Whirlpool Electric water heater Error Code E01: Meaning & How to Fix It

By the ErrorCodePro Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 20, 2026

Whirlpool electric water heater error code E01 means: Electrical power on with the tank empty or not completely full of water. This typically takes 8 minutes. [1] Keep using it? Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair. Start with the owner checks below, beginning with: write down the code and model number.

Source: Whirlpool electric water heater error-code chart, via Sears PartsDirect [1].

Smell gas? Leave the building now. Do not touch light switches, phones or appliances inside. Call your gas utility or 911 from outside. CO alarm sounding or headache, dizziness or nausea? Get everyone outside and call 911. Gas valves, burners, venting and wiring are for a licensed technician only. See our safety policy.

Quick facts

Code	E01
Also shown as	None listed by the manufacturer
Brand / appliance	Whirlpool electric water heater
System	Power supply
Meaning (service chart)	Electrical power on with the tank empty or not completely full of water. This typically takes 8 minutes. [1]
Keep using it?	Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair
DIY-safe?	Owner checks only (listed below)
Support	Whirlpool: 1-866-698-2538
Source document	Whirlpool electric water heater error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect)

On this page: Meaning · Steps · Parts · When to call a technician · Related codes · FAQ

What error code E01 means on a Whirlpool electric water heater

Electrical power on with the tank empty or not completely full of water. This typically takes 8 minutes. [1]

This is a power supply code. Codes and wording can vary by model, so check your owner's manual for your model number.

How to fix Whirlpool electric water heater error code E01 (safe owner checks)

Owner checks only: on heating, cooling and water-heating equipment, limit yourself to reading the code and checking the thermostat, breaker and service switch, air filter, condensate drain, that the gas supply valve is open (no disassembly) and that vent terminals are clear of snow or debris. Reset power only if your manual allows it.

Safety first: disconnect power before you remove any panel or reach into the sump or drum. Do not touch wiring, the control board or the motor. If you see water near electrical parts, stop and call a technician. These steps are based on the Whirlpool electric water heater error-code chart (via Sears PartsDirect) [1], rewritten for clarity.

Write down the code and model number. Note exactly what the display shows (E01) and copy the full model number from the rating label, so you can confirm this chart applies to your electric water heater and order the right parts.
Check the power supply. Turn off electrical power at breaker.
Open the water supply. Open a hot water faucet in the house and then turn the cold water supply on to the water heater and allow time for the tank to fill with water.
Give it time. Restore power and then allow the water heater to run a system diagnostic.
Test and decide. Run a short cycle or restart and watch the display. If E01 comes back after these checks, stop using the water heater for this function and call a technician, because the remaining causes need meters or part replacement.

The first and last steps (and the power reset) are general owner checks added by ErrorCodePro; the rest follow the Whirlpool electric water heater error-code chart published by Sears PartsDirect, rewritten for safe owner use.

Parts that may be involved

Exact parts depend on your model number. This page lists part types only, never part numbers.

No specific part is implied by the manufacturer's guidance for this code.

When to call a technician

Gas valves, burners, igniters, flame sensors, venting/flue or CO concerns: licensed HVAC technician or plumber
Refrigerant work: EPA 608-certified technician only
Smell of gas: leave and call the gas utility or 911
Anything involving wiring, the control board, the motor or the water valve electrics
The appliance is under warranty: contact Whirlpool: 1-866-698-2538 first

Frequently asked questions

What does error code E01 mean on a Whirlpool electric water heater?

The Whirlpool electric water heater error-code chart lists E01 as follows: Electrical power on with the tank empty or not completely full of water. This typically takes 8 minutes.

Is it safe to keep using the electric water heater with E01?

Only if the owner checks below clear the code; if it returns, stop and book a repair.

Can I fix Whirlpool electric water heater error E01 myself?

Only with the owner checks on this page, starting with: write down the code and model number. If it persists, call a technician or Whirlpool: 1-866-698-2538.

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: Whirlpool electric water heater error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. ErrorCodePro is not affiliated with Whirlpool.