Whirlpool Electric water heater Error Code E9: Meaning & How to Fix It

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

Whirlpool electric water heater error code E9 means: Electronic thermostat (ET) error. [1] Keep using it? No. Stop using it until the cause is fixed. 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	E9
Also shown as	E10, E11, E12
Brand / appliance	Whirlpool electric water heater
System	Heating
Meaning (service chart)	Electronic thermostat (ET) error. [1]
Keep using it?	No. Stop using it until the cause is fixed
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 E9 means on a Whirlpool electric water heater

Electronic thermostat (ET) error. [1]

This is a heating 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 E9 (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 (E9) 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. Restore electrical power at the breaker.
Test and decide. Run a short cycle or restart and watch the display. If E9 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.

Electronic thermostat Water filters Find the perfect fit for your refrigerator. Try our water filter finder Most common symptoms to help you fix your water heaters Choose a symptom to see related water heater repairs. View all Why is my water heater's pressure relief valve dripping water? Main causes: faulty pressure relief valve
Water is overheating... Read more Why isn't my water heater making the water hot enough? Main causes: thermostats need adjustment
Water heater capacity too low
Bad heating element
Thermostat failure
Excess... Read more Why isn't my water heater making enough hot water? Main causes: broken heating element
Thermostat failure
Excessive tank sediment

When to call a technician

Technician: check the wiring at electronic thermostat for damage.
If this error code continues to flash, a technician should replace the electronic thermostat.
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 E9 mean on a Whirlpool electric water heater?

The Whirlpool electric water heater error-code chart lists E9 as follows: Electronic thermostat (ET) error.

Is it safe to keep using the electric water heater with E9?

No. Stop using it until the cause is fixed.

Can I fix Whirlpool electric water heater error E9 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.

Is E10 the same as E9?

Yes. The source chart lists E10, E11, E12 with the same meaning as E9; the display format depends on the model.

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.