HC
Whirlpool Washing Machine
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
The HC error means your Whirlpool washer has detected that the hot and cold water inlet hoses are connected in reverse. The hot water hose is connected to the cold water port, and the cold water hose is connected to the hot water port. The machine can tell because it detects which inlet is delivering warm water when it expects cold, or vice versa. This is an easy fix — just swap the two hoses at the back of the machine.
Affected Models
- WFW5620HW
- WFW6620HW
- WFW9620HC
- WFW8620HC
- WFW9200SQ
- Most Whirlpool Duet front-load washers
Common Causes
- The hot and cold inlet hoses were swapped when the washer was installed or moved
- The hot and cold water supply valves on the wall are labeled incorrectly or have been replumbed
- A plumbing change in the home reversed the hot and cold connections at the washer connection point
- The previous occupant or installer connected the hoses in the wrong order
- After moving the washer for repair or cleaning, the hoses were reconnected in the wrong ports
How to Fix It
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Turn off both water supply valves at the wall behind the washer. The hot valve is usually on the left, cold on the right.
Turning off the supply valves prevents water from spraying when you disconnect the hoses.
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Place a towel under the hose connections and a bucket or bowl nearby. Unscrew both inlet hoses from the back of the washer.
A small amount of water will drain from the hoses — this is normal. Have the towel ready.
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Look at the back of the washer. You will see two inlet ports labeled 'Hot' and 'Cold.' Connect the hot water hose (connected to the left/hot wall valve) to the port labeled 'Hot.' Connect the cold hose to 'Cold.'
Hot is almost always on the left at the wall and the left port on the washer. If the labels are worn off, use a marker to label the hoses before swapping.
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Tighten both hoses firmly by hand, then one additional quarter turn with pliers. Do not overtighten — just snug.
Check that the rubber washers are seated inside the hose fittings before tightening.
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Reopen both supply valves and check for leaks at the connections. Start a cycle — HC should no longer appear.
Run the first cycle with the machine pulled slightly away from the wall so you can spot any drips from the new connections.
When to Call a Professional
HC is almost never a mechanical fault and requires no professional service. Simply swapping the two hoses resolves it in minutes. If you swap the hoses and HC persists, the water temperature sensor or control board may have a fault — contact a Whirlpool technician at that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the washer know the hoses are swapped?
Your Whirlpool washer monitors the temperature of water entering through each inlet. When the machine calls for cold water, it expects the cold inlet to deliver low-temperature water. If warm water comes in through the cold inlet, the washer's sensor detects the mismatch and throws the HC error. It is a clever safety and quality check built into the machine.
Can reversed hoses damage my washer?
Not immediately — but it can damage your laundry. When hoses are reversed, cycles that call for cold water (delicates, cold wash) will actually fill with hot water. This can shrink clothes, fade colors, and damage heat-sensitive fabrics. The HC error is your washer protecting your clothes by refusing to run until the hoses are correct.
Is this a common mistake during installation?
Yes — it is one of the most common washer installation errors. The connections at the wall and on the machine look identical. The only way to tell them apart is by the labels and by which supply pipe is which. Many DIY installs get this wrong. Always check that the hose from the hot water pipe on the wall goes to the port labeled Hot on the machine.