The essentials in 30 seconds
The drain pump pumps water out of the drum; a drain pump filter in front of it catches lint, coins, hairclips and hair, Samsung explains. When the washer will not drain or drains slowly, or shows a drain error (5E or 5C on Samsung, OE on LG), check in this order: wait a few minutes (GE says pauses of up to 3 minutes are normal on many models); unplug the machine; empty the remaining water through the emergency drain hose into a shallow dish, as the water may be hot; clean the pump filter and check that the impeller turns freely; straighten a kinked or compressed drain hose; and test whether the house drain is blocked. If the tub stays full and the machine just hums, GE says you need service: replacing a drain pump is a job for a technician.
- Not every model has a pump filter you can reach: check your manual (GE).
- A frozen drain hose also stops draining; LG explains how to thaw it.
Signs of a blocked or failing drain pump
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Drain error code (5E, 5C, OE) | Blocked filter or kinked hose, most often | Clean the filter; check the hose |
| Slow drain, long cycle, wet clothes | Clogged filter | Clean the filter |
| Noise or excess vibration during spin | Clogged filter, in some cases (Samsung) | Clean the filter |
| Water drains through the disconnected hose but not into the drain | Clogged house drain pipe (LG test) | Clear the drain; call a plumber if needed |
| Tub full of water and the machine just hums | Pump fault | Schedule service (GE) |
| Will not drain in freezing weather | Frozen drain hose or pump | Thaw it as LG describes |
How to drain a washing machine that will not drain
On front loaders with an access door, Samsung's method is: unplug the machine, put a towel and a shallow dish in front, open the small access door, pull out the emergency drain hose, remove its cap and let the water flow into the dish, emptying and repeating until it stops; then replace the cap. LG describes the same residual water drain hose behind the service cover, and warns that the water may be hot. Bosch drains the water by slowly unscrewing the pump cover. Have more than one container ready.
Check the pump filter
With the water out, unscrew the pump filter anti-clockwise, remove lint and objects, rinse it in warm water, wipe the recess and screw it back clockwise until it locks (Samsung). Bosch adds: clean the pump housing and check that the impeller wheel can turn; then pour 1 litre (1 quart) of water into the detergent dispenser and run the DRAIN programme to check for leaks. For the full step-by-step routine and how often to do it, see our guide to cleaning a washing machine. GE notes that not every model has a pump filter you can reach: check your owner's manual.
Is it the pump or the drain?
A pump cannot push water through a kinked, compressed or blocked hose. LG asks for at least 4 inches (10 cm) between the back of the machine and the wall so the hose does not get crushed. To find out whether the problem is the machine or your plumbing, LG suggests a self-test: disconnect the drain hose from the drain pipe, hold it in a bucket and run a spin cycle; if the water drains well from the hose, the house drain pipe may be clogged. GE's version: remove the hose and pour a quart (1 litre) of water into the standpipe; if it does not drain, call a plumber. GE also says most full-size washers can pump no higher than 8 feet (2.4 m) above the floor, and 5 feet for compact or portable models. See our guides to the drain hose and the drain pipe.
A frozen drain hose or pump
In cold weather, water left in the hose or pump can freeze. LG's method: pour warm water at 50 to 60 °C (122 to 140 °F) into the drum, close the door and wait 1 to 2 hours for the pump to thaw, then drain the water through the residual water hose behind the service cover.
When the drain pump needs replacing
If the filter is clean, the impeller turns, the hose is clear and the house drain works, but the machine still will not drain, or the tub is full and the machine just hums, the pump may have failed. GE and LG both advise scheduling a service visit at that point. Note the model number and any error code before calling. Replacing a drain pump means opening the machine and working on electrical parts: leave it to a qualified appliance technician.
Washing machine drain pump: frequently asked questions
What does a washing machine drain pump do?
It pumps the water out of the drum and into your drain. A filter in front of it catches lint and small objects to protect it.
How do I know if my washing machine drain pump is blocked?
The machine drains slowly or not at all, shows a drain error code, or leaves clothes wet. A clogged pump filter is the most common cause.
Where is the drain pump on a washing machine?
On most front loaders, behind a small access door or service cover at the bottom front, with an emergency drain hose next to the filter. Check your manual.
Why does my washing machine hum but not drain?
GE says a tub full of water with the machine just humming needs service. Check the filter and hose first, with the machine unplugged.
Is it the pump or my drain?
Disconnect the drain hose, hold it in a bucket and run a spin cycle. If water flows from the hose, the house drain may be clogged.
Can I replace a washing machine drain pump myself?
It involves opening the machine and its electrics, so it is a job for a qualified appliance technician.
Sources
Manufacturer guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Samsung UK · How to resolve a 5E or 5C error code on a washing machine ↗5E or 5C means a drainage issue, most often a blocked filter or kinked hose; the drain pump pumps water out and the filter protects it; lint, coins, hairclips and hair; wet clothes, long cycle, poor spin, noise or vibration; towel, shallow dish, emergency drain hose and cap; filter anti-clockwise, warm water, recess wiped; unplug before checking the hose.
- LG · Water not draining (OE error) ↗Clogged filter, kinked or compressed hose, frozen hose; residual water drain hose, water may be hot; 4 inches from the wall; self-test by disconnecting the hose and running a spin; thawing with 50 to 60 °C water for 1 to 2 hours; service visit if the issue persists. Read in the browser.
- GE Appliances · Front load washer will not drain or drains slowly ↗Pauses of up to 3 minutes; drain hose kinked or clogged; maximum pump height 8 feet, 5 feet for compact; pour a quart of water into the standpipe, plumber if it does not drain; pump filter on some models, check the manual; unbalanced load; tub full and just hums, schedule service.
- Bosch · Washing machine not spinning ↗Programme off and plug pulled; hot water scald risk; drain through the pump cover; clean pump interior, cover thread and housing; impeller must turn; 1 quart of water in the dispenser and DRAIN programme to check for leaks.
Still full of water?
Unplug it, drain what you can into a dish, and book an appliance technician with the model number and error code.