Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 12: Flood protection error

What 12 means

On Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart and EcoSmart top-load washers such as the WA37T26EW and WA42T26GW, and on SmartDrive top-loaders from Phase 1 to 6 including the GWL15, code 12 is a flood protection error. The washer's flood protection has tripped, so the control stops the cycle and shows the number. Treat it seriously and check around the machine for water before you restart anything.

Common causes of 12

Flood protection tripped by the control
Water level reading outside the expected range
Water supply or drain issue that let the level rise

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn the washer off, close both water taps, and check the floor and hoses for leaks. 2. Unplug it and wait a minute. 3. Check that the drain hose is not kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe. 4. Reopen the taps, plug in, and run a short rinse while watching the level. 5. If code 12 returns, stop and call us.

! Why to stop there

Flood protection exists to prevent overflow, so a repeat trip should not be ignored
The cause could be on the water inlet or sensing side, and each needs testing
Running cycles with unknown water behavior can damage floors

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Washer codes

KEY LOCFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "KEY LOC": control panel is locked no tAPFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "no tAP": water not reaching the washer out OF bALFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "out OF bAL": load needs rebalancing Sud LOCFisher & Paykel WH2424 Front-Load Message "Sud LOC": too many suds, washer paused 246Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 246: wash boost valve error 247Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 247: Smart Pump flapper error 248Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart Code 248: Smart Pump top-up error 232Fisher & Paykel Top-Load Washer Code 232: Communications timeout after 5 seconds

1212 questions

What does flood protection do?

It stops the washer when the control decides water has risen where it should not. Code 12 is the washer telling you it intervened.

Should I close the water taps?

Yes, closing the supply is a sensible first step while you check for leaks. Reopen them once you have confirmed the area is dry and the hoses look sound.

Is a visit needed every time?

If code 12 comes back after a dry restart, yes. We find where the water behavior goes wrong, quote the price in writing, and give a 30-day workmanship warranty.