How to Troubleshoot Drainage Issues in a Washing Machine

Turn the cold water inlet tap 90 degrees to shut off the water supply.

Close the main stopcock if you can't find a tap on the washing machine inlet hose.

Remove wet clothes, open the door carefully, and use a sponge and towel to remove as much water from the drum as possible.

Find the filter or coin catcher access flap near the bottom of the washing machine.

Place a towel on the floor and keep a shallow tray and sponge ready.

Pull out the small drain hose if the washer has one.

Place the hose end into a shallow tray or bucket.

Remove the hose cap or nozzle and let the water drain.

Empty the tray as needed until water stops flowing.

Refit the hose cap and clip the hose back into its holder.

Place the towel and shallow tray directly under the filter opening.

Turn the filter anti-clockwise only enough to let water drain into the tray.

Tighten the filter between tray empties if needed.

Repeat the drain-and-empty process three or four times, or until the flow slows.

Remove the filter completely after the water has drained.

If the filter catches, tighten it slightly, then loosen it again to work the debris loose.

Use pliers gently on the filter cap only if it remains stuck.

Look inside the filter and remove anything blocking it.

Scrub the filter with an brush and hot, soapy water.

Remove long hair, dirt, debris, and mold from the filter.

Clean the filter until the openings are clear and the threads are free of grime.

Look into the opening behind the filter and find the pump impeller.

Clean the impeller area with the brush and hot, soapy water.

Make sure nothing is blocking the impeller and that no debris is sitting at the back.

Rotate the impeller gently to confirm it spins freely.

Remove hair bands, metal hair clips, or other items wrapped around the impeller.

Line up the clean filter and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

Remove the filter and line it up again if it doesn't turn smoothly.

Refit the filter access cover flap.

Plug the washing machine back in and switch it on.

Turn the cold water supply back on.

Add washing machine cleaner directly to the empty drum.

Run a drum clean program or the hottest empty wash available, such as 90 °C.

Check whether the washer drains correctly at the end of the cycle.

Check the household drain pipework if the washing machine still doesn't drain correctly.

Look for a drain hose that goes into pipework behind the washer or into a connection under the sink.

Pull the washer out only far enough to reach the back if it uses wall pipework.

Keep a towel, shallow tray, and bucket ready for dirty water.

Gently pull the washer drain hose out of the wall drain pipe.

Put the hose end into a bucket and wipe grime from the hose.

Inspect the wall drain pipe for blockages.

Use a mobile phone with the light on to record inside the pipe, then review the footage.

Undo the threaded fittings and remove the U-bend if the fittings aren't glued.

Use a towel or shallow tray to catch water from the pipework.

Check the U-bend for sludge, residue, and blockages.

Reinstall the U-bend and tighten the threaded fittings.

Push the washer drain hose back into the wall drain pipe.

Find the washing machine drain hose connection under the sink.

Remove any tape or metal clip holding the hose in place.

Hold the hose over a bucket or shallow tray to drain excess water.

Clean the hose end and the connection point until they are clear.

Refit the hose and secure it with the metal clip.

Unscrew the two U-bend fittings under the sink and remove the U-bend.

Use a towel or shallow tray to catch water from the pipework.

Check the U-bend for sludge and blockages.

Clean the U-bend until it is clear.

Reinstall the U-bend and tighten the fittings.

Plug the washing machine back in and switch it on if it is still unplugged.

Turn the cold water supply back on.

Add washing machine cleaner directly to the empty drum.

Run a drum clean program or the hottest empty wash available, such as 90 °C.

Confirm the washer drains properly at the end of the cycle.

Check the outside drainage if you can safely access it.

Call a drainage company or plumber if you can't check the external drainage yourself.

Call an appliance engineer, or consider replacing the washing machine if it is old and uneconomical to repair.