Washing machine not draining: causes and what you can do
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Call-out and diagnosis: €20 / 100 lei, free if you go ahead with the repair · Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00
Common causes
- The pump filter is clogged with lint, coins, buttons or bra wires.
- The drain hose is kinked or crushed, or the sink trap is blocked.
- The drain pump has burnt out or its impeller is jammed.
- The pressure switch (water level sensor) no longer reports the level correctly.
- The control board no longer drives the pump.
What you can check yourself
- Unplug the machine.
- Put a shallow tray and towels under the pump filter (the small cover at the bottom front).
- Slowly unscrew the filter, let the water run out, then clean it thoroughly.
- Check that the drain hose is not kinked and the sink trap is not blocked.
- Run the “Drain” or “Spin” programme.
For your safety, unplug the machine before any check and do not open the cabinet.
When to call a technician
If the pump still does not start, hums, or the water still will not drain after cleaning the filter, the fault is in the pump, the pressure switch or the control board. We replace these at your home, usually in a single visit.
Related error codes
Beko/Arctic H5, Samsung 5E/5C, LG OE, Bosch/Siemens E18/F18, Indesit/Ariston F05, Electrolux/Zanussi E20/E21. Details on the error codes page.
Last updated: 2026-10-06. Written by the technicians of Reparații Mașini de Spălat București, with over 20 years of experience.
Other problems
Not spinning · Not heating water · Leaking water · Noisy when spinning · Door will not open · Will not start · Not filling with water
Frequently asked questions
Why is my washing machine not draining?
A washing machine usually stops draining because the pump filter is clogged (coins, buttons, lint), the drain hose is kinked or blocked, or the drain pump has failed. Cleaning the filter fixes many cases; if the pump does not start or just hums, it needs replacing.
What can I check myself?
Unplug the machine. Put a shallow tray and towels under the pump filter (the small cover at the bottom front). Slowly unscrew the filter, let the water run out, then clean it thoroughly. Check that the drain hose is not kinked and the sink trap is not blocked. Run the “Drain” or “Spin” programme.
When should I call a technician?
If the pump still does not start, hums, or the water still will not drain after cleaning the filter, the fault is in the pump, the pressure switch or the control board. We replace these at your home, usually in a single visit.
How much does the repair cost?
The call-out and diagnosis at your home cost €20 / 100 lei, but if you accept the repair you do not pay for them. The price of the repair depends on the fault and the part needed; the technician tells you after the diagnosis, before starting any work. If you do not agree, the repair is not done.
Washing machine broken?
The technician comes to you, finds the cause and repairs the machine on the spot, usually in a single visit.
📞 Call now: 0786 857 753Call-out and diagnosis: €20 / 100 lei, free if you go ahead with the repair