Fault guide • Washing Machines
Washer not draining
Water stays in the drum after washing or rinsing, so the machine won't move on to spin and the door may stay locked. It's one of the most common washer faults and is usually linked to a blockage in the drain path or to the drain pump.
Symptoms you may notice
- Water left in the drum after the cycle
- Machine stops before the spin stage
- Clothes come out soaking wet
Possible causes
- Blocked pump filter or drain hose
- Faulty drain pump
- Water-level sensor issue
Parts that may be involved
Drain pumpPump filterDrain hose
Error codes linked to this fault
Codes whose meaning points directly to this fault, taken from each brand's verified table. Meanings can vary by model.
| Brand | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CANDY | E3 | Problem with the water drain. |
| LG | OE | Water is not draining out of the machine. |
| SAMSUNG | 5C / 5E | Water is not draining from the machine. |
| BOSCH | E18 / F18 | Water is not draining. |
| INDESIT | F05 | Waste pipe blockage or pump problem. |
| INDESIT | F11 | Pump circuit fault. |
| HOOVER | E3 | The machine won't drain the water. |
| SIEMENS | E18 / F18 | Filter blocked, or drain hose blocked or kinked. |
Sources are listed on each brand's page.
This is awareness information to help you understand and describe the problem, not a final diagnosis. We don't publish disassembly or repair steps; diagnosis requires a qualified technician to inspect the appliance.