Why Is My Washing Machine Not Draining?
A washing machine full of standing water is a frustrating and potentially messy problem. Most drainage failures have simple causes you can investigate yourself before calling an engineer. Work through these checks in order.
1. Clean the Filter First
This should always be your first step. The pump filter (usually located at the front bottom of the machine behind a small access panel) catches fluff, coins, hairpins, and small items. A blocked filter is the most common cause of drainage failure and takes five minutes to clean. Place a towel on the floor and have a shallow tray ready before you open the filter cap — water will flow out. Clean the filter under a tap, check the pump impeller can rotate freely, then replace.
2. Check the Drain Hose
The drain hose runs from the machine to your standpipe or sink. Check it is not kinked, squashed, or blocked. Also check the hose is not positioned too high — most machines are designed to drain against a maximum head height of around 100cm. If the hose runs higher than this, the pump may not have enough power to drain effectively.
3. Check for Obstructions in the Standpipe
If other appliances drain via the same standpipe (a dishwasher, for example), check there is no blockage at the standpipe end. Pour water directly into the standpipe to check it drains freely.
4. Listen to the Pump
During a drain cycle, put your ear close to the front bottom of the machine. You should hear the pump running — a steady humming or whirring. If you hear nothing, the pump may have failed. If you hear a grinding or rattling, there may be a foreign object in the pump impeller. Both require an engineer: pump replacement costs £90–£150.
5. Check for Error Codes
Most modern machines will display an error code when a drain fault is detected. Common codes include E18/F18 on Bosch, F-05 on Indesit/Hotpoint, 5E on Samsung, and OE on LG. Check your manual or search online for your specific model and code — it can confirm whether the issue is the pump, a sensor, or a wiring fault before you call an engineer.
6. The Drain Pump Has Failed
If you have cleaned the filter, checked the hose, and the pump is not running, the pump has most likely failed. Pump replacement is one of the more straightforward washing machine repairs — most engineers can complete it in under an hour with the right part. Average cost is £90–£150 including parts and labour.