KitchenAid · Dishwasher

8-1

Flood Detected

Severity

High

When a KitchenAid Dishwasher shows 8-1 on its display, the internal diagnostic system has flagged a condition known as "Flood Detected". Most repairs for this code are straightforward and can be completed at home.

Owner's Summary

The flood sensor under your KitchenAid dishwasher has been triggered. Unplug the machine, remove the kick plate, and dry the base pan. Do not run cycles again until you find and fix the source of the leak.

Symptoms

KitchenAid dishwasher stops immediately, 8-1 code, water under machine

Common Causes

Water leak into base pan from door gasket or internal hose
Float switch stuck down
Door gasket damaged
Overfill from defective inlet valve

How to Fix

1 Unplug and remove kick plate to access base pan
2 Dry base pan with towels
3 Inspect door gasket and all internal hoses for leaks
4 Replace damaged components after identifying leak source

Tools You'll Need

Screwdriver Set Pliers Towels / Bucket Flashlight Replacement Gasket

Most of these fixes need only basic hand tools. If your repair requires opening electrical housings or testing live components, a multimeter and basic electrical safety knowledge are essential — when in doubt, call a technician.

Technical Explanation

8-1 mirrors the Whirlpool F8 flood fault. The float switch in the base pan closes when water accumulates, and the CCU immediately halts all operations. The error persists until the base pan is dry and the float switch returns to open position.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

Urgent. Address immediately to prevent damage to motor and electronics.

Technician's Pro Tip

On KitchenAid dishwashers, the door bottom seal — a flexible rubber strip along the bottom edge of the door — is a common leak point that is separate from the main door gasket. Check this strip for tears or warping, as water can drip along the door bottom and pool in the base pan.

Related Codes

E1 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Supply Error

High

E2 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Temperature Too High

Medium

E3 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Not Heating

Medium

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code 8-1 mean on a KitchenAid Dishwasher?

Code 8-1 on a KitchenAid Dishwasher indicates "Flood Detected." In practice, the most common trigger is water leak into base pan from door gasket or internal hose. Severity is rated high, and typical repair costs range from $10 to $280.

Can I fix 8-1 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of 8-1 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: unplug and remove kick plate to access base pan. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with code 8-1 showing?

Urgent. Address immediately to prevent damage to motor and electronics.

How much does it cost to repair 8-1 on a KitchenAid Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code 8-1 typically range from $10 to $280. Door gasket: $15–$60; Internal hose: $20–$80; Inlet valve: $40–$160. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$10 – $280

Door gasket: $15–$60; Internal hose: $20–$80; Inlet valve: $40–$160