Washing Machine
E31
The E31 error code on an AEG washing machine indicates a fault with the pressure sensor (also called the water level sensor), which tells the machine how much water is in the drum. It’s a moderately serious fault — the machine will stop mid-cycle to prevent overfilling or running dry — but it’s often fixable without a call-out.
What does this error mean?
The E31 code means your AEG washing machine’s control board is receiving an incorrect or no signal from the pressure sensor. This sensor uses a small air-filled hose to detect the water level in the drum. When it fails or loses connection, the machine can’t safely manage water intake, so it halts the programme as a precaution.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £10–£25 DIY pressure sensor part
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: Switch the washing machine off at the plug, wait 5 minutes, then power it back on and start a short cycle. A temporary glitch can trigger E31 and a reset often clears it.
Check for excess suds: If you can see foam in the drum, run an empty rinse-and-spin cycle without detergent. Switch to a low-suds HE detergent and reduce your dosage going forward.
Clean the pump filter: Locate the filter behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a towel down, unscrew the cap slowly, drain any water, and remove any fluff, coins, or debris. Refit securely and test.
Inspect the pressure sensor hose: Pull the machine out and remove the top panel (two screws at the rear). Locate the thin corrugated hose running from the side of the drum up to a small round sensor. Check it isn’t kinked, cracked, or blocked. Detach it, blow gently through it to clear any residue, and reattach firmly.
Check the wiring connector on the pressure sensor: While you have the top panel off, gently press the wiring plug on the pressure sensor to ensure it’s fully seated. Look for any signs of corrosion or burning. If the connector looks burnt or damaged, stop and call an engineer.
Replace the pressure sensor: If all the above checks pass and E31 persists, the pressostat itself has likely failed. Replacement sensors for AEG machines are widely available online (search your model number + ‘pressostat’). Unplug the hose and wiring, swap the unit like-for-like, and retest.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve completed all the steps above and E31 still appears, or if you found burnt wiring or a damaged control board during your inspection, it’s time to call an appliance engineer. Tell them: ‘My AEG washing machine is showing error code E31 — I’ve checked the filter, pressure hose, and sensor connector, and the fault persists.’ This gives them a clear starting point and may reduce the diagnosis time and cost.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E31 fault typically costs £80–£150 in the UK, covering the call-out, diagnosis, and pressure sensor replacement. If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always the right call. For machines 8 years or older — especially if other faults have appeared — replacing with a new A-rated AEG or equivalent (from around £350–£500) is likely better value in the long run.