Den Appliances Washing Machine Not Draining or Spinning? What to Check
Water left in the drum, clothes soaking wet, or an error code on the display? Most drain and spin problems start with the same few causes.
Before calling anyone, try cleaning the pump filter. It fixes a large share of drain problems and takes about 15 minutes.
| Brand | Code | Usual meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 5C / 5E / nd | Drain problem: blocked filter, hose or pump |
| Samsung | 4C / 4E / nF | Not filling with water |
| Samsung | UE / Ub | Unbalanced load |
| Samsung | dC / dE / dS | Door open or door lock fault |
| LG | OE | Drain problem |
| LG | IE | Water inlet problem |
| LG | UE | Unbalanced load |
| LG | dE | Door lock fault |
| Bosch / Siemens | E18 / F18 | Drain problem: check the pump filter and hose |
How to Clean the Pump Filter
- Switch off and unplug the machine. If it was on a hot wash, let the water cool first.
- Find the small flap at the bottom front of the machine. On most front loaders it's on the left or right corner.
- Put down towels and a shallow tray. A lot of water will come out.
- If there's a small emergency drain hose next to the filter, pull it out, remove the cap and drain the water into the tray.
- Unscrew the filter anticlockwise slowly, letting the rest of the water drain.
- Remove coins, fluff, hair and anything else, rinse the filter, and check that the pump impeller behind it turns freely.
- Screw the filter back in firmly and run a short rinse and spin cycle to test.
Other Things to Check
- Drain hose: make sure it isn't kinked behind the machine or pushed too far into the standpipe.
- Load: a single heavy item like a duvet, rug or wet towel can make the machine refuse to spin. Try a smaller, mixed load.
- Door: make sure it's fully closed and nothing is caught in the seal.
- Program: some delicates and wool programs spin very gently or not at all.
When the Filter Isn't the Problem
If the filter is clean but the machine still won't drain, the drain pump itself may have failed. You might hear it humming without pumping, or hear nothing at all. If it drains but won't spin, the cause could be the door lock, worn carbon brushes, the motor or the control board. These need a technician.
When to call a technician
- The filter is clean but the machine still won't drain
- The error code returns after a reset
- You hear the pump humming without water moving
- It drains but won't spin, even with small loads
- There's a burning smell or it trips the power
Call or WhatsApp 064 067 4863 with the make and model, the symptoms, any error code and your suburb. More than 10 years' experience across Cape Town and Gqeberha.
FAQs
Why is there water left in my washing machine?
Usually because the drain pump filter or drain hose is blocked. Clean the filter at the bottom front of the machine first. If that doesn't help, the drain pump may have failed.
Why won't my washing machine spin?
Most machines won't spin until all the water has drained, so check for drain problems first. An unbalanced load, a faulty door lock, worn carbon brushes or a motor fault can also stop it spinning.
What does 5C mean on a Samsung washing machine?
It's a drain error. The machine couldn't pump the water out in time, usually because of a blocked pump filter or drain hose.
How often should I clean the pump filter?
Every one to three months, or whenever you notice slow draining. Homes with pets or lots of towels and fleece may need to do it more often.
Book a repair or request a quote
Call or WhatsApp with your appliance type, make and model, the fault or error code, and your suburb. More than 10 years' experience across Cape Town and Gqeberha.