Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Code F23 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Whirlpool dishwasher error F23 means water has been detected in the base of the dishwasher — the area beneath the tub. The overflow protection system (anti-flood device) has activated to stop the machine before water reaches your floor. This is a critical error — do not use the dishwasher until the source of the leak is found and fixed.

Affected Models

Whirlpool WDT750SAHZ
Whirlpool WDT970SAHZ
Whirlpool WDTA50SAHZ
Whirlpool WDF520PADM
Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ

Common Causes

Too much detergent was used, causing excessive foam that overflowed into the base of the machine
A door seal or gasket has worn out or torn, allowing water to escape the tub and collect in the base
A hose connection inside the dishwasher — inlet hose, drain hose, or pump hose — has come loose or cracked
The water inlet valve is not closing completely at the end of the fill cycle, causing the tub to overfill
The anti-flood float switch in the base has become stuck in the triggered position, even with no actual water present

How to Fix It

Turn the dishwasher off immediately and switch off the circuit breaker or unplug it. Do not restart the machine until you have identified and fixed the source of the water.

If you see standing water on the floor in front of the dishwasher, lay towels down and allow it to dry before continuing.
Pull the dishwasher out slightly from its cabinet space. Tip it very carefully forward by about 45 degrees to allow the water pooled in the base to drain out toward the front. Mop up the water.

This step often clears F23 temporarily by removing the water that triggered the float switch. However, you must still find why the water got there.
Check whether too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent was used. Standard washing-up liquid creates enormous amounts of foam in a dishwasher and is the most common cause of F23. Only use dishwasher-specific detergent tablets or powder.

If foam leaked into the base, run two empty rinse cycles after mopping up to flush any remaining detergent through the system.
Inspect the door seal (the rubber gasket around the door opening). Look for cracks, tears, or areas where it has pulled away from its groove. Press the seal firmly back into place if it has lifted, or replace it if it is torn.

Door seals on dishwashers typically last 5–10 years. Replacement seals are inexpensive — usually $15–$40.
If you cannot find an obvious external cause, a technician needs to access the interior hoses and inlet valve. These components can crack or loosen over time and are not visible without dismantling part of the machine.

A technician will also check the anti-flood float switch itself — if it is stuck in the raised position after the water has been removed, it will keep triggering F23 even with no active leak.

When to Call a Professional

F23 is a water leak warning — take it seriously. If you cannot identify an obvious cause such as too much detergent or a loose hose, call a technician immediately. A persistent leak inside the dishwasher can cause floor damage and create a slip hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can too much detergent really cause F23?

Yes — this is actually the most common cause of F23. Excessive foam from too much detergent, or from using regular dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent, can overflow into the base and trigger the flood protection switch. Always use the correct amount of dishwasher-specific detergent.

How do I reset the anti-flood float switch after fixing the leak?

Tipping the machine forward to drain the water from the base usually resets the float switch. Once the base is dry and the source of the water is fixed, power cycling the dishwasher should clear F23. If the error still shows after the base is completely dry, the float switch itself may be stuck — a technician can release or replace it.

Could F23 damage my kitchen floor?

Yes, if ignored. Water in the dishwasher base that is not drained can seep under the machine and damage your flooring, especially laminate or hardwood. Act on F23 immediately — stop using the machine and mop up the water before it spreads further.