Before you start: stay safe
Switch the machine off and unplug it before any check. If the water was hot, wait for it to cool. Place towels and a shallow tray on the floor, because draining by hand releases several litres of water.
Checks you can do yourself
- Check the drain hose. Pull the machine forward gently and make sure the grey hose at the back isn't kinked, squashed against the wall or pushed too far into the drain pipe.
- Clean the pump filter. On most front load machines it is behind a small flap at the bottom front. Use the small emergency drain tube if there is one, let the water run into a tray, then unscrew the filter slowly. Remove coins, hair clips, buttons and lint.
- Check the sink connection. If the hose connects under the kitchen sink, the sink trap can be blocked. Run water in the sink: if it drains slowly, the blockage is in the plumbing, not the machine.
- Run a rinse and spin. Refit the filter tightly, plug in, and run a rinse and spin cycle. Watch the hose end to see if water flows.
- Check the program. Some delicate or wool programs end with water in the drum on purpose. Choose a drain or spin program to empty it.
The 5 most common causes
| Cause | How to recognise it | Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked pump filter | You hear the pump hum but water moves slowly | Clean filter (DIY) |
| Blocked or kinked hose | Filter is clean but water still stays | Straighten or clear hose |
| Failed drain pump | No sound from the pump, or a loud grinding | Replace drain pump |
| Object stuck in pump impeller | Rattling sound, pump tries to run | Remove object, check impeller |
| Control board or pressure sensor | Error code but pump and hose are fine | Test and replace faulty part |
Error codes that mean “not draining”
Different brands show the same problem with different codes. Common examples include OE on LG, 5E / 5C / nd on Samsung, E18 on Bosch and Siemens, F05 on many Ariston models and F9 E1 on many Whirlpool front loaders. Read our LG OE error guide for a brand-specific walkthrough.
When to call a technician
- The filter and hose are clear, but the machine still won't drain.
- The pump makes a grinding noise or no noise at all.
- Water is leaking from under the machine.
- The door stays locked with water inside and you can't drain it safely.
A FixQara technician will test the pump, hose, pressure sensor and control board. The inspection is AED 75, you get the full price before any work, and a new drain pump carries our 1-year parts warranty.
