Washing machine not draining — likely causes and safe checks (UK)

A washing machine that won't drain almost always has something in the drain filter or a kinked hose — both safe to check yourself with the machine unplugged.

Likely causes, ranked

Blocked drain filter Most likely — Coins, hair clips and fluff collect at the filter at the bottom-front of the machine. This is the first check on every brand.
Kinked or blocked drain hose Likely — The hose behind the machine can be crushed by a pushed-back machine or blocked at the standpipe.
Failed drain pump Less likely — If the filter and hose are clear and the pump makes no sound or only hums, the pump has likely failed.
Blocked standpipe or sink trap Less likely — If the kitchen sink also drains slowly, the shared waste pipe is the problem, not the machine.

First checks

Unplug the machine from the wall.
Open the filter flap at the bottom-front; lay towels and a shallow tray down.
Unscrew the filter cap slowly and let the water out.
Remove debris, rinse the filter, and screw it back firmly.
Run a Drain/Spin programme and listen for the pump.

Safety

Unplug before any check. Water will come out — keep towels and a tray ready. Never open panels beyond the filter flap.

Call a professional when…

Call a professional if the drum still holds water after a clean filter and clear hose, or if you see water inside the machine's base tray (leak detection).

Likely causes, ranked

First checks

Safety

Call a professional when…

Error codes that point here

Sources