Tumble dryer water tank light on: causes and safe checks

Usually simple

Quick answer

On condenser and heat pump dryers, the tank light usually means the water tank is full or isn’t pushed fully home. Empty it after every cycle and seat it properly. If the light comes on with an empty tank, clean the tank slot, the filter and the condenser, because a blockage can stop water reaching the tank.

Also covers: tumble dryer empty water light on · tumble dryer not collecting water · condenser dryer tank empty.

This can be normal

AEG says the tank light can come on after the first drying cycle with no water in the tank, because water collects in another container before it is pumped to the tank.

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Empty the water tank and seat it properly

  1. Condenser and heat pump dryers only. Pull the water tank out slowly and keep it upright. The water may be warm.
  2. Empty it into a sink and push it fully back into place. A tank that isn’t seated properly won’t collect water.
  3. Empty it after every cycle, unless your dryer drains through a hose.

Clean the water tank slot

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  1. With the dryer unplugged, take the water tank out.
  2. Wipe out the slot the tank sits in with a dry cloth and remove any fluff or debris you can reach.
  3. Rinse the tank, check it isn’t cracked, and refit it. A damaged tank needs replacing.

Clean the fluff (lint) filter

  1. Open the door and pull out the fluff filter. On most models it sits in the door opening.
  2. Open it and remove the fluff with your fingers. Use a vacuum cleaner for heavy build-up, and clear fluff from the filter slot and door seal too.
  3. Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, residue is blocking it. Wash it under running water and let it dry.
  4. Refit it fully. Do this after every load.

Never run the dryer without the filter fitted.

Replace a torn filter rather than using it.

Clean the condenser or heat exchanger Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
Tumble dryer filter, tank and condenser Water tank empty after every cycle Fluff filter in the door opening Condenser cover condenser/heat pump only
Tumble dryer filter, tank and condenser. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Condenser and heat pump dryers only. Open the condenser cover as your manual shows.
  2. Heat pump dryers: remove fluff from the heat exchanger with a damp cloth or a vacuum brush attachment. Wear gloves, because the metal fins are sharp, and don’t bend them.
  3. Condenser dryers: if your model has a removable condenser block, slide it out level so it doesn’t spill, rinse it through over a basin, and refit it.
  4. Close and lock the cover. Check the condenser at least once a month.

Don’t run the dryer with a condenser blocked by fluff.

Step-by-step guides

Related problems

More tumble dryer problems and codes, or use the fault finder.

Sources

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We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.