted Traders or a manufacturer-approved repairer) should be your first call.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E10 fault — typically an inlet valve replacement — costs around £80–£130 including parts and labour in the UK. If your Hotpoint machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. If it’s 8 years or older and has had previous faults, weigh the repair cost against a new mid-range machine at £350–£500, and consider replacing.