Guide
Why Your Washing Machine Won't Drain
A UK guide to retained water, possible drainage restrictions and checks limited to the exact washing-machine manual.
Record the complete code and whether water remains. Inspect only the permitted filter and visible hose route, with controlled draining and hot-water precautions.
Last updated: 22 September 2026
Water left after the intended drain stage can result from a filter or hose restriction, but the symptom alone does not prove a failed pump. A selected Rinse Hold setting can also retain water deliberately. Check the programme and model manual before treating it as a fault.
Common signs the machine is not draining
- Water is still sitting in the drum at the end of the cycle.
- The machine stops before spin or refuses to start a spin programme.
- You hear the pump humming but the water level does not drop.
- The door remains locked; retained water, an unfinished cycle or another condition may prevent release. Do not force it.
The user-accessible filter and visible hose/waste route may be appropriate checks if the model manual permits them. A humming pump is not proof of a blockage, and a service code may require an engineer before any test.
Drainage codes to compare by symptom
- Hotpoint F05 is described as a waste-pipe blockage or pump issue. Hotpoint F11 and Indesit F11 are pump-circuit warnings referred to service in their manufacturer tables; do not treat them as simple filter-cleaning instructions.
- Samsung 5C is a not-draining code in the cited manufacturer guidance. Samsung LC is listed as low water level in the UK table; do not assume it is the same drainage fault.
- The Bosch E18 article records drainage evidence. Read its model and regional scope before using it for your washer.
Safe first checks
- Switch off and isolate only if this is safe; keep clear of wet electrical connections.
- If the manual describes a user-accessible filter, let hot water cool and follow the controlled draining procedure before removing it. Prepare a suitable container and towels; never simply unscrew a filter with a full drum.
- Clean and refit only the parts identified for user maintenance. Stop if anything is stuck, damaged, inaccessible or requires cabinet removal.
- Inspect only the visible drain-hose route and waste connection. Do not pull out a heavy or integrated washer to reach them. Follow the manual before any test, and stop if water remains or a fault returns.
Water on the floor is a reason to stop and arrange help regardless of the displayed code. Samsung UK describes LC and LC1 as low water level; this does not identify a specific leak location or justify repeated spin cycles.
When to stop and call an engineer
- The filter and hose are clear but the machine still will not drain.
- The pump sounds rough, the filter cannot be refitted securely or water leaks after maintenance.
- The machine still retains water after the test specifically permitted by its manual, or the manufacturer directs you straight to service.
- Any next step would require opening the cabinet, removing the pump, or working around live electrical parts.
Browse related appliance hubs
Related brand and appliance hubs
Hotpoint Washing Machine hub
Open the full Hotpoint washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Samsung Washing Machine hub
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Bosch Washing Machine hub
Open the full Bosch washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Electrolux Washing Machine hub
Open the full Electrolux washing machine code list connected to this guide.
LG Washing Machine hub
Open the full LG washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Indesit Washing Machine hub
Open the full Indesit washing machine code list connected to this guide.
Drainage-related washing machine fault codes
Hoover Washing Machine E03
The washing machine is not draining water on models using Hoover's E03/E3 mapping
Bosch Washing Machine E36
A drainage warning whose full suffix matters
Hotpoint Washing Machine F05
Waste-pipe blockage or pump problem
Hotpoint Washing Machine F11
Pump-circuit fault
Indesit Washing Machine F11
Pump-circuit fault
Samsung Washing Machine 5C
Water-drainage error
Samsung Washing Machine ND
No-drain error
Samsung Washing Machine SE
No-drain error
Leak and overflow warnings that can look like drainage faults
Samsung Washing Machine 0C
Overflow detected
Samsung Washing Machine 0E
Overflow detected
Samsung Washing Machine OC
Overflow detected
Samsung Washing Machine OE
Overflow detected
Beko Washing Machine E12
Possible water inside or underneath on the three documented models
LG Washing Machine AE
Leakage in front-load guidance; clutch error on WTS11HHDK/WTS11HHWK
Frequently asked questions
Is a washing machine that will not drain always a pump fault?+
No. A blocked filter, obstructed hose, blocked waste outlet, or trapped debris around the pump can all cause the same behaviour.
Why does a drain fault stop the spin cycle?+
Drainage can prevent a permitted spin. For example, Beko’s WTK104151W manual says it will not spin until water drains completely. A Rinse Hold setting can also delay spin intentionally; check your model and programme.
Should I force the door open if water is still inside?+
No. Leave the appliance switched off and use only the safe draining method described for your model. Forcing the door can spill a large amount of water.
Sources and editorial limits
Sources support the explanations and checks on this page. Follow the instructions for your exact model; these sources do not confirm the cause or condition of an individual appliance.
Read our editorial policy and source methodology.
- Samsung UK washing-machine codesCode meanings from the manufacturer table reviewed on 21 September. Model and region must match. The page returned an unavailable message during the 22 September recheck; no new verification date is claimed.Checked 21 September 2026
- Hotpoint UK washing-machine codesF01 is electronic circuitry, F02 motor circuitry, F03 temperature sensing and F06 the door lock. Match the exact model; the F06 entry links to a separate washer safety notice.Checked 22 September 2026
- Beko UK: cleaning the pump filterSupports unplugging, checking the model manual, controlled draining and secure refitting. Filter access and emergency-hose provision vary.Checked 22 September 2026
- Beko WTK104151W user manualModel example: pages 3 and 25 cover retained/hot water; page 19 rinse hold; page 23 cancellation without automatic draining; page 26 imbalance, drainage and foam. These details do not apply to every Beko.Checked 22 September 2026
- Samsung US: a washer that will not drainSupports allowing hot water to cool, model-dependent filter access and seeking service if the permitted test fails. US installation dimensions are not applied to UK models.Checked 22 September 2026
- Bosch US washing-machine code referenceDrainage problem. This definition comes from the manufacturer’s US guidance. Confirm applicability in the exact UK model manual before using it; regional equipment and code systems can differ.Checked 21 September 2026
- Indesit UK washing-machine code referencePump-circuit fault. The manufacturer’s UK support table covers several models. Match the exact model and complete code to its manual; this is not proof of identical meanings across every range. Dryer-system codes in this table are limited to washer-dryers.Checked 21 September 2026