lF
Whirlpool Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The lF error means your Whirlpool washer started filling with water but could not reach the right water level within the allowed time. The machine waited, waited, and waited — and the drum still wasn't full enough to start the cycle. This is almost always a water supply problem: low pressure, a kinked hose, or a partially closed valve. Your laundry is fine, but the cycle cannot proceed until the water supply issue is fixed.
Affected Models
- WFW5620HW
- WFW6620HW
- WTW5000DW
- WTW7000DW
- WFW9620HC
- Most Whirlpool Cabrio and Duet washers
Common Causes
- The water supply valves behind the washer are not fully open
- A kinked or crushed inlet hose is restricting water flow to the machine
- The inlet valve screens (small mesh filters inside the hose connections) are clogged with mineral deposits or sediment
- Home water pressure is too low — below 20 PSI, the washer cannot fill fast enough
- The water inlet valve itself has failed and is not opening properly when called by the control board
How to Fix It
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Pull the washer slightly away from the wall and check both supply valves — the hot and cold faucets behind the machine. Make sure both are turned fully counterclockwise (fully open).
It is easy to accidentally bump a valve partially closed. Even a half-closed valve reduces flow significantly.
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Inspect both inlet hoses for kinks, sharp bends, or crushing. The hoses should curve gently from the wall to the washer with no tight bends.
A kinked hose can restrict water flow to a trickle even when the supply valve is fully open.
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Turn off both supply valves. Unscrew the inlet hoses from the back of the washer. Inside each connection port you will find a small mesh screen — gently remove and clean any sediment from both screens.
Use an old toothbrush and warm water to clean the screens. Do not poke the mesh with a sharp object — it tears easily.
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Reconnect the hoses, making sure they are hand-tight plus one more quarter turn. Reopen the supply valves and run a fill test.
Check under the hose connections for any drips after reopening the valves.
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If lF persists after cleaning the screens, test your water pressure. Run the cold tap in a nearby sink — if the flow seems weak compared to other homes, your supply pressure may be the issue.
Normal household water pressure for washers should be 20 to 120 PSI. Call a plumber if you suspect low pressure.
When to Call a Professional
If cleaning the inlet screens and opening the supply valves does not fix lF, the water inlet valve likely needs replacing. Inlet valve replacement costs $80–$180 including parts and labor. If your home has consistently low water pressure (under 20 PSI), a plumber may be needed to address the supply line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lF and F20 on a Whirlpool washer?
Both indicate water supply problems but on different model generations. lF (Long Fill) appears on newer Whirlpool Cabrio and Duet models. F20 (No Water) appears on older Whirlpool front-load and some top-load models. The underlying cause is the same — not enough water is entering the machine. The troubleshooting steps are identical.
Can I do laundry if my washer shows lF?
No — the machine stops and will not continue the cycle while lF is active. The drum does not have enough water to safely run. Fix the water supply issue first. Once the water flows properly, clear the error with a power cycle and restart your load.
How do I know if the water inlet valve has failed?
The easiest test: with the supply valves open, start a fill cycle and watch the water entering the drum through the dispenser drawer. Normal flow should be a strong, steady stream. A thin trickle or no water at all — with supply valves fully open and clean screens — points to a failed inlet valve. A technician can confirm this by testing the valve's solenoid with a multimeter.