Frigidaire Washer E13: Water Leak and Pressure Fix
Quick Answer
The E13 code means your washer thinks it is leaking water or the pressure sensor is sending an erratic signal. To fix it, check for visible water leaks under the unit, inspect the pressure switch hose for clogs, and ensure you are not using too much detergent which causes oversudsing.
E13 is Frigidaire's flood alarm, and you don't want to ignore it. The board watches air pressure in a small tube connected to the tub, and if that pressure drops while the machine's supposed to be full of water, it assumes something's leaking. I see this on two or three calls a week during certain times of year. Usually it's the door bellows or a gunked-up pressure tube. Ignore it and you're looking at water damage on your subfloor.
Nine times out of ten, this code is a physical leak or a blocked air line. If your washer can't hold a consistent pressure reading, it'll stop the cycle to keep water off your floor. It's a safety-first error, honestly a good one, but you do need to get hands-on with the internal plumbing and the water level sensor under the top panel to actually fix it.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Leaking door boot or tub hose45%
Clogged or pinched pressure tube30%
Faulty pressure sensor15%
Oversudsing from wrong detergent10%
Symptoms You May Notice
The cycle stops dead mid-wash and E13 appears on the display, usually during the fill or early agitation phase before it's even done adding water.
There's a small puddle under the front of the machine, sometimes just a slow drip you wouldn't notice until you slide the washer out from the wall.
The door boot seal is visibly wet on the inside lip, or you can see dark mineral staining in the rubber folds from repeated water exposure.
Washer fills normally but then immediately tries to drain and restart, kind of stuck in a weird loop, before the error code finally locks it out.
You open the door after a failed cycle and several inches of water are still sitting in the drum because the machine stopped before it could drain.
Can you reset a Frigidaire washer to clear the E13 code?
Hit the Cancel button to stop the current cycle. Unplug the washer from the wall outlet completely, don't just turn it off at the control panel. Wait a full 60 seconds so the capacitors on the board drain down completely. Plug it back in, select Drain and Spin, and start the cycle. If E13 doesn't come back, you're clear. If it pops up again within the first two minutes of that cycle, there's still a physical problem you need to track down before running a real load.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriverFlashlight or headlampDigital multimeterNeedle-nose pliersSmall bucket or towelsElectrical contact cleaner
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range1000–1200 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just reset the E13 code without fixing anything?
You can unplug it for a minute and it'll clear, sure. But if there's a real leak or a clogged tube, the code's coming right back as soon as the water hits sensing level. I've had customers call me back same day because they reset it and tried to run a load without fixing anything. Don't do that. A wet laundry room floor is annoying. A soaked subfloor with mold growing under it three months later is a multi-thousand-dollar problem. Fix the root cause first.
How much does a Frigidaire pressure sensor cost?
The pressure switch itself usually runs between $50 and $90 depending on your model. Part number 134119210 covers a ton of the affected units. It's a pretty straightforward swap once you've got the top panel off. If you're comfortable with basic appliance repair you can do this yourself in about 45 minutes. A tech visit to do it for you will probably run $150 to $250 total with labor included.
Why does my washer only show E13 during the spin cycle?
That's a really common pattern and it points to something that only moves or opens up under vibration. The pressure tube might have a tiny pinhole that stays sealed when the machine's sitting still but opens up when it starts shaking hard. Or a wiring connector that's almost loose rattles free at high RPM. I had one last month where the pressure tube had been rubbing against the cabinet side for years and wore through just enough that it only leaked air during a fast spin. Check that tube routing carefully.
Will using HE detergent prevent the E13 error?
If oversudsing is your cause, then yes, switching to HE detergent and measuring it properly will fix it completely. But E13 can also come from an actual physical leak, and no amount of detergent switching will fix a torn door boot. Use the detergent switch as a starting point though. It's free to try and it's the most common cause on newer machines where the seal and plumbing are still in decent shape.
Is E13 a sign that my main control board is dead?
Almost never. Seriously, don't jump to the board. The board is doing exactly what it's supposed to do by throwing this code. It's telling you water pressure dropped. Rule out the door seal, pressure tube, drain pump, and pressure switch first. A new control board runs $200 to $350 and if that's not the problem you just wasted your money. I've fixed hundreds of E13 errors and replaced the main board maybe twice in all those calls.
How do I know if it's the door seal causing the leak versus a hose?
Run a short wash cycle and watch where the water appears. Door seal leaks show up at the front of the machine, usually right below the door. Hose leaks show up at the back or underneath. Before you start the cycle, put some dry paper towels down around the base of the machine on all four sides. Whichever paper towel gets wet first tells you which direction the water's coming from. It's a simple trick but it saves a ton of diagnostic time.
Models Known to Experience E13 Errors
This repair applies to most Frigidaire washers with this error code. Common model numbers include: