F27 on Whirlpool Washer: Overflow Fault

Quick Answer

F27 is an overflow error usually caused by a clogged pressure sensor tube, a faulty pressure switch, or a water inlet valve that won't shut off. Start by checking the thin plastic tube for clogs or holes, as this is the most common fix.

F27 is one of those codes you can't just reset and ignore. If a stuck inlet valve is behind it, water keeps flooding in whether the machine's on or off. I've seen this turn a laundry room into a wading pool in under an hour. Most of the time it's just a pressure hose plugged with soap gunk, basically a free fix. But you've got to rule out the valve first.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: criticalDifficulty: intermediate82% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–75 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$25 – $55

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flat-head screwdriver

What Does the F27 Code Mean?

OK so your washer thinks it's flooding. Maybe it actually is. The F27 trips when water goes above max fill level, and your first job is figuring out if that's real or a false alarm from a clogged sensor hose. I always kill the supply valves at the wall before I do anything else. Takes two seconds and can save your floor. Most of these calls I go on, it's the pressure hose. Five-minute fix.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Clogged or damaged pressure tube40%

Failed pressure switch25%

Stuck water inlet valve20%

Excessive suds/detergent buildup10%

Control board (CCU) fault5%

Symptoms You May Notice

Cycle stops dead mid-wash, F27 flashes on the display, and you can't get the machine to respond to any button.
Water sitting well above the agitator, visibly higher than it ever is on a normal wash.
You can still hear water running into the tub even after the error code stopped the cycle.
Actual water on the floor around the machine, anywhere from a small puddle to a real mess.
Lid locked tight and machine refuses to start any new cycle, just sits there blinking F27 at you.

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the F27 code?

Unplug the washer and leave it unplugged for a full ten minutes. Don't just pull the plug and jam it right back in. Use that time to confirm the supply valves are open and no water is entering the tub on its own. Plug it back in, run Drain and Spin first to clear out any leftover water, then try a normal cycle. If F27 comes right back, the pressure hose isn't fully cleared yet.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriverMultimeterNeedle-nose pliersAdjustable wrenchSmall flashlight or headlampTowels and mopShallow drain pan

Service / Diagnostic Mode

With the washer in standby, press any three buttons (except Power) in a 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3 sequence. All lights will illuminate if you entered correctly.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range500–1500 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Water Inlet ValveWPW10346771 · $30–$55	WPW10346771	$30 – $55
Pressure SwitchWPW10514214 · $25–$45	WPW10514214	$25 – $45

Frequently Asked Questions

Can F27 appear even if the tub isn't actually overflowing?

Absolutely, and it happens more than you'd think. If suds or dried soap get trapped in the pressure switch tube, the trapped air tells the computer the tub's overflowing even when it's bone dry. I usually tell folks to check that tube for gunk before they spend a dime on a new pressure switch. Just blow through it and feel for resistance. If it's blocked, you've found your problem and it's basically a free fix.

How do I know if my Whirlpool inlet valve is stuck open?

The easiest way is the power pull test. Unplug the washer and watch the tub for thirty seconds. If you can still see water entering or hear a faint hiss from the back of the machine, the valve's stuck open. Since the valve needs electricity to open, any water flow without power means the internal seal has failed mechanically. You need a new valve assembly immediately. Don't mess around with this one, seriously.

Is F27 dangerous to ignore?

It's the one code you shouldn't sleep on. If the F27 is caused by a mechanical valve failure, water will keep filling until it hits your floor whether the machine is on or off. I've walked into homes where someone ignored F27 overnight and the entire first floor was soaked. Treat this as an emergency until you've confirmed the water supply valves are closed and the tub isn't actively filling on its own.

What does the pressure switch actually do and where do I find it?

So the pressure switch monitors water level by sensing how much air gets compressed through that skinny hose from the tub. As water rises, it compresses air in the hose, which pushes against a diaphragm inside the switch. When pressure hits the max fill threshold, the switch tells the board to cut the water. If the diaphragm cracks or the hose is blocked, the whole system gets confused. On most Whirlpool top-loaders it's up near the control panel, usually upper left side behind the panel. Round disc, hose attached to the bottom.

How much is this repair going to cost me total?

Depends completely on which part failed. Cleaning the pressure hose yourself is free, takes maybe ten minutes. A new pressure switch runs $25 to $40 for the part. Inlet valve is $35 to $55. If you hire a tech, add $80 to $150 in labor on top of parts. Control board is where it gets painful, $120 to $250 for the part alone, and at that point you're weighing that against the age of the machine. I replaced three inlet valves just last week and all three were easy DIY jobs done in under an hour.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: LFWhirlpool Washer LF Error Code: Long Fill Code: F0 E7Whirlpool Washer F0 E7 Error Code: No Water Detected Code: RESETHow to Reset a Whirlpool Washer

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag washerF27: Maytag Washer F27 Error Code

Models Known to Experience F27 Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WTW4816FW, WTW5000DW, WTW7000DW, WTW4850HW, WTW6120HW, WTW8000DW, WTW5500XW2, WTW7300DW0

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026