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Error code · Washer

Whirlpool Top-Load Washer Code HC: Hot and Cold Hoses Reversed

HC on an older Whirlpool top-load HE washer, the Cabrio and WTW family, means the hot and cold inlet hoses were installed in reverse. The code shows at the end of the wash cycle: the cold…

Low risk · DIY check OK
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Code
HC
Appliance
Washer
Brand
Whirlpool
Warranty
30-day workmanship

What HC means

HC on an older Whirlpool top-load HE washer, the Cabrio and WTW family, means the hot and cold inlet hoses were installed in reverse. The code shows at the end of the wash cycle: the cold line is feeding the hot inlet and the hot line the cold inlet. The washer finishes its work, but the water temperatures it used were not the ones selected, so wash results may disappoint. This is an installation matter, and correcting the hoses usually clears it.

Common causes of HC

  • Hot hose on the cold inlet and cold hose on the hot inlet
  • Wall faucets labeled or plumbed backwards
  • Temperature reading at the inlet valves, if the hoses are already correct
✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn off both water supplies. 2. Swap the hoses so the hot line goes to the hot inlet and the cold line to the cold inlet. 3. Tighten by hand, open the faucets, and check each connection for drips. 4. Run another cycle to confirm HC no longer appears. The installation instructions show the hose connections.

! Why to stop there
  • If the hoses are right and HC still shows, we cannot say whether the wall lines or the valve readings are off.
  • This washer is an older design that plenty of homes still use. We repair it, and we tell you openly if a repair would not be worthwhile.
  • We confirm which line is hot at the wall before looking at the washer.
Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.
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Other Washer codes

oLWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code oL: Overloaded Tub PFWhirlpool Washer Code PF: Power Failure During the Cycle Rinse Light OnWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Rinse Light On: Spray Rinse in Progress rLWhirlpool Front-Load Washer Code rL: Items Found During Clean Washer LdWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code Ld: Water Is Slow to Leave the Tub Sd or 5dWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code Sd or 5d: Suds Reduction Is Running LdLWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code LdL: Lid Fails to Lock Sense and Wash FlashingWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Sense and Wash Lights Flashing: Unbalanced Spin
HCHC questions
Why does HC appear at the end of the cycle?

The washer compares the water temperatures it saw across the cycle. When the hot and cold readings are swapped, it flags this once the cycle completes, rather than stopping at the start.

Do reversed hoses harm the washer?

Not directly. The washer just washes with the wrong temperatures, so warm and cold cycles can come out too hot or too cold. Fixing the hoses restores the intended results.

How can I tell which wall faucet is hot?

Run a nearby sink's hot tap, then feel the pipe leading to the washer faucet. The warm one is hot. Hoses are often color-marked red for hot and blue for cold, but verify by touch.

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Still unsure about HC?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

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