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Error code reference

Dacor Dishwasher Error Code Water in Base Pan

Floor guard switch has opened due to a flood condition detected in the base pan area.

Dacor codesDacor dishwasher codes

Floor guard switch has opened due to a flood condition detected in the base pan area.

First step from the service manual

Floorguard switch will reset and clear this fault when water is removed from the base pan.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What Water in Base Pan means on a Dacor dishwasher

The Water in Base Pan error on a Dacor dishwasher indicates that the floor guard switch, a safety float or moisture sensor mounted in the base pan beneath the dishwasher tub, has detected standing water in that area and opened its circuit. When this switch opens, the dishwasher halts operation to prevent further water intrusion, motor damage, or potential flooding of the surrounding cabinetry and flooring. The base pan is the plastic or metal tray that forms the bottom enclosure of the appliance, and any leak from internal components can allow water to pool there.

The floor guard switch is designed to reset automatically once the water is removed from the base pan. This means the fault is not permanently latched in the control board. However, simply resetting the dishwasher without addressing the source of the water will cause the condition to recur. Technicians should first remove the water from the base pan, confirm the switch has reset and the fault clears, and then identify the origin of the leak before returning the unit to service.

Common sources of base pan flooding include failed door gaskets, cracked or loose hose connections, a faulty water inlet valve that allows overfill, a leaking pump seal, or a deteriorated tub-to-sump gasket. In some cases, excessive sudsing from incorrect detergent can force water past seals and into the base pan. A thorough inspection of all water-carrying components and their connections is necessary to prevent repeat occurrences of this fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Water in Base Pan

  1. 01

    Leaking door gasket or door seal

    Part replacement

    A worn, torn, or misaligned door gasket allows water to escape around the door perimeter during the wash cycle and drip into the base pan. Inspect the gasket for cracks, compression failures, or areas where it has pulled away from the channel.

  2. 02

    Loose or cracked water supply or drain hose connection

    Wiring / connection

    Hose fittings and clamps can loosen over time or develop cracks, allowing water to drip steadily into the base pan during fill or drain cycles. Check all hose connections at the inlet valve, pump, and sump for moisture or mineral deposits indicating a slow leak.

  3. 03

    Faulty water inlet valve

    Part replacement

    An inlet valve that fails to close completely will continuously allow water to enter the tub, eventually causing overflow into the base pan. Listen for water entering the machine when it is off, or look for signs of chronic overfilling during the wash cycle.

  4. 04

    Pump seal failure

    Part replacement

    The wash pump and drain pump have seals that can degrade over time, allowing water to leak past the pump housing and collect in the base pan. Evidence of this includes water pooling beneath the pump or visible mineral staining on the pump body.

  5. 05

    Excessive sudsing from incorrect detergent

    Wiring / connection

    Using regular dish soap or too much detergent instead of a low-suds dishwasher-specific formula can generate foam that forces water past door seals and into the base pan. If no component failure is found, check the detergent type and quantity being used.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Water in Base Pan

What does Water in Base Pan mean on a Dacor dishwasher?
This error means the floor guard switch in the base pan beneath the dishwasher tub has detected standing water and opened its circuit, stopping the machine as a safety measure. Water has leaked from somewhere inside the dishwasher and collected in the protective tray at the bottom of the unit. The dishwasher will not operate again until the water is removed and the switch resets. The underlying leak must also be identified and repaired to prevent the fault from returning.
Will the Water in Base Pan error clear on its own after the machine dries out?
The floor guard switch is designed to reset automatically once the water is removed from the base pan, so the fault should clear without requiring a manual control board reset. However, the dishwasher will trigger the same error again if the source of the leak has not been repaired. Simply waiting for the water to evaporate is not a reliable fix, as the base pan may not dry completely on its own without removing and mopping up the standing water.
Is it safe to run my Dacor dishwasher when the Water in Base Pan error is active?
No. The dishwasher is intentionally disabled when this fault is active to prevent further water damage to internal components and surrounding cabinetry. Running the machine in this condition could worsen an existing leak and potentially cause water damage to flooring or electrical components. The source of the water intrusion should be identified and corrected before the appliance is returned to service.
How do I fix the Water in Base Pan error on a Dacor dishwasher?
Start by pulling the dishwasher out enough to access the base pan and remove any standing water using towels or a wet-dry vacuum. Once the base pan is dry, the floor guard switch should reset and the fault should clear. Next, inspect all internal water-carrying components including the door gasket, hose connections, inlet valve, and pump seals to find the source of the leak. Repair or replace any faulty component before reinstalling and testing the dishwasher.
How much does it cost to repair a Dacor dishwasher showing the Water in Base Pan error?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the source of the leak. A simple hose clamp tightening or detergent correction costs nothing beyond diagnostic time, while replacing a door gasket typically runs between 50 and 150 dollars in parts and labor. A failed inlet valve or pump seal repair can range from 150 to 400 dollars depending on parts and local labor rates. Having a technician properly diagnose the leak source before ordering parts helps avoid unnecessary expenses.

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