KitchenAid Dishwasher F8 E1 Error: Overflow Flood Detected
What Does KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code F8 E1 Mean? The F8 E1 error code on a KitchenAid dishwasher indicates a flood or overflow condition. The control board has received a signal from the overflow float switch indicating that the water level inside the tub has risen above the safe maximum. When this happens, KitchenAid dishwashers […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. An overflowing dishwasher is an active water damage risk. Do not resume operation until the cause of the overfill is found and corrected. If the floor or cabinets have gotten wet, dry them thoroughly to prevent mold.
Can I reset the code?
No. F8 E1 cannot be cleared by a normal cycle reset while standing water remains in the tub. The tub must be fully drained, the float verified as free, and the supply confirmed as functioning correctly before a breaker reset will allow normal operation.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Water is actively leaking under or around the dishwasher, Closing the supply valve does not stop water from entering the tub.
Symptoms You May Notice
Water is pooled on the kitchen floor in front of the dishwasher
In overflow events the excess water may escape through the door gasket, door vent, or under the appliance and spread onto the floor.
F8 E1 appears on the display mid-cycle
On KDTE, KDTM, and KDPE display models, F8 E1 appears while the cycle is active, not just at startup.
Tub water level is noticeably higher than normal when the door is opened
When the door is carefully opened after the fault, the water inside is much deeper than the normal wash level and may be close to the door gasket.
Possible Causes
Stuck-open water inlet valve
The inlet valve solenoid has failed in the open position, allowing household water to continuously flow into the tub even after the fill command is withdrawn.
Requires ProfessionalFloat switch stuck in the down position
Food debris, broken glass, or a displaced utensil has wedged under the overflow float dome, preventing it from rising and signaling the control to stop filling.
DIY PossibleExcessive suds from wrong detergent
Non-dishwasher detergent or too much regular dish soap has created foam that rises to overflow-trigger height even when the actual water level is normal.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Close the supply valve and remove standing water
Immediately close the hot-water supply valve under the sink to stop any incoming water. Open the door slowly (be ready for water) and use towels or a wet-dry vacuum to remove standing water from the tub. Do not attempt to restart the cycle with water present.
Closing the supply valve is the safest first step — if the inlet valve is stuck open, the valve will continue adding water until the supply is physically cut.
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2
Clear the float and check for suds
With the water removed, locate the overflow float dome in the front-left corner of the tub. Lift it by hand to confirm it moves freely. Also look for excessive suds or foam in the tub — if foam is present, run a rinse-only cycle with no detergent to clear it before resetting.
If suds are the cause, a cup of vegetable oil poured into the tub before the rinse cycle helps break down the foam faster.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Inlet valve does not close when power is removed from solenoid terminal
- Float switch reads as triggered even with the float in the down position
- Water damage to cabinet floor or sub-floor requires remediation
Need Professional Help?
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