Appliance Spares
Full guide → Washing machine won’t drain? The free 10-minute check that fixes most — the complete filter, standpipe and drain pump walkthrough, with the pumps we stock by brand.
Quick answer: A blocked pump filter is the cause in approximately 60–70% of washing machine drain faults across all brands—clean it first before buying any parts. If the filter is clear, check the drain hose for kinks or blockage. A failed drain pump is the next most common cause and typically costs $30–$65 to replace as a DIY repair, taking about 30 minutes.
Decode any appliance error code — instant lookup
Drain pumps by brand: Bosch $49.95 · Samsung $29.95 · LG $39.29 · Hisense $39.95 · Haier $59.95 · find your model
What error code means your machine can’t drain?
If your washing machine has stopped mid-cycle with water sitting in the drum and is showing an error code, these are the drain-fault codes by brand:
| Brand | Drain fault code(s) | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch | E18 / F18 (timeout); E23 (pump electrical fault) | E18 guide · E23 guide |
| Samsung | 5E / SE / 5C | 5E guide |
| LG | OE / OE1 | OE guide |
| Hisense | E2 | Hisense error codes |
| Haier | E4 | Haier error codes |
| Fisher & Paykel | Err 16 / F16 | F&P fault codes |
All causes of a washing machine not draining
| Cause | How common | Fix | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocked pump filter | Very common | Remove and clean filter | Free |
| Kinked or blocked drain hose | Common | Straighten or clear hose | Free |
| Drain hose outlet too high (above ~100 cm) | Common | Lower hose to correct height | Free |
| Failed drain pump motor | Moderate | Replace drain pump | $30–$65 (part) |
| Blocked household drain standpipe or plumbing | Less common | Clear plumbing or call plumber | Varies |
| Faulty lid or door lock (prevents spin reaching drain phase) | Less common | Replace door lock switch | $30–$70 (part) |
| Pressure switch (water level sensor) fault | Less common | Replace pressure switch | $35–$45 (part) |
| Control board fault | Uncommon | Technician diagnosis and repair | Varies |
Step-by-step: how to diagnose a washing machine not draining
- Run a Spin-only cycle. Before unplugging anything, select Spin or Spin+Drain and let the machine attempt to drain. Listen: a working pump will produce a low, steady hum. Complete silence during the drain phase means the pump is not receiving power or has failed. A loud grinding or buzzing suggests a seized impeller or pump.
- Manually drain the drum via the filter port. On front loaders, open the filter access flap at the bottom front and slowly open the filter cap to let water drain out. Have towels and a shallow tray ready—a full drum holds 8–12 litres. On top loaders without a front filter access, check your owner’s manual for the drainage procedure.
- Clean the pump filter. Once the drum is empty, remove the filter cap fully. Pull out the filter and remove all lint, hair, coins, bobby pins, and debris. Rinse under running water. Refit firmly.
- Inspect and straighten the drain hose. Pull the machine away from the wall. Follow the grey corrugated drain hose from the machine to the standpipe or sink trap. Straighten any kinks. Confirm the hose outlet sits no higher than 100 cm above floor level. If it is routed over a high shelf or cabinet, re-route it lower.
- Test the household plumbing. Pour water into the standpipe by hand to confirm it flows away freely. A blocked standpipe can cause drain faults on any machine, regardless of brand.
- Run a test cycle. Plug the machine back in and run a Rinse+Spin cycle. If it drains fully without an error code, the filter or hose was the cause. Monitor for the next few washes.
- Replace the drain pump if faults persist. If the error code or drain failure returns after all the above checks, the drain pump motor has likely failed. See the brand-specific links below to identify the correct replacement pump.
- Consider the pressure switch if the pump is confirmed working. If the pump runs and water drains but the machine still shows a drain fault code, the pressure switch (water level sensor) may be giving a false “water present” reading. The pressure switch is a lower-cost part—typically $35–$45 for common models.
Drain pumps by brand
If you have confirmed the pump is the fault, select the correct replacement by brand. Check the model sticker on the door frame (front loaders) or inside the lid rim (top loaders) to identify your exact model.
Bosch (all $49.95):
WAP28380AU / WAP28482AU · WAW28420AU / WAW28441AU · WAW28620AU / WAW28790AU · WAW32640AU / WAY32891AU · WGA244U0AU / WVH28490AU
Samsung:
WF16N8750KV / WF16T9500GV — $29.95 · WD13J7825KP / WD16J9845KG — $29.95
LG:
WTG7520 / WTG8521 — $39.95 · Genuine Plaset pump (match your model against the listing) — $39.29
Hisense:
BPX2-103 HWFE7510 — $39.95 · G629242 — $49.95 · HWFS1015E / HWFS1214PB — $69.95
Haier:
HWT12AD1 / HWT60AA1 / HWT75AA1 — $59.95 · HWT10AD1 / HWT10AN1 — $59.95 · HWMP60-118 / HWMP65-918 — $64.95
Fisher & Paykel:
Genuine H0034000110D — $64.95
Not sure which pump fits your machine? Use the Part Finder.
How much does it cost to fix a washing machine that won’t drain?
| Repair | DIY cost | Tradie cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Clean pump filter | Free | $120–$180 call-out only |
| Replace drain pump (Samsung/LG) | $30–$40 (part) | $150–$250 (labour + part) |
| Replace drain pump (Bosch/F&P/Haier) | $50–$65 (part) | $180–$300 (labour + part) |
| Replace pressure switch | $35–$45 (part) | $150–$250 (labour + part) |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get the water out of my washing machine if it won’t drain?
Open the filter access flap at the bottom front of the machine (front loaders). Place a shallow tray and towels beneath it. Slowly turn the filter cap anti-clockwise to let water flow out gradually. A full drum holds 8–12 litres, so have enough towels or containers ready. On top loaders without a front filter port, you may need to bail water out of the drum by hand or use a wet-vacuum.
Can I fix a washing machine drain fault myself?
Yes, in most cases. Cleaning the pump filter, straightening the drain hose, and replacing the drain pump are all within the capability of a competent DIY repair. Pump replacement typically takes 30 minutes and requires no specialist tools. If the fault persists after replacing the pump, the diagnosis becomes more complex and a technician may be needed.
How do I know if the drain pump is faulty or just blocked?
During the drain phase, listen for the pump. A working but blocked pump makes a normal hum. A failed pump is completely silent or makes a grinding noise. After cleaning the filter, if the pump hums but water still drains slowly, the filter may be only partially cleared. If the pump is silent or grinding after the filter has been cleaned, the motor has likely failed.
My machine drains some water but not all — what is the cause?
Partial drainage usually indicates a partially blocked pump filter, a drain hose that is kinked enough to restrict (but not stop) flow, or a pump motor that is weakening but not fully failed. Clean the filter thoroughly and check the hose first.
How often should the pump filter be cleaned to prevent drain faults?
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the pump filter every one to three months. In households with pets, young children, or frequent heavy wash loads, monthly cleaning is advisable. Regular filter maintenance is the most effective way to prevent drain fault codes from occurring.
Related
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
