Whirlpool Washer F20 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as F-20, FH on some models.
F20 — FH on some front-load models — means the washer has no water or an insufficient water supply: fully open both faucets, clean the inlet screens and straighten the fill hoses.
What this code means
Whirlpool says F20 indicates a water inlet problem: no water or insufficient water supply. It gives FH the same definition. The checks are identical for both — are the hot and cold faucets completely turned on, are the inlet screens clogged, and are the inlet hoses kinked.
These are Whirlpool front-load washer codes without the F#E# format; newer front loaders report the same problem as F8 E1 or LO FL.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Hot or cold faucet not fully open | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Kinked water inlet hose | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Clogged screens at the hose connection to the washer | Common | Yes — pliers, 15 min |
| Inlet valve not opening | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Press Pause/Cancel twice to cancel the cycle, then unplug the washer.
- Open both the hot and cold faucets completely.
- Pull the washer forward enough to see the hoses and remove any kinks.
- Turn the faucets off, unscrew the hoses at the washer, and rinse the small screens in the inlets free of grit.
- Reconnect, open the faucets, check for leaks, and leave the washer unplugged for 5 minutes in total before restarting.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Washer not filling: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- Good pressure at the faucets, clean screens, and the code still returns.
- A hum at fill time with no water entering.
- Water trickles in even with the washer switched off.
Typical professional repair cost: Supply fixes are free. Inlet valve replacement is typically $100–$200 with labor.
Frequently asked questions
Are F20 and FH the same code?
Whirlpool defines both as a water inlet problem — no or insufficient water supply — and lists the same checks for each.
Where are the inlet screens on a Whirlpool washer?
Inside the inlet connections on the back of the washer, where the fill hoses screw on. Turn the water off before removing the hoses.
Why does my washer say F20 when the water is on?
A partly open faucet, a kinked hose or clogged inlet screens can all starve the washer of water even though the supply is on.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Whirlpool codes
- Whirlpool Washer F9 E1 The washer took too long to drain — check the drain hose setup and the pump filter; the 'hose pushed too far down the standpipe' mistake causes a surprising share of these.
- Whirlpool Washer F5 E2 The washer tried to lock its door and couldn't — usually an obstruction or grime in the latch, sometimes a worn lock assembly that needs replacing.
- Whirlpool Washer SD Too much foam — the washer paused its cycle to break down excess suds, which almost always traces back to detergent amount or type rather than a fault.
- Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 Your Whirlpool washer isn't detecting water coming in — usually a supply problem (taps, hoses, screens) rather than anything wrong inside the machine.
More: all Whirlpool washer codes · all Whirlpool codes · search by symptom