What to do now
Turn off the water supply and verify hose routing before running another cycle.
Error code
Whirlpool Top Load HE Washer Error HC: Meaning, Safe Checks and Official Source
The washer indicates that the hot and cold inlet hoses are installed incorrectly. Turn off the water supply and verify hose routing before running another cycle. Do not keep running the appliance if the code returns or a safety sign appears.
Applies to: Whirlpool top-load HE washer support article scope.Confidence HIGHLast verified 2026-07-23
Applies to
- Whirlpool top-load HE washers covered by the cited Product Help article
- Displayed code HC in that top-load scope
Region: United States. This page does not generalize the code to every Whirlpool washer.
What the code means
The washer has detected that the cold water hose is connected to the hot inlet and the hot water hose is connected to the cold inlet.
Confirmed: Whirlpool documents HC for top-load HE washers as reversed hot and cold inlet hoses. The code appears at the end of the wash cycle.
Can you keep using it?
Only after safe supply checks and only if the code clears.
When to stop
Stop using the washer if hoses leak, connections are corroded, or you cannot safely turn off the water supply.
When to call a professional
Contact service or an installer if hose routing cannot be verified safely or HC returns after correction.
Safe checks
- Turn off the water supply before handling hoses.
- Confirm hot and cold hose labels and inlet positions.
- Run another cycle only after the hoses are corrected.
Confirmed by the manufacturer
- Hot and cold inlet hoses are reversed.
- The code appears at the end of the wash cycle to indicate incorrect hose installation.
Commonly associated with this fault
- Recent installation, relocation or hose replacement is compatible with this fault pattern.
Not confirmed for this exact model
- A sensor or control issue is not confirmed by the cited HC row and should not be assumed before hose routing is verified.
Reset instructions
No reset procedure is published here because the current source does not document one for this scope.
Do not keep running cycles with reversed hoses. Correct the installation and verify with a new cycle.
Information to collect before calling service
Record the model label, hose colors or markings, inlet positions, and whether the machine was recently installed or moved.