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What Does the F9 Error Code Mean on Your Westinghouse Dishwasher?
Your Westinghouse dishwasher is your trusted ally in managing the post-meal chaos, saving precious time and water. But what happens when it starts flashing the dreaded F9 error code? Don’t worry, this is just your dishwasher’s way of asking for help and not throwing in the towel.
Presently, we are going to break down what the F9 error means, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can fix it.
What is the Westinghouse Dishwasher F9 Error Code?
The F9 error code generally occurs in the case of a water drainage problem. Your dishwasher’s drain pump might not be working properly, or there is a blockage somewhere that prevents the water from draining out as required. It’s like having a clogged sink, only for your dishwasher.
Here is the good news: This is a very common, hence fixable error, and you need not necessarily call a technician right away.

What causes the F9 error code?
Knowing what might be the problem is handy to have your dishwasher working at its best. Herein, come the most common causes, in no particular order:
Blocked Drain Hose
Food particles, grease, or other debris block the drain hose and prevent water from flowing out of the machine.
Clogged Filters
The filters in the dishwasher serve to prevent large debris from entering the drain pump. If not regularly cleaned, they may get clogged up and cause the F9 error.
Defective Drain Pump
Sometimes, the drain pump may wear out with time or fail electrically.
Blocked Sink Drain
If your dishwasher is connected to the draining system of your kitchen sink, then this blockage will cause the appliance to display this F9 error code.
Kinked or Damaged Drain Hose
This reduces the flow of water and therefore restricts the proper draining of the appliance.
How to Fix the F9 Error Code
Before you reach that panic situation and call the highly paid technicians, try out these simple steps to troubleshoot and resolve:.
1. Switch Off the Power
Safety first! Remove the power plug before attempting to view any part of the dishwasher.
2. Filter Check and Cleaning
- Your filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Remove it and rinse under hot running water to remove grease or food particles.
- A clean filter improves performance and prevents blockages from occurring again-well worth the regular service, really.
3. Check the Drain Hose
- Remove the drain hose and inspect for any blockages or kinks visible in it.
- Gently unbend the bends, and then wash the hose to clear it of debris.
- Make sure the setting of the hose is correct and that it is not damaged.
4. Clear the Sink Drain
If your dishwasher shares a draining system with your sink, make sure the sink drain isn’t clogged. Pour some hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar into the drain to dissolve the blockage.
5. Drain Pump Testing
If this doesn’t eliminate the problem, then the drain pump may be faulty. Strange noises during the drain cycle may also point to a problem with the pump. Although you can probably clean the pump yourself, contacting a professional means that it is fixed or replaced correctly.
6. Restart Your Dishwasher
Once you’ve cleaned the filters, hose, and sink drain, reconnect the machine and give it a test run. If the F9 error code has disappeared, congratulations you’ve done it!

Preventing Future Drainage Issues
Preventing an F9 error code from rearing its head again is all about routine maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape:
Scrape Food Scraps
Scrape off large food particles before loading your dishes.
Clean Filters Regularly
A quick rinse of your filters every week may go a long way in preventing blockages.
Inspect Hoses Occasionally
Check the condition of your drain hose and make sure it’s kink-free and undamaged.
Deep Clean the Dishwasher
Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner once a month to remove grease and buildup.
When to Call a Professional
If these steps have been undertaken and the F9 error still occurs, it may be time to call the professionals. A technician can diagnose any of the more complex issues, such as electrical faults or a failing drain pump.
Final Thoughts
Your dishwasher is here to make life easier, and a simple error code shouldn’t throw you off. A little patience and TLC can get you through troubleshooting and fixing the F9 error code in no time. Remember, consistent maintenance can prevent most problems before they start.
More questions on how to keep your dishwasher running? Leave us a comment or contact our team; we’d love to help you out. And if we have saved you time and money today, share this post!