Washing Machine Not Draining? Fixes & Error Codes

Quick answer: The most common cause is a blocked drain pump filter, usually from coins, hair clips or lint. Other causes are a kinked drain hose, a failed drain pump, a faulty door lock or worn motor carbon brushes. Most machines won't spin until the water has drained, so a drain problem often looks like a spin problem.

Brand	Code	Usual meaning
Samsung	5C / 5E / nd	Drain problem
Samsung	4C / 4E	Not filling with water
Samsung	UE / Ub	Unbalanced load
LG	OE	Drain problem
LG	IE	Water inlet problem
LG	UE	Unbalanced load
Bosch / Siemens	E18 / F18	Drain problem
Bosch / Siemens	E17	Water supply problem

How to clean the pump filter

Switch off and unplug the machine.
Open the small flap at the bottom front.
Put down towels and a shallow tray, because a lot of water will come out.
Drain the water through the small emergency hose if there is one.
Unscrew the filter slowly, remove coins, fluff and hair, and rinse it.
Check the pump impeller behind it turns freely, refit the filter firmly and run a rinse and spin.

Other things to check

The drain hose isn't kinked behind the machine or pushed too far into the standpipe.
A single heavy item like a duvet or wet towel can make the machine refuse to spin. Try a smaller mixed load.
The door is fully closed with nothing caught in the seal.

When the filter isn't the problem

If the filter is clean and the machine still won't drain, the drain pump may have failed. If it drains but won't spin, the cause could be the door lock, carbon brushes, motor or control board. These need a technician.

When to call a technician

The filter is clean but it still won't drain
The error code returns after a reset
You hear the pump humming but no water moves
It trips the power or smells of burning

Call or WhatsApp 072 686 0472. Every job starts with a flat R350 diagnostic call-out across Johannesburg, Pretoria and the East Rand.

By Absolute Repairs · Updated September 2026

FAQs

Why is there water left in my washing machine?

Usually the drain pump filter or drain hose is blocked. Clean the filter at the bottom front first. If that doesn't help, the drain pump may have failed.

What does 5C mean on a Samsung washing machine?

It's a drain error. The machine couldn't pump the water out, usually because of a blocked pump filter or drain hose.

What does OE mean on an LG washing machine?

It's a drain error. Clean the pump filter and check the drain hose. If it returns, the drain pump may need replacing.

How much does a washing machine repair cost in Gauteng?

Every repair starts with a flat R350 call-out fee, which covers travel, diagnosis and a written quote. You approve the quote before any work begins.

Washing Machine Not Draining or Spinning? What to Check

How to clean the pump filter

Other things to check

When the filter isn't the problem

When to call a technician

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