Washing machine water drainage problem? Solve it yourself or let We.repair help.
Error Codes Washing Machine: Problems with Water Drainage
When your washing machine does not drain the water, a specific error code often appears on the display. This code helps you or the technician to quickly identify the problem. Below you will find an overview of the most common error codes that indicate a drainage or pump issue.
Note: Error codes may vary by model and year of manufacture. Always consult the manual of your specific washing machine for certainty. This overview is a guide to the most common codes.
AEG, Electrolux & Zanussi
These brands belong to the same group and often share the same fault code structure.
E20 / E21 / C2: These are the most common codes and indicate a problem with the water drainage. The machine cannot pump the water away.
EF0 / EFO: This code often indicates a blockage in the filter or the drain hose, or an activated water protection (aquastop).
Bosch & Siemens
Bosch and Siemens (part of the BSH group) also use a similar system.
E18 / F18: The most common code for a drainage problem. This means that the pumping time has been exceeded, usually due to a blocked pump or a kink in the drainage hose.
E06 / E36 / F03: These codes may also indicate a faulty drain pump or a problem with the level control.
Samsung
5E / SE: (The '5' looks like an 'S'). This is the standard error code for Samsung for "Drain Error". The machine detects that the water is not being drained (quickly enough).
E2: An older code that may also indicate a drainage problem.
LG
OE: This code stands for "Outlet Error". The water has not been removed from the drum after a set time. This indicates a blockage in the filter, the hose, or a faulty pump.
Miele
Miele often uses text messages on the display, which makes it easier.
F11: This specific code indicates a fault in the water drainage.
"Water outlet fault" / "Check drain": A direct message on the display indicating that the pump, filter, or drainage needs to be checked.
Whirlpool & Bauknecht
FP: This code stands for "Failure Pump" (Pump Failure). This is the most direct indication of a drainage problem.
F09: Can also indicate a drainage or overflow problem.
Beko
EF1 / EF20: These codes often indicate a problem with the drain pump or a blockage in the system.
EAA: A general code that may indicate a drainage fault.
Do you see any of these codes?
When you see an error code, it is best to check a few things yourself. Below you will find some tips.
If you are unable to resolve the issue yourself, or if the error code keeps reappearing, then the drain pump may be faulty or the blockage may be deeper in the system.
Simply book a We.repair technician. We are familiar with these error codes and have the right parts with us to quickly and professionally repair your washing machine. At the bottom, you can find our rates and with a simple click, you can choose a time for one of our professional technicians to come by.
Tips for solving drainage problems yourself?
Here are some tips to check a few things in advance
If the problem is not resolved, you can book a repair by a professional technician below.
- Open the door flap (usually located in the bottom right corner of the device).
- Loosen the filter without removing it. Allow the water to drain away. Note, provide a catchment tray (for example, an oven tray).
- Then unscrew the filter completely and remove it entirely from the filter cavity.
- Remove lint and other objects from the filter cavity.
- Check if the pump impeller can rotate in the filter cavity.
- Clean the filter that you removed under the tap
- Place the filter back into the designated guide. Tighten the filter properly to prevent leakage.
- Close the door flap.
- Refer to the user manual for more information.
Check that the drain hose is not incorrectly installed, that there is no kink in the hose, or that the hose is not pinched.
Check the installation of the drain hose, the lift height, and the pumping length; see the user manual for your device.
Check the drain hose and disconnect it from the U-bend side, then hang the hose in a bucket. Run a short programme and check if the water flows smoothly from the hose and that the appliance does not display an error code.
The U-bend must not be too tightly fitted in the drain pipe. Otherwise, air cannot pass through, and a negative pressure is created, causing the drain pump to work too hard and possibly not pump out all the water from your appliance.
Sometimes the problem lies not with the machine, but with the drainage of your home. The siphon or the drain pipe in the wall may be blocked with soap and grease residues. A simple test is to remove the drain hose of the washing machine from the U-bend of the drain pipe and place it in a bucket. Run a short programme. If the machine then drains smoothly and does not display an error message, the problem may be further along in the drainage pipes of your property.
3 Tips from We.repair to prevent drainage problems with your washing machine
Prevention is better than cure. Our We.repair technicians are happy to provide you with 3 simple tips:
The biggest enemy of the drain pump is a stray sock, bra wire, or shoelace. Use laundry bags for small items.
Make it a habit to empty all pockets of trousers and jackets. Coins, paper tissues, and keys are the top 3 found items in a filter.
Don't wait for the machine to stop working. Clean the lint filter every 2-3 months. It takes 5 minutes and saves you a lot of hassle.
Book the repair service of We.repair
We.repair is a Belgian company that works with the best local repairers in your area. We are the reference for washing machine repairs.
We repair all brands, including AEG, BORA, Bosch, Electrolux, Liebherr, Miele, Novy, Samsung, Siemens, Smeg, V-zug, and Whirlpool.
You have three options within the washing machine repair service from We.repair: (1) you repair it yourself, with a video session with one of our technicians, (2) with our standard service within 5 working days, (3) or a fast service at a slightly higher rate.
Video repair
49€
- Book a video repair online.
- Met een herstel op afstand van We.repair boekt u een gekwalificeerd huishoudtechnieker die u via videoverbinding door de herstelling loodst.
- You will receive a link to make a video connection with a technician at the time you have specified.
- The technician will work with you for 20-30 minutes to identify the cause of the problem and attempt to resolve it.
- Als we geen technieker meer ter plaatse moeten sturen betaalt u na de video-sessie de 49€.
- If the problem can only be resolved on-site, you will not pay anything for the time being, and we will send a technician, after which you will pay € 179 (for the video session and the repair at your home).
Comfort repair *
* most chosen
179€
€ 69 diagnosis at your home
€ 110 for the repair (no max. time)
A qualified technician will come to your home for an analysis.
Als onze technieker uw toestel succesvol kan repareren, betaalt u dan € 179. Dit bedrag omvat alle tijd, ook als de technieker een tweede keer moet terugkeren om een onderdeel te vervangen.
If expensive parts are needed and you decide not to repair, you will pay the on-site diagnosis fee of € 69.
U betaalt niets vooraf.
Achteraf betaalt u via QR-code, debet- of creditcard aan de technicus.
Chrono repair
229€
€ 69 diagnosis at your home
€ 110 for the repair (no max. time)
€ 50 chrono-extra
Maak een afspraak voor vandaag of morgen voor € 50 extra.
A qualified technician will come to your home for an analysis.
Als onze technieker uw toestel succesvol kan repareren, betaalt u dan €229. Dit bedrag omvat alle tijd, ook als de technieker een tweede keer moet terugkeren om een onderdeel te vervangen.
If expensive parts are needed and you decide not to repair, you will pay the on-site diagnosis fee of € 69.
U betaalt niets vooraf.
Achteraf betaalt u via QR-code, debet- of creditcard aan de technicus.
Our repair technicians are specialists in household appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, ovens, refrigerators, and other household electronics.
We.repair works with the best technicians in your area. This way, they can arrive quickly and do not have to travel far by car.
Onze ervaren techniekers lossen bijna alle problemen op, in 50% van de bezoeken zelfs zonder wisselstukken te gebruiken.
Through regular training by We.repair and support from the major brands, they are always up to date with the latest technical information about your device.