Error 4013 is a common error code that appears on certain home appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. This error is often associated with water damage, leading many to believe that 4013 specifically indicates water damage. However, the cause of Error 4013 can be more complex.
What Does Error 4013 Mean?
Error 4013 is a general “overflow error” code. It means that the appliance has detected too much water in its system, causing an overflow. This overflow triggers the error code as a failsafe to get the user’s attention and prevent further water buildup.
While excessive water is the most common cause of Error 4013, it is not the only potential cause. Anything that disrupts the water flow or sensors in the appliance could trigger this same error code.
Common Causes of Error 4013
- Clogged or blocked water pipes or hoses
- Malfunctioning water inlet valves
- Faulty water level or pressure sensors
- Drain pump issues causing water to back up
- Suds lock – too many suds prevent proper drainage
- Power surges
- Electrical issues
As you can see, while many Error 4013 causes relate to water flow problems, there are other technical issues that could cause this same code to appear. Electrical problems in particular can confuse the appliance’s computer and cause false error signals.
Is Error 4013 Always Caused by Water Damage?
Because Error 4013 signifies an overflow of water in the system, it is very often caused by some type of water damage. Common water damage causes of Error 4013 include:
- Leaking internal hoses or pipes
- Malfunctioning water inlet valves allowing too much water in
- External water lines leaking onto or into the appliance
- Breaks, cracks or holes in the outer tub holding water
- Clogged or blocked drains causing water to back up
- Sudsy water not draining properly
Any of these water damage issues can allow excess water to accumulate inside the washing machine or dishwasher, triggering the overflow protection Error 4013 code.
Other Causes of Error 4013
While water damage is the most common culprit, other technical issues can generate Error 4013 without any actual water overflow. These include:
- Faulty water level sensors
- Malfunctioning control boards
- Bad pressure switches
- Short circuits
- Power surges
- Electrical problems
- Defective wiring
- Components not communicating properly
In these cases, an electrical malfunction essentially “tricks” the appliance into thinking there is an overflow. The computer triggers Error 4013, even though no leak or water damage has actually occurred.
How to Find the Cause of Error 4013
Since Error 4013 has multiple possible causes, you need to do some troubleshooting to figure out what is going on. Here are some steps to diagnose the issue:
- Unplug the appliance and check for standing water inside – if present, you have a water flow issue
- Check all hoses, valves and water lines for leaks
- Check for clogs or obstructions in the drain system
- Examine the door seal and tub for cracks or damage
- Test components like switches, sensors and boards for errors
- Check for power surges and electrical issues
- Review error logs for other encoded issues
Testing individual parts methodically will help you pinpoint if you have an actual water problem, an electrical malfunction, or some other issue. Be sure to completely dry all water and fix all leaks before using the appliance again.
Can Error 4013 Cause Permanent Damage?
Error 4013 is designed to prevent permanent appliance damage from water overflow issues. However, the error itself does not directly cause damage. But some of its related causes can create problems if left unaddressed.
- Major leaks – Large, uncontrolled water leaks can absolutely cause permanent damage to electronics and mechanical parts.
- Trapped moisture – Water spilled into nooks and crannies that doesn’t fully dry can gradually corrode parts over time.
- Loose debris – Items dislodged by leaks can get caught in workings and jam moving parts.
- Electrical issues – Electrical malfunctions that led to Error 4013 could damage circuits if not repaired.
- Mold or mildew – Excess moisture allowed to remain in the appliance can foster unhealthy mold growth.
So while Error 4013 itself is harmless, users should thoroughly inspect their appliance and fix any related problems to avoid long-term damage from occurring.
How to Reset Error 4013
Resetting Error 4013 is relatively straightforward once you’ve fixed the underlying problem:
- Unplug the appliance and leave disconnected for 30 minutes to reset computer boards.
- Thoroughly dry any interior water using towels and a fan.
- Inspect and repair leaks from hoses, valves, seals, cracks or other sources.
- Clear out any clogs or obstructions in the drain system.
- Confirm all electrical issues are repaired and circuits are intact.
- Plug the appliance back in and run several empty cycles to confirm no more Error 4013.
This process cleans up any overflow conditions and resets components to get a “clean slate” free of errors. Always confirm the problem is completely fixed by running empty test cycles before resuming normal use.
Will Error 4013 Go Away on Its Own?
Error 4013 will not go away on its own without fixing its underlying cause. The error code will continue to display on every wash or rinse cycle until the appliance computer detects the overflow issue is resolved.
Some users think unplugging the machine for an extended time may reset the error. But Error 4013 will return right away if you have not addressed the root problem.
It is possible for momentary electrical issues like power surges to correct themselves and clear Error 4013 over time. But for physical water flow problems, Error 4013 will not disappear until you repair the source of the issue.
Is Error 4013 Serious or Harmful?
Error 4013 is not directly harmful or dangerous, but serves an important purpose. It alerts users to a machine overflow risk so steps can be taken to avoid major leaks or damage.
However, the underlying causes that lead to Error 4013 can range from benign to serious:
- Minor leaks may do no harm and be cheap fixes.
- Big leaks can cause water damage and be costly if not caught early.
- Mold growth from unaddressed leaks poses health hazards.
- Loose debris can jam moving parts and mechanics.
- Electrical issues like shorts and bad wiring can become fire hazards if not repaired.
So Error 4013 itself just indicates a problem – but the root causes can become serious if left unaddressed. Use Error 4013 as a helpful alert to inspect and fix all related issues promptly.
Should I Call a Repairman for Error 4013?
Calling a qualified appliance repair technician is a good idea if:
- You cannot locate or repair the source of the leakage
- Electrical issues are suspected as the cause
- Error 4013 persists after all DIY troubleshooting steps
- Other unknown error codes appear along with 4013
Technicians have specialized tools and expertise to accurately diagnose Error 4013 causes. They can detect small leaks, pinpoint electrical faults, and perform repairs you may not be equipped for as a DIYer.
Simple issues like clearing clogs or leaks from hoses may be DIY-friendly. But complex electrical errors are best left to professionals. When in doubt, call for help to avoid safety risks or further machine damage.
What’s the Average Repair Cost for Error 4013?
Cost to repair Error 4013 varies widely based on the specific cause found. Some average repair price ranges include:
| Error 4013 Cause | Typical Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Drain clog | $0 – $100+ |
| Hose leak | $10 – $100 |
| Inlet valve | $150 – $350 |
| Control board | $200 – $500 |
| Pump or motor | $300 – $650 |
| Tub or drum replacement | $400 – $900 |
Keep in mind your total charges will include service or trip fees in addition to parts and labor. More complex repairs could exceed cost ranges. Compare multiple repair shops to find the best value.
When to Replace Instead of Repairing Error 4013 Issues
At a certain point, repairing an older appliance with Error 4013 repeatedly may cost more than replacing it. Consider replacement when:
- The appliance is over 10 years old
- You’ve sunk more than 50% of the cost into repairs recently
- Error 4013 is caused by obsolete parts that are no longer made
- The unit has other wear and failures beyond just Error 4013
- Repairs come with short warranties of 90 days or less
Weigh your repair and replacement options carefully before deciding on major Error 4013 fixes for older washers or dishwashers.
Conclusion
Error 4013 signifies an overflow condition but has a wide range of potential causes. While often tied to water supply issues and leaks, it can also result from technical malfunctions. Thoroughly inspecting and testing parts is key to diagnosing the root problem.
Addressing the cause of Error 4013 is critical to resetting the code and preventing long-term appliance damage or safety hazards. Consider hiring an appliance repair expert for complex electrical or unknown issues triggering the error. Stopping Overflow errors promptly preserves your investment and avoids bigger problems down the road.