Tumble dryer water tank, filter or condenser light on: what to do

Likely causes

• the water tank is full — it should be emptied after every drying cycle (Electrolux);
• the fluff filter needs cleaning — also after every cycle (Electrolux, Beko);
• the condenser is clogged with fluff — it should be cleaned regularly (Electrolux);
• after the first cycle the light can come on with an empty tank: water first collects in a large container inside the machine before it is pumped to the tank (Electrolux);
• water has gone into the overflow tank: a dirty condenser, a badly connected drain hose, or a hose that loops because it was not shortened (Electrolux);
• a faulty pump that moves the water to the tank, or a faulty level sensor.

Safe steps you can try

1. Take out and empty the water tank — Electrolux advises doing this after every drying cycle.
2. Clean the fluff filter — also after every cycle (Electrolux, Beko).
3. Switch the dryer off and on again: according to Electrolux, this clears the filter light.
4. Clean the condenser as your model's manual describes, and if the dryer is not drying well, the filters and air ducts too (Electrolux).
5. If the dryer drains through a hose, check that it is connected properly and does not loop; shorten a hose that is too long (Electrolux).
6. If the tank light stays on after a reset or comes on at the start of a cycle, repeat steps 4 and 5: Electrolux explains that the water is then in the overflow tank.

When to call a technician

Call a technician if the lights stay on after cleaning the filter and condenser and checking the hose, if the tank stays empty while the dryer says it is full, or if water appears under the machine. In that case Electrolux advises not using the dryer, unplugging it and contacting service. The pump or the level sensor may be faulty, or the drain channel blocked.

A MasService technician will check the pump, the sensor and the channels and name the price before starting the repair.

Book a technician