Good News!

Drainage problems are often caused by blockages that you can clear yourself. This is one of the most common DIY-fixable washing machine issues.

Before You Start

  • Unplug the machine before any inspection
  • Have towels ready - water will come out when you open the filter
  • Get a shallow container to catch the water
  • Note the error code if one is displayed

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check the Drain Hose

What to Look For

  • Kinks or bends in the hose
  • Hose pushed too far into standpipe (should be 15-20cm max)
  • Hose positioned too high (should be between 60-90cm from floor)
  • Visible blockage in the hose

How to Fix

  1. Pull the machine out to access the back
  2. Straighten any kinks in the drain hose
  3. If blocked, disconnect and flush with water
  4. Ensure correct height and insertion depth

Step 2: Clean the Drain Filter

This is the #1 Cause of Drainage Problems!

The drain filter catches coins, hairpins, tissues, and debris. When clogged, water can't drain.

Where to Find It

  • Usually at the front bottom of the machine
  • Behind a small panel or flap
  • Some models have it inside the drum

How to Clean

  1. Place towels and a shallow container under the filter area
  2. Open the access panel
  3. If there's an emergency drain hose, drain water first
  4. Slowly unscrew the filter (water will come out!)
  5. Remove all debris - coins, hair, tissues, etc.
  6. Clean the filter under running water
  7. Check inside the filter housing for more debris
  8. Screw filter back in tightly

Tip: Clean the filter monthly to prevent problems!

Step 3: Check the Drain Pump

Signs of Pump Problems

  • Humming noise but no draining
  • No sound at all during drain cycle
  • Pump impeller blocked (visible through filter opening)

What You Can Do

  1. With filter removed, look inside the housing
  2. You'll see the pump impeller (small propeller)
  3. Remove any debris wrapped around it
  4. Try to turn it - it should spin freely

If impeller is stuck or damaged: The pump may need replacement - call a professional.

Step 4: Check the Standpipe/Plumbing

Sometimes It's Not the Machine

The drain the machine empties into could be blocked.

How to Check

  1. Remove the drain hose from the standpipe
  2. Pour a bucket of water into the standpipe
  3. If it drains slowly or backs up, the plumbing is blocked
  4. Call a plumber to clear the drain

Error Codes for Drainage Issues

Code Brand Meaning
OE LG Drain error - water not draining
5E / SE Samsung Drain error
E21 Bosch/Siemens Pump timeout - drainage issue
F5 Whirlpool Drain problem
E2 Defy Drainage fault
F02 Hisense Drain error

Emergency Drain Procedure

How to Drain Water Manually

If you need to empty the machine and open the door:

  1. Place towels and a large container at the front
  2. Open the filter access panel
  3. Pull out the emergency drain tube (small black hose)
  4. Remove the cap and drain into the container
  5. This drains slowly - may need to empty container several times
  6. Once empty, you can open the door

No emergency drain hose? Slowly open the filter - have LOTS of towels ready!

When to Call a Professional

Call JHB Appliances if:

  • You've cleaned everything but it still won't drain
  • The pump makes no sound at all
  • The pump impeller is broken or won't spin
  • Water is leaking from the pump area
  • The error code returns after clearing the filter

Still Won't Drain?

Our technicians can diagnose and fix pump problems quickly.

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