Washer Won't Drain
Water is not draining from the washer at the correct speed (or at all). The 11 codes below are the ones whose manufacturer wording describes this condition. Open a code for the checks and the escalation advice listed for it.
Which error codes can cause this problem?
Codes are grouped by brand. Each one links to its own page with the full checklist and the manufacturer source.
Samsung
LG
Bosch
Whirlpool
What to check first
These are the checks the manufacturer support page lists for each code. Brands word their checks differently, so they are shown per code.
Shared by several codes:
- clean the drain pump filter; Samsung 5E, LG OE
Samsung 5E — 4 checks
- Use the emergency drain hose to drain excess water from the drum;
- clean the drain pump filter;
- check the drain hose and waste connection for kinks and blockages;
- make sure the outlet drain hose is at least 60 cm high and is not clogged, and that it is straightened all the way to the drain system.
Samsung SE — 4 checks
- Check the washer is level;
- verify the drain hose is inserted 6-8 inches into the standpipe or sink, is not kinked/bent, and is at the correct height (at least 18 inches high, no higher than 96 inches);
- front loaders: clean the drain pump filter;
- then run a cycle to confirm it drains.
LG E3 — 2 checks
- Unplug the power cord, reconnect it and retry;
- if caused by freezing, thaw the tub and drain hose with warm water (50-60C) and run a spin cycle to drain.
LG OE — 4 checks
- Check behind the washer that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged and straighten/clear it;
- run a spin-only cycle to test the drain pump;
- clean the drain pump filter;
- if suds caused it, run a Tub Clean cycle and reduce the amount of detergent.
Bosch E00-18 — 2 checks
- Clean the washer drain hose and drain pipe;
- perform pump maintenance per the owner's manual (clean the pump through the service flap).
Bosch E18 — 4 checks
- Unplug the machine;
- clean the drain pump via the service flap (drain residual water first, clean interior/thread/housing so the impeller turns);
- check the drain hose for kinks and clean it and the siphon connection;
- ensure the cold water inlet hose is not blocked or kinked.
Bosch E36 — 6 checks
- Clean and straighten the drain pipe and outlet hose;
- ensure the outlet hose is installed at max.
- 39 in (1 m);
- remove unsuitable extensions;
- clean the drain pump;
- screw the pump cap fully in with the handle vertical.
Bosch E38 — 1 check
- Clean the drum, then clean the drain pump following the owner's manual.
Whirlpool F21 — 1 check
- Check that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged.
Whirlpool F9E1 — 2 checks
- Check the drain hose installation and that it does not extend more than about 4.5" (113 mm) into the standpipe;
- clean the drain pump filter and door seal/bellow if clogged.
Whirlpool LD — 1 check
- Check that the drain hose does not extend more than 4.5" (114 mm) into the standpipe and is not clogged.
Common causes
Conditions the manufacturer support pages name for these codes.
- A blocked, kinked, or incorrectly installed drain hose or standpipe Samsung 5E, Samsung SE, LG OE, Bosch E18, Bosch E36, Whirlpool F21, Whirlpool F9E1, Whirlpool LD
- Debris or a blockage in the water path Samsung 5E, LG OE, Bosch E18, Whirlpool F21, Whirlpool F9E1, Whirlpool LD
- A kinked, bent, or pinched hose Samsung 5E, Samsung SE, LG OE, Bosch E18, Whirlpool F21
- A blocked or dirty filter Samsung 5E, Samsung SE, LG OE, Whirlpool F9E1
- A pump or motor that is not turning freely LG E3, Bosch E36, Whirlpool LD
- A frozen water line, hose, or drain LG E3
When to call a professional
What the manufacturer support pages say about escalating each code.
- If the washer still does not drain during a test cycle, request service. Samsung 5E, Samsung SE
- If the error persists after cleaning the pump. Bosch E36, Bosch E38
- If the code returns after these checks, schedule service with a qualified technician. Whirlpool F21, Whirlpool LD
- If E3 recurs after resetting, or is unrelated to freezing, the drain motor may require inspection - request service. LG E3
- If the same error code keeps appearing after troubleshooting, unplug the washing machine and contact LG Support. LG OE
- If the error returns after cleaning the pump. Bosch E00-18
- If the error persists after cleaning the pump and drain hose - book an engineer. Bosch E18
- If the washer still will not drain, service is needed. Whirlpool F9E1
Regional differences
These codes are described separately for the United States and the United Kingdom.
Bosch E18
United States: The drainage hose is blocked or kinked.
United Kingdom: A blockage in the filter/pump or a blockage or kink in the cold water inlet hose; the machine fails to start or continue a wash cycle.
Official sources
- Samsung washing machine information and error codes
- [LG Top Load Washer] Error Code List
- LG Front Load Washer - Error Code List(New)
- Bosch Washer Error Codes
- F21 - Front Load Washer
- F9 E1 - Front Load Washer
- Ld - Error Code
Every explanation on this page follows the manufacturer support page for the code it comes from.
If you see water on the floor, smell burning, or the official page says to call service, stop and contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.