Does the AEG i20 error appear on Zanussi and Electrolux dishwashers?

Yes - AEG, Zanussi and Electrolux share the same technology. The i20 drainage fault error appears across all three brands and the diagnosis and repair is the same.

Can I fix AEG i20 myself?

You can check and clean the filter and check your sink drainage is flowing freely. However, most i20 faults require accessing the pump chamber or testing the pump electrically - which needs professional equipment and knowledge.

Will the AEG i20 error clear itself?

Unlikely. The dishwasher has detected a drainage problem and won't start a new cycle until it's resolved. The underlying cause needs to be diagnosed and fixed.

Is i20 the same as Bosch E24?

They indicate the same type of fault - a drainage problem - but on different brands. AEG/Zanussi/Electrolux use i20 while Bosch/Siemens/Neff use E24 for their drainage fault codes.

Dishwasher Advice

i20 Error Code Aeg Dishwasher

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admin

19 February 2026

On 10 February 2026

AEG Dishwasher i20 Error Code

Drainage Fault – What It Means & How We Fix It

What Does the AEG Dishwasher i20 Error Code Mean?

The AEG dishwasher i20 error code indicates a drainage fault. This means your dishwasher has detected that water isn’t draining away properly – the pump may be working but water remains in the base or sump of the machine. This code also appears on Electrolux and Zanussi dishwashers, as they share the same technology.

You’ll typically see water sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle, the cycle stopping mid-program, and the i20 error code displayed. The dishwasher won’t start a new cycle until this drainage issue is resolved.

Important: The dishwasher won’t operate with i20 showing. This is a safety feature preventing flooding, pump damage, and hygiene issues from stagnant water sitting in the machine.

What Causes the AEG Dishwasher i20 Error Code?

1. Blocked Filter Assembly (Most Common)

The filter at the base of the dishwasher traps food debris. When it becomes clogged, water cannot reach the drain pump. We typically find a combination of food particles and limescale creating blockages.

2. Faulty Drain Pump

The pump that pushes water out can fail mechanically (jammed impeller, worn motor) or electrically (motor burnout). Drain pumps typically last 5-10 years, but Bath’s hard water often shortens this due to limescale buildup increasing resistance and strain on the pump motor.

3. Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose

The waste hose running from your dishwasher to the sink waste or standpipe can become kinked during installation, or blocked internally with grease and detergent residue. Both prevent proper water drainage.

4. Blocked Pump Chamber

Even with a clean filter, the pump chamber beneath it can harbour hidden obstructions. We regularly find broken glass and other small items that have slipped past the filter and jammed the pump impeller.

Can You Test for i20?

There are a few simple checks you can make:

✓ Check your sink drainage

Run your kitchen tap and watch how quickly water drains away. If your sink empties slowly, the problem is likely in your kitchen waste system rather than the dishwasher itself.

✓ Look at the filter

Remove the bottom rack and check the filter assembly at the base of the dishwasher. It should be clear of debris. However, even if it looks clean, blockages often exist beneath the filter in areas you cannot see without dismantling the pump assembly.

✓ Listen for the pump

When the error appears, you may hear the drain pump attempting to run – a humming or buzzing noise. If you hear nothing at all, the pump may have failed electrically. If you hear it running continuously but water isn’t draining, there’s likely a blockage preventing water flow.

i20 usually needs a professional repair: Most drainage faults require accessing the pump chamber, testing the pump electrically, or checking internal hoses – not DIY territory for most people. Improper reassembly can cause leaks or further damage.

How We Fix i20 Errors

When you call Bath Washco for an AEG dishwasher i20 error code, here’s what we do:

1. Diagnose the exact fault

We test the drain pump electrically and check for mechanical obstructions. Sometimes an underlying issue (like a failing pump) can be the cause rather than a simple blockage.

2. Access hidden blockages

We remove the pump assembly to check areas you cannot see – the pump chamber, sump, and internal pipework. This often reveals the actual blockage even when the filter appears clean.

3. Replace failed components

When the pump has failed or other components need replacing, we carry common AEG parts on the van. Most i20 repairs are completed in a single visit.

4. Test and advise

We run a full cycle to confirm the repair, and give you advice on preventing the issue returning (particularly important in Bath’s hard water area).

Need AEG Dishwasher i20 Error Code Fixed in Bath or Somerset?

We’re dishwasher repair specialists serving Bath, Chippenham, Trowbridge, Keynsham, Melksham, Radstock and surrounding areas. Over 30 years experience with AEG, Electrolux, and Zanussi dishwashers. Which? Trusted Traders.

Call 01225 429127

Call 07733 110262

Email: glen@bathwashco.com

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